Description
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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes