Pioneer Woman’s Elegant Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe for Success

This mouthwatering pioneer woman’s chicken cordon bleu casserole elevates a classic French dish into pure comfort food magic.

Succulent chicken dances with salty ham and luxurious cheeses in a symphony of flavors.

Each forkful promises a crispy, creamy experience that melts in your mouth.

Sharp Swiss and smooth cream cheese create a decadent sauce that hugs every ingredient.

The golden panko topping delivers an irresistible crunch that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Families will fight for seconds of this irresistible culinary masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes Into Pioneer Woman Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

• Chicken Cutlets: Select thin, evenly sized cutlets for consistent cooking and tender texture.
• Ham: Choose lean, high-quality diced ham with minimal fat for better flavor integration.

• Milk, Chicken Broth: Use fresh, full-fat milk and low-sodium broth for balanced richness.
• Swiss Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Select freshly grated cheeses for smoother melting and more intense flavor.
• Butter: Opt for unsalted butter to control salt levels in the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt for depth of flavor.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Select crisp, golden breadcrumbs for a crunchy, textured topping.
• Parsley: Choose fresh, vibrant green parsley with no wilting for bright garnish.
• Mustard: Use Dijon mustard for a tangy, sharp undertone.
• Cayenne Pepper: Add sparingly for a subtle heat kick.
• Flour: Use all-purpose flour for creating smooth, consistent sauce.

Tools to Use When Making Pioneer Woman Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

• Casserole Dish (9×13-inch): Large, deep baking pan for layering and baking the chicken.
• Large Skillet: Spacious pan for searing chicken and browning ham.
• Whisk: Essential tool for creating smooth, lump-free cheese sauce.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Surface for prepping ingredients like ham and parsley.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for dicing ham and chopping herbs.
• Plate: Temporary resting spot for cooked chicken cutlets.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and mixing sauce ingredients.
• Oven Mitts: Protective gear for handling hot dishes and skillet.

How to Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

• Warm Up the Kitchen

Fire up your oven to a cozy 375°F. Butter a large baking dish generously to keep everything from sticking.

• Sizzle the Chicken

Sprinkle chicken cutlets with salt and pepper. In a hot skillet, cook each cutlet in butter until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Set them aside on a separate plate.

• Dance with Ham

In the same skillet, quickly brown some diced ham until it’s lightly crisp. Remove and keep nearby.

• Craft a Velvety Sauce

Melt butter in the skillet, whisk in flour, and pour in milk and chicken broth. Let the sauce simmer and thicken. Stir in mustard and cheeses until smooth and creamy. Season with a touch of salt and pepper.

• Build the Flavor Layers

Spread a layer of cheese sauce in the baking dish. Nestle the chicken cutlets into the sauce, slightly overlapping. Pour remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle with extra cheese.

• Create a Crunchy Crown

Mix panko breadcrumbs, parsley, and melted butter. Scatter this crispy mixture over the cheesy surface.

• Bake and Celebrate

Slide the dish into the oven for 25-30 minutes. Watch for a golden, bubbly top. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve alongside steamed rice and crisp green beans.

Tasty Twists and Tips for Pioneer Woman Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

• Boost Cheese Intensity: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gruyere, or fontina to create unique flavor profiles that complement the chicken and ham.
• Spice Up the Sauce: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes to introduce a subtle heat that elevates the creamy sauce without overwhelming the dish.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining the sauce's rich, smooth texture.
• Prep-Ahead Hack: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. Remove from fridge 30 minutes before baking for an easy weeknight meal that saves time and reduces stress.

Serving Ideas for Pioneer Woman Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

• Serve Alongside Steamed Vegetables: Complement the rich, cheesy chicken casserole with vibrant green beans or roasted broccoli for a balanced, nutritious meal that adds color and freshness to your plate.
• Pair with Creamy Starches: Create a satisfying dinner by serving the casserole over fluffy white rice or buttery mashed potatoes, which will soak up the delicious cheese sauce perfectly.
• Create a Bright Side Salad: Toss together a crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the casserole's richness and provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy dish.
• Offer Wine Pairing: Enhance the meal's enjoyment with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, which will beautifully complement the creamy Swiss cheese and delicate chicken flavors.

Storage and Reuse Tips for Pioneer Woman Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

• Store Smartly: Transfer leftover chicken cordon bleu casserole into airtight containers, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and preserve flavor.
• Freeze with Ease: Wrap casserole portions in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Label containers with date and contents to track freshness.
• Reheat Perfectly: Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Warm in preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Add splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and restore original texture.
• Portion and Prep: Divide casserole into individual servings before storing. This method allows quick reheating and prevents multiple thawing cycles that can compromise food quality.

Cheesy Pioneer Woman Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty pioneer woman chicken cordon bleu casserole combines classic French-inspired ingredients with midwestern comfort. Cheesy layers and crispy breadcrumbs make this dish a satisfying meal you’ll want to share with family and friends.

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Ingredients

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• 8 chicken cutlets
• ½ cup (120 ml) diced ham
• 1 ½ tsps kosher salt, divided
• ¾ tsp ground black pepper, divided
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 4 tbsps plus 2 tsps salted butter, divided (plus additional for greasing)
• 3 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) milk
• 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 g) grated Swiss cheese, divided
• 1 cup (240 g) grated low-moisture mozzarella cheese, divided
• ½ cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Heat oven to 375°F and generously butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish to prevent adherence.
2. Chicken Searing: Season chicken cutlets and quickly sear in a skillet over medium heat until golden, working in batches with minimal butter to maintain a light exterior without full cooking.
3. Ham and Sauce Base: Caramelize ham pieces in the same skillet, then create a velvety roux by melting butter and whisking in flour. Gradually stream milk and chicken broth, incorporating optional cayenne for subtle warmth. Simmer until sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
4. Cheese Integration: Remove sauce from heat and fold in Dijon mustard, Swiss and mozzarella cheeses until completely melted and uniformly combined. Season with remaining salt and pepper for balanced flavor.
5. Layering Technique: Spread initial cheese sauce across baking dish bottom, arrange slightly overlapping chicken cutlets, then cascade remaining cheese sauce over the top. Generously sprinkle additional cheese for maximum coverage.
6. Crispy Topping: Combine panko breadcrumbs, fresh parsley, and melted butter to create a crunchy garnish. Distribute evenly across casserole surface for textural contrast.
7. Baking and Serving: Bake for 25-30 minutes until topping transforms to golden brown and edges bubble enthusiastically. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately alongside steamed rice and green beans for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Sear Strategically: Lightly brown chicken cutlets without fully cooking to maintain tenderness and prevent drying out during baking.
• Roux Technique: Cooking flour in butter creates a rich, smooth base for the cheese sauce, eliminating raw flour taste and ensuring proper thickening.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Remove sauce from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation and achieve a silky, creamy consistency.
• Crispy Topping Trick: Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and herbs to create a golden, crunchy layer that adds texture and flavor to the casserole.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 100mg