Description
Comfort meets elegance in this mouthwatering chicken cordon bleu casserole, blending classic French-inspired flavors with hearty American simplicity. Rich layers of tender chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese create a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein Base:
- 4 cups (960 ml) cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) diced ham
- 6 slices Swiss cheese
Sauce Components:
- 4 tablespoons (60 ml) unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Topping:
- 1 cup (240 ml) breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Arrange the cooked chicken in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an even base layer across the bottom.
- Distribute diced ham generously over the chicken layer, ensuring complete coverage.
- Create a cheese foundation by laying Swiss cheese slices atop the ham, overlapping slightly to maximize coverage.
- Craft a creamy sauce by melting butter in a saucepan and whisking in flour to develop a smooth roux, cooking for 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Gradually incorporate milk and chicken broth into the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and create a silky consistency.
- Simmer the sauce until it thickens, then enhance with Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper for depth of flavor.
- Gently cascade the prepared sauce over the layered chicken, ham, and cheese, making sure every element is moistened.
- Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese to form a golden, crispy topping mixture.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly across the casserole, creating a textured and flavorful crust.
- Transfer the casserole to a preheated 375F (190C) oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping turns a beautiful golden brown and the interior becomes bubbly.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
- Plate and serve alongside complementary sides like steamed green beans, crisp salad, or creamy mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Swap protein easily by using turkey or pork instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.
- Create a gluten-free version by using almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs and replacing regular flour with cornstarch in the sauce.
- Reduce fat content by using low-fat Swiss cheese, milk, and adding extra herbs like thyme or parsley to boost flavor without extra calories.
- Make ahead friendly by preparing the entire casserole and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking, which allows flavors to meld and makes meal prep simpler.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg