Taking a classic recipe and elevating it, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole oozes with savoury, creamy goodness. Ideal for family dinners or a weeknight gastronomic treat, you will find a Balance of flavours and a beautiful blend of texture in a single bake dish.
Why Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
This dish brings together all the elements of a perfect casserole. The chicken adds heartiness, the ham injects a dash of smokiness, and the Swiss cheese provides a deliciously creamy balance. The added benefit of a casserole is its convenience! it’s a one-dish meal, easy to prepare, serve, and clean up! Not to mention, it’s unbelievably satisfying.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Ingredients:
– 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 8 oz ham, diced
– 1 ½ cups Swiss cheese, shredded
– 2 cups cooked penne pasta
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup milk
– 3 tbsp butter
– 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp melted butter
– 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Directions:
Prepare your oven at a temperature of 350°F (175°C), lightly grease your baking dish of size 9×13 inches. In a saucepan, melt 3 tbsp of butter on medium heat. Stir in the flour and proceed to cook for a minute. Whisk gradually in the milk and cream until the sauce becomes thick. Stir in Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper next.
Then, combine the cooked, shredded chicken, diced ham, pasta, and half of the Swiss cheese in a large bowl. Pour in the cream sauce and fold the ingredients together until everything is well coated. Transfer the mix into the baking dish and evenly distribute. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter in a small bowl, then sprinkle on top of the casserole. Bake for 40-45 minutes in the preheated oven or until the top becomes golden brown and bubbles. Finally, garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Serve this recipe straight from the oven. Add some steamed vegetables or salad on the side for a balanced meal.
How to Store Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Store this dish in an airtight container in the fridge. It can last 3 to 4 days. The casserole can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Tips to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting consistency. To make the casserole extra creamy, replace milk with an equal quantity of cream.
Variations
You can replace penne pasta with any other pasta of your choice. For some crunch, add some cooked bacon on top before baking.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare steps 1 to 6 in advance. Just refrigerate. Before baking, let it reach room temperature.
2. I don’t have Swiss cheese. What can I use instead?
You can use mozzarella or provolone cheese instead of Swiss cheese.
3. Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this recipe. It adds wonderful flavor and makes the dish even easier to prepare.