This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole combines tender chicken, savory ham, and gooey melted cheese for a comforting meal everyone will love. The addition of broccoli gives it a subtle crunch and balance of flavors.
It’s an easy dish to prepare that’s sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort food. With its creamy texture, deliciously cheesy topping, and rich flavors, this casserole is a winner for any family dinner or potluck event. Plus, it’s a great way to repurpose leftover chicken for a quick and tasty meal.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 ½ cups ham, chopped
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package (10 oz) frozen broccoli, thawed and drained
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, chopped ham, Swiss cheese, mozzarella cheese, sour cream, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined.
- Add in the thawed broccoli and stir until the mixture is evenly distributed.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Introduction to Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic dish known for its savory combination of tender chicken, salty ham, and melted cheese, often breaded and fried to perfection. However, the Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole puts a delicious twist on this traditional favorite by transforming it into a hearty, easy-to-make casserole. This dish retains all the flavors we love from the original recipe but without the extra steps and fuss of breading and frying. Instead, it layers the chicken, ham, and cheese in a creamy, satisfying casserole that can be baked to golden, bubbly perfection. It’s a perfect dish for busy weeknights, family dinners, or when you want to impress guests with a comforting, yet sophisticated meal.
The Versatility of Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
One of the best things about this casserole is its versatility. You can easily customize it based on dietary preferences, available ingredients, or family tastes. For example, while Swiss cheese is often used in Chicken Cordon Bleu, feel free to swap it out for mozzarella or cheddar if those are more to your liking. The ham can also be replaced with turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter alternative. You can even experiment with adding other vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to elevate the flavor profile and add some extra nutrition to the dish. If you’re looking to make the dish a little lighter, you can also reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute it with a lower-fat option, such as half-and-half or a dairy-free cream substitute.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a great meal to prepare for both casual family dinners and more formal occasions. The simplicity of the recipe makes it an excellent option for busy nights when you want something hearty and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also a fantastic option for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or meal prep because it can easily be scaled up for a larger crowd. Additionally, this casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a day or two, making it even more convenient for those who like to prep meals in advance. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy night in or serving it at a gathering, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Why This Dish Is a Family Favorite
This casserole version of Chicken Cordon Bleu is designed to please everyone in the family, even the pickiest eaters. The layers of tender chicken, savory ham, and melted cheese provide a comforting, familiar taste that kids and adults alike will love. The addition of broccoli brings a burst of color and a subtle crunch, making it a perfect side dish all in one. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables without anyone even noticing! Plus, the creamy base ties everything together, making every bite rich and satisfying.
For families with busy schedules, this casserole is also an excellent time-saver. Instead of individually preparing each piece of chicken, breading it, and frying it, you can simply assemble the casserole in one pan, pop it into the oven, and let the baking do the work. The casserole’s simplicity also allows for a quicker cleanup since there are fewer pans and utensils involved. For those who like to make meals in advance, this casserole also reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it as leftovers the next day. The rich, cheesy layers only get more flavorful after sitting overnight, making it an excellent dish for meal prep.
Healthier Twists for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
While this casserole is undeniably delicious, you may want to make it a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor. There are plenty of ways to lighten up the dish if you’re looking to make it a little more nutritious. You can reduce the amount of heavy cream and substitute it with Greek yogurt or a lighter sour cream to keep the texture creamy but with fewer calories. For a lower-fat version, try using a leaner cut of chicken breast, and opt for low-fat cheese instead of the full-fat varieties.
To make it even healthier, you can add more vegetables to the casserole. Spinach, kale, and even cauliflower are great additions that will add both texture and nutrients. Some people also like to swap out the traditional ham for turkey bacon or grilled chicken, which lowers the sodium and fat content without sacrificing flavor. For those who are watching their carb intake, try serving the casserole with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad to balance out the meal.
Meal Prep and Leftovers
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is one of those dishes that actually gets better with time, making it perfect for meal prep. You can make a large batch at the beginning of the week, store it in the refrigerator, and then enjoy it throughout the week. The casserole holds up well when stored and reheated, making it a great option for lunch or dinner on the go. If you prefer, you can also freeze the casserole in individual portions for a quick, ready-to-eat meal at a later time.
To reheat, simply microwave individual servings or bake them in the oven until they’re warmed through. You might even find that the flavors deepen and meld together, making it taste even better the second day. This makes Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole a great choice for anyone who loves the convenience of home-cooked meals without the hassle of cooking every day.
Customizing the Recipe
One of the beauties of this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is its flexibility. If you don’t like ham, you can easily swap it for turkey or bacon. If you want to make the dish even heartier, you can add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, spinach, or even artichokes, to the casserole. For a more indulgent version, you can also sprinkle breadcrumbs or extra cheese on top to create a crispy, golden crust. Another great customization option is adjusting the level of seasoning; you can add more herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to create a slightly more herby flavor profile.
This dish can also be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free breadcrumb topping or skipping the breadcrumbs entirely. For a dairy-free or vegan version, substitute the dairy ingredients for plant-based alternatives, and use vegan cheese. It’s truly a recipe that can be adjusted to fit your dietary needs or personal taste preferences. The base of the casserole remains delicious no matter how you choose to customize it.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. For a light and refreshing contrast, serve it with a simple green salad, drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette. If you want something a little heartier, try serving it with mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes. A side of roasted vegetables, such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans, would also complement the rich flavors of the casserole perfectly.
For a complete meal, consider adding a nice glass of white wine, like Chardonnay, which pairs beautifully with the creamy richness of the casserole. For those who prefer a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water or a light herbal iced tea would also be great choices to balance out the richness of the dish.
Conclusion
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together the flavors of chicken, ham, and cheese in an easy-to-make, one-pan meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to serve at a gathering, this casserole offers both convenience and flavor. Its versatility makes it a dish that can easily be tailored to fit various tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring that everyone at the table will enjoy it. Plus, the leftovers are just as good, if not better, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Overall, Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a must-try recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.