Description
Comfort meets classic French cuisine in this mouthwatering chicken cordon bleu casserole that layers tender chicken, salty ham, and creamy swiss cheese. Rich flavors meld together, creating a hearty dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 68 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 ½ cups ham, diced
- 4 cups chicken, shredded or cubed
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 4 tbsp butter, unsalted
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp butter, unsalted (melted)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Layering Foundation: Evenly distribute cooked chicken across a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, creating a uniform base layer. Generously scatter diced ham over the chicken, then drape Swiss cheese slices to completely blanket the ham.
- Sauce Crafting: In a saucepan, develop a roux by melting butter and whisking in flour until golden. Gradually introduce milk and chicken broth, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency. Enhance with Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, simmering until the sauce reaches a luxurious thickness.
- Assembly and Topping: Cascade the prepared sauce over the layered chicken, ham, and cheese, ensuring complete coverage. Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese, then artfully sprinkle the mixture across the casserole surface.
- Baking Perfection: Slide the casserole into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping achieves a rich golden-brown hue and the casserole bubbles with appetizing intensity.
- Serving Presentation: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld. Plate alongside vibrant green beans, a crisp salad, or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
- Whisk the roux constantly and add liquids gradually to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce without breaking.
- Use freshly sliced Swiss cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting and richer flavor profile.
- Toast breadcrumbs lightly before adding to topping for extra crunch and prevent soggy layer during baking.
- Substitute ham with turkey for lower-fat version, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for celiac-friendly option, or replace dairy with plant-based alternatives for lactose-intolerant individuals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg