Love the flavors of chicken cordon bleu but want an easier way to enjoy it? This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole takes the classic dish to new heights! With tender chicken, smoky ham, melty Gruyère, and a crispy breadcrumb topping, this version is simpler, less messy, and arguably tastier than the original. It’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for any night. Let’s dive into making this delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All the cordon bleu flavors with less effort.
- Crispy, crunchy topping in every bite.
- Creamy, rich filling with ham and cheese.
- Easily scalable for one or a crowd.
- Perfect comfort food with a French flair.
Tools Needed
To whip up this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, you’ll need a few key kitchen tools. Missing something? Visit Our Shop for top-quality essentials!
- Mixing bowl: For combining the chicken and seasonings.
- Baking dish: To bake the casserole (Serious Eats guide to top casserole dishes).
- Knife: For dicing chicken and ham.
- Measuring spoons: For precise seasoning amounts.
- Oven: To get that golden, crispy top.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole:
For the Casserole
- 1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into ½-inch pieces)
- ½ cup smoked ham, diced
- ¾ cup Gruyère cheese, grated (or Swiss/cheddar)
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
For the Topping
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
- Freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Follow these steps to make your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole:
- Prep Topping: Mix panko, melted butter, Parmesan, and a few grinds of pepper until it resembles wet sand. Set aside.
- Cut Chicken: Slice the chicken breast into ½-inch strips, then dice into ½-inch pieces.
- Mix Filling: In a bowl, combine chicken, salt, pepper, cayenne, thyme, cream, Dijon, diced ham, and ½ cup Gruyère. Stir until evenly mixed.
- Assemble: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with remaining Gruyère, then sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over it.
- Bake: Place in a 425°F oven on a foil-lined pan. Bake for 25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked (165°F internal temp) and the top is golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving with a spoon.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
- Use real Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip the Dijon—it ties everything together.
- Scale up easily by adjusting the dish size.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 1 (easily scalable)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing breadcrumbs: Keep them on top for crunch.
- Using too much salt: Ham and cheese add plenty.
- Skipping the rest: Helps flavors settle.
Variations
Try these twists on Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole:
- Swap ham for prosciutto for a fancier vibe.
- Use Swiss if Gruyère’s unavailable.
- Add broccoli for a veggie boost.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked for 2 months; thaw before baking.
FAQs
- Can I use deli ham?
Yes, just chop it finely. - What if I don’t have Gruyère?
Swiss or mild cheddar works fine. - Can I make it ahead?
Assemble and refrigerate, then bake when ready. - How do I scale it up?
Double or triple ingredients and use a larger dish. - Can I use regular breadcrumbs?
Yes, but panko gives the best crunch.
Conclusion
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a simpler, tastier take on a beloved classic. With its creamy filling and crispy top, it’s a comfort dish you’ll want to make again and again. Try it out, and grab essentials at Our Shop for your next kitchen win!
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