Introduction
If you are looking for a comforting and filling dish, Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is the perfect choice. This delightful dish combines tender chicken, savory ham, and gooey Swiss cheese, all wrapped in a creamy, flavorful sauce, then topped with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. It’s a one-dish meal that’s easy to prepare and is sure to please the whole family.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
For the Casserole:
– 4 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
– 8 ounces ham, diced
– 8 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded
For the Sauce:
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 3 cups whole milk
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Approximately 6-8 servings
Directions
1. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, approximately 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the cooked chicken evenly in the bottom of the dish. Layer the diced ham over the chicken. Pour the prepared sauce over the ham and chicken, ensuring even coverage. Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the sauce.
3. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter, mixing until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
4. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
5. Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for added color and flavor. Serve warm.
Enjoy your homemade Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Sauce:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, approximately 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Casserole:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the cooked chicken evenly in the bottom of the dish. Layer the diced ham over the chicken. Pour the prepared sauce over the ham and chicken, ensuring even coverage. Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the sauce.
Prepare the Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter, mixing until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
Bake:
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for added color and flavor. Serve warm.
Notes
Ingredient Tips:
Using rotisserie chicken can save time. Panko breadcrumbs provide a crunchier topping.
Serving Suggestions:
This casserole can be served with a green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Cook Techniques
Shredding Chicken
Shredding cooked chicken can be easily done using two forks. Simply place the chicken on a cutting board and use one fork to hold it in place while the other fork pulls the chicken apart. Alternatively, you can use your hands if the chicken is cool enough to handle.
Making a Roux
A roux is a mixture of fat and flour used to thicken sauces. To make a roux, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in equal parts of flour. Cook for a few minutes until it turns a light golden color to remove the raw flour taste.
Layering Ingredients
When assembling a casserole, layer the ingredients in the correct order to ensure even distribution of flavors. Start with a base layer of protein, followed by any additional proteins or vegetables, then pour over the sauce, and finish with cheese or toppings.
Breadcrumb Topping
To achieve a crunchy topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter before sprinkling them over the casserole. This helps the breadcrumbs brown and adds flavor.
Baking Time
Monitoring the baking time is crucial to achieving the perfect casserole. Bake until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly, typically around 25-30 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
FAQ
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Swiss cheese with other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella, depending on your preference.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead, refrigerate it, and then bake it when you’re ready to serve.
What can I serve with the casserole?
This casserole pairs well with a simple side salad, steamed vegetables, or a light soup for a complete meal.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it completely and cook it before shredding for this recipe.
Conclusion
The Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a delightful and comforting dish that combines the flavors of chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese in a creamy sauce, all baked to perfection. It’s a perfect meal for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, offering a unique twist on the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu. This recipe not only simplifies the cooking process but also allows for easy customization to suit your taste preferences.
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