Love the flavors of chicken cordon bleu but want an easier way to enjoy it? This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a game-changer! With tender chicken, smoky ham, melty Gruyère, and a crispy breadcrumb topping, it’s everything you crave in a simpler, cozier form. This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole trades the fuss of the traditional recipe for a delicious, crunchy dish that’s perfect for any night. Let’s dive into this flavorful makeover!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All the classic cordon bleu flavors with less effort.
- Crispy panko topping in every bite.
- Creamy, cheesy goodness with a hint of Dijon.
- Easy to scale up for a crowd.
- Comfort food that feels luxurious yet simple.
Tools Needed
To make this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, you’ll need a few key kitchen tools. Missing anything? Visit Our Shop for top-quality essentials to simplify your cooking!
- Baking dish: For assembling and baking the casserole (Serious Eats guide to top dishes).
- Mixing bowl: To combine the chicken and seasonings.
- Knife and cutting board: For dicing chicken and ham.
- Grater: To shred the cheese fresh.
- Oven: To bake it to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole:
For the Casserole
- 1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into ½-inch pieces)
- ½ cup smoked ham, diced
- ¾ cup Gruyère cheese, grated (or Swiss/cheddar)
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
For the Topping
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
- Pinch of black pepper
Directions
Follow these steps to make your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole:
- Prep the Topping: In a bowl, mix panko, melted butter, Parmesan, and black pepper until it looks like wet sand. Set aside.
- Cut the Chicken: Slice the chicken into ½-inch strips, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Season the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine chicken, salt, black pepper, cayenne, thyme, cream, and Dijon mustard. Add diced ham and ½ cup Gruyère, then mix well.
- Assemble: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Top with remaining Gruyère, then sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over it.
- Bake: Place on a foil-lined pan and bake at 425°F for 25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked (165°F internal temp) and the top is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving with a spoon.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
- Use fresh Parmesan: It elevates the topping’s flavor.
- Don’t skip the Dijon: It ties the rich ingredients together.
- Rest before serving: Keeps the casserole juicy and intact.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 1-2 (easily scalable)
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the topping: Keep it light for maximum crunch.
- Using too much salt: Ham and cheese add plenty already.
- Skipping the rest: It helps the flavors settle.
Variations
Try these twists on Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole:
- Swap ham for prosciutto for a fancier vibe.
- Use Swiss or cheddar if Gruyère isn’t available.
- Add broccoli for a veggie boost.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked for up to 2 months; thaw and bake as directed.
FAQs
- Can I use deli ham?
Yes, just chop it finely for even distribution. - What if I don’t have Gruyère?
Swiss or mild cheddar works well too. - Can I make it ahead?
Assemble it, refrigerate, and bake when ready. - How do I scale it up?
Double or triple ingredients and use a larger dish. - Can I use regular breadcrumbs?
Yes, but panko gives the best crunch.
Conclusion
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a simpler, tastier take on a beloved classic. With its crispy topping and creamy filling, it’s a cozy dish that’s easy to love. Try it out, and grab kitchen must-haves at Our Shop for your next culinary hit!
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