This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that brings together the classic flavors of the traditional recipe in an easy-to-make format. With juicy shredded chicken, savory ham, melted Swiss cheese, and a creamy Dijon sauce topped with crispy breadcrumbs, this casserole is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: No need to roll and bread individual chicken breasts—just layer and bake!
• Rich and Creamy: A velvety Dijon cream sauce adds incredible depth of flavor.
• Crunchy Topping: Buttery Panko breadcrumbs provide the perfect crispy finish.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make it ahead and reheat for a quick, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 5 cups shredded chicken
• 9 ounces sliced deli-style black forest ham, cut into strips (about 9 slices)
• 8 ounces sliced Swiss cheese (about 12 thin slices)

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk

For the Topping:

• 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Assemble the Casserole Layers

• Spread the shredded chicken evenly in the prepared baking dish.
• Layer the ham strips evenly over the chicken.
• Place the Swiss cheese slices over the ham, overlapping slightly to cover the dish.

3. Make the Creamy Dijon Sauce

• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in Dijon mustard, lemon juice (if using), garlic powder, salt, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper.
• Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously until it forms a smooth paste.
• Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps, and continue stirring until the sauce thickens (about 4 minutes).

4. Assemble and Bake

• Pour the sauce evenly over the cheese layer, spreading it out to cover all corners.
• In a small bowl, mix Panko breadcrumbs with softened butter until combined.
• Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the casserole as the final layer.
• Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let the casserole sit for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to set. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Saves time and adds extra flavor.
• Don’t Skip the Dijon: It adds the signature tangy depth that makes this dish unique.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the casserole to sit for a few minutes helps the sauce thicken before serving.
• Extra Crunch: Mix in grated Parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs for an extra crispy topping.

What to Serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

• Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with buttery mashed potatoes.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add freshness to the meal.
• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Side Salad: A crisp, fresh salad balances the richness of the casserole.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the Oven: Warm at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
• Reheat in the Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Freezing: This casserole can be frozen before baking. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and follow the baking instructions.

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