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- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded (reserve some for topping) - 1 cup ham, diced - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can switch out Swiss cheese for mozzarella if you prefer a milder taste. If you want to skip the ham, use turkey or leave it out for a lighter dish. You can also use low-fat cream or broth if you want to cut calories. For breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or panko work well too. When picking chicken, look for meat that is pink and firm. Avoid any pieces that look dull or feel slimy. For cheese, choose blocks over pre-shredded for better flavor. The ham should smell fresh, and avoid any packages that are close to their expiration date. Always check the cream for any signs of spoilage like an off smell or separation. Fresh parsley should be bright green with no brown spots. These small details help ensure your casserole tastes great! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key. A hot oven cooks your casserole evenly. It also helps the top become golden and crispy. While the oven heats, you can prepare the other ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add 4 cups of shredded cooked chicken and 1 cup of diced ham. This mix gives your casserole its hearty base. Next, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. These add great flavor. Fold in 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese but save a little for the top. Season your mix with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine all the flavors. In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of chicken broth, and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. This creamy blend ties everything together. Once mixed, pour it over your chicken and ham blend. Stir again to coat everything evenly. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish. This will keep your casserole from sticking. Pour the filled mixture into the dish and spread it evenly. Next, sprinkle 1 cup of breadcrumbs over the top. This adds crunch and texture. Finally, sprinkle your reserved Swiss cheese on top for a cheesy finish. Place your casserole in the preheated oven. Bake it for 30 to 35 minutes. The top should be golden brown, and the casserole should bubble. When it's done, take it out and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors settle. Before serving, add a touch of color with some chopped parsley on top. Enjoy this simple and flavorful meal! To boost flavor in your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, use fresh herbs. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch. You can also try thyme or rosemary for a different twist. Adding a splash of lemon juice brings brightness to the dish. This small step makes a big difference. When mixing your chicken and ham, be sure to season well. Taste as you go! This ensures every bite is flavorful. To get that perfect cheese crust on top, don’t skip the breadcrumbs. They add crunch and texture. Mix the breadcrumbs with a bit of melted butter for extra flavor. Make sure to reserve some Swiss cheese for the top. This creates a gooey, cheesy layer that melts beautifully. Bake the casserole until it turns golden brown. This indicates that your cheese crust is ready. One common mistake is not preheating the oven. This can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking. Another mistake is overmixing the casserole. Gently fold the ingredients to keep the chicken tender. Lastly, don’t forget to let your casserole cool before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to cut. Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker preparation, consider using store-bought rotisserie chicken. It adds flavor and saves time on cooking and shredding the chicken. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix and match cheeses! Gruyère or cheddar can be delightful alternatives to Swiss cheese, adding different flavors to the dish. Add Vegetables: Incorporate some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli into the casserole for extra nutrition and a pop of color. Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day in advance. Just cover it and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it when you're ready to serve! {{image_4}} You can easily change ingredients based on your needs. If you want a lighter dish, use turkey instead of chicken. For a gluten-free option, swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones. You can also use almond milk in place of heavy cream. This swap will keep it creamy and help cut calories. While Swiss cheese is classic, you can try different types. Mozzarella gives a mild flavor and melts well. Cheddar adds a sharp taste that many love. If you want a stronger flavor, go for Gruyère. Each cheese brings a unique twist to your casserole. You can boost nutrition by adding veggies. Spinach or broccoli works great in this dish. Just chop them small and mix them in with the chicken and ham. This adds color and crunch while keeping the meal balanced. You can even throw in some bell peppers for a pop of sweetness. To keep your chicken cordon bleu casserole fresh, let it cool first. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. You can also use an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps maintain its flavor and texture. If you have a large amount, consider dividing it into smaller portions. This makes it easier to reheat later. When it's time to eat your leftovers, you want them warm and tasty. The best way to reheat the casserole is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes. This method keeps the topping crispy. If you’re short on time, you can use the microwave. Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes. Stir in between to heat evenly. Freezing is a great way to save leftovers for later. If you plan to freeze your casserole, do it right after it cools. Cut it into portions and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Be sure to label the bags with the date. This way, you can enjoy it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it in the oven or microwave as before. Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a tasty twist on a classic dish. It combines shredded chicken, diced ham, and Swiss cheese. The creamy sauce adds richness, while breadcrumbs give a nice crunch. This meal is simple, flavorful, and perfect for any family dinner. Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time. Just prepare it up to the point of baking. Cover it well and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, bake it straight from the fridge. It may take a few extra minutes to cook. To boost nutrition, consider adding vegetables. Spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers work well. You can also use whole grain breadcrumbs for added fiber. Opt for low-fat cheese and cream to cut calories while keeping flavor. These changes make the meal healthier without losing taste. In this post, we explored key ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, including fresh options and substitutions. We detailed the step-by-step process, from preheating the oven to perfecting the cheese crust. We also shared tips to enhance flavor and avoid mistakes. Variations allow you to tailor the recipe to dietary needs. Lastly, proper storage ensures your leftovers stay fresh. By following these guidelines, you can create a delicious casserole that suits your needs and tastes. Enjoy making this dish your own!

Cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

A delicious and comforting casserole featuring shredded chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese, topped with breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded (reserve some for topping)
  • 1 cup ham, diced
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
  • In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken and diced ham. Add in the garlic powder and onion powder for seasoning. Fold in the Swiss cheese, reserving a small amount for topping. Season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, and Dijon mustard until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  • Gently pour the creamy mixture over the chicken and ham blend. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated and combined.
  • Lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking, then pour the complete chicken mixture into the dish. Spread it out evenly across the bottom.
  • Generously sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs, followed by the reserved Swiss cheese to create a deliciously cheesy crust.
  • Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is a beautiful golden brown and the casserole is bubbling delightfully.
  • Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for approximately 5 minutes before serving, letting the flavors settle.
  • For a fresh finish, garnish the casserole with chopped parsley right before serving to add a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Keyword casserole, cheesy, chicken, comfort food