There’s something about a warm, hearty casserole that just screams comfort food to me. Growing up, my family often enjoyed Chicken Cordon Bleu on special occasions, but let me tell you, the hassle of rolling up chicken and frying it always made me want to run for the hills. That’s when I had my lightbulb moment: why not bring all those delicious flavors into a simple casserole? This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is everything I love about the classic dish, but without all the fuss. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, and let me tell you, it never fails to impress!
The first time I made this, I had friends over for a little dinner party, and they were practically fighting over the leftovers! The combination of tender chicken, savory ham, and gooey Swiss cheese all wrapped in creamy goodness is hard to resist. Plus, it’s super easy to throw together, which means more time enjoying the company and less time in the kitchen. Alright, let’s dive in and see what makes this dish so wonderfully tasty!
What’s in Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole?
Cooked Chicken: The star of the dish! I love using leftover rotisserie chicken; it saves time and adds fantastic flavor.
Cooked Ham: This adds that unmistakable salty, smoky goodness. I usually go with a honey-glazed ham for a hint of sweetness.
Swiss Cheese: Oh, the melty cheesiness! Swiss cheese has that nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the chicken and ham. If you’re feeling adventurous, a mix of Swiss and Gruyère could be heavenly.
Cooked Pasta: I typically go for rotini or penne because those little spirals or tubes really hold onto the creamy sauce. But you could use whatever pasta you have on hand!
Cream of Chicken Soup: This conveniently creamy ingredient ties everything together. You could also use a homemade version if you’re feeling fancy!
Milk: Just a splash helps to thin out the creaminess for a smooth texture.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a delightful zing that really brightens up the casserole.
Garlic Powder: Because garlic makes everything better. This adds a subtle depth of flavor.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to make everything pop!
Breadcrumbs: Panko or regular breadcrumbs sprinkled on top create a lovely crunchy topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling.
Butter: A little melted butter on the breadcrumbs makes them golden and irresistible.
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of this at the end adds a vibrant touch and freshness to the dish.
Is Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Good for You?
Let’s be real: casseroles are not usually touted as the healthiest meals, but they do have some redeeming qualities!
First, the combination of protein from the **chicken** and **ham** helps keep you full and satisfied. You can easily make it lighter by using leaner cuts of meat or swapping out regular **creamy soup** for a low-fat version.
On the other hand, the **Swiss cheese** does contain fat, so moderation is key to balancing things out.
The **pasta** brings carbs into the mix, which can be great for energy, especially if you’re serving it after an exhausting day. If you want to lighten it up even more, consider using whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles for a veggie twist!
For those of us who are always looking for ways to sneak in more veggies, you can add some steamed broccoli or spinach to the mix for added vitamins and nutrients.
Now, let’s get to the fun part – making this delicious casserole!
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of butter.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded **chicken**, diced **ham**, cooked **pasta**, and **Swiss cheese**. Toss it all together until well mixed.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the **cream of chicken soup**, **milk**, **Dijon mustard**, **garlic powder**, and season with **salt** and **pepper** to taste.
4. Pour that luscious soup mixture over the chicken and pasta combination and stir until everything is thoroughly coated.
5. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
6. In a small bowl, mix the **breadcrumbs** with melted **butter**, making sure they’re evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
7. Pop it in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
8. Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle some fresh **parsley** on top, and voila! It’s ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions for Ultimate Enjoyment:
This casserole is a meal in itself, but if you want to elevate your dining experience even more, I suggest serving it alongside a simple green salad or some roasted veggies. You could also serve it with garlic bread for that extra bit of indulgence. Honestly, I could eat this every night, and never get tired of it!
So, there you have it – my go-to recipe for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole! If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out. Trust me, once you taste it, you might just find yourself making it every week. Happy cooking, my friends!
