Looking for a tasty dish that’s easy to make? Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is your answer! This creamy and cheesy meal features tender chicken, savory ham, and delicious cheeses, all baked together for a cozy dinner. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare—perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Let’s dive into the steps and make a flavorful treat that everyone will enjoy!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Comforting and Delicious: This casserole combines tender chicken and savory ham with rich cheeses, creating a comforting dish that’s hard to resist.
- Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep work and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping cheeses based on what you have on hand.
- Leftover Friendly: This casserole is a great way to use up leftover chicken and ham, making it both economical and waste-reducing.
Ingredients
Main ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
– 1 cup cooked ham, diced
– 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
– 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 4 cups cooked egg noodles
The main ingredients bring the classic flavors to life. The cooked chicken and ham give a hearty base. Swiss and mozzarella cheese add that creamy, melty texture. The egg noodles bind everything together for a satisfying dish.
Additional ingredients
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
These additional ingredients create a rich sauce. Heavy cream and chicken broth keep the casserole moist. Garlic and onion powders add depth to the flavor. Thyme and black pepper bring warmth and spice to every bite.
Topping ingredients
– ½ cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
The topping gives a nice crunch to the dish. Breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter create a tasty layer. This crispy finish contrasts perfectly with the creamy filling. It’s a delightful way to elevate your casserole.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the oven and casserole dish
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This makes sure your casserole cooks evenly. Next, grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray. This step helps prevent sticking and makes for easy serving.
Mixing the main ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, 1 cup of diced cooked ham, 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Add in 4 cups of cooked egg noodles. Mix these ingredients gently until they blend well. This is the heart of your casserole, so get it right.
Preparing the creamy mixture
In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of chicken broth. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk these until well combined. This creamy mixture adds rich flavor and helps bind everything together.
Assembling the casserole
Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken and noodle mix. Stir gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Once mixed, transfer the entire mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Spread it out evenly, making sure every bite gets the same tasty goodness.
Adding the topping
In a small bowl, mix ½ cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. This combination adds a crunchy topping. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mix evenly over the casserole. This will create a nice texture once baked.
Baking the casserole
Place the casserole in your preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check it when the time is up. You want it bubbly and the topping to be golden brown. If it needs more time, check every 5 minutes. This ensures you don’t overcook it. Once done, let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Best practices for shredded chicken and ham
For a great Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, you can use either homemade or store-bought chicken and ham. I often prefer homemade shredded chicken. It tastes fresher and has better flavor. You can roast or boil the chicken to get it just right. For ham, diced ham from the deli works well. If you want a unique twist, try smoked ham for a richer taste.
Ensuring a creamy consistency
To keep your casserole creamy, adjust the cream and broth ratios. If you like a thicker sauce, use more cream. For a lighter dish, add more broth. I usually stick to one cup of each for balance. You can also add a little more cheese for creaminess. Just remember, the more liquid you add, the longer it may take to bake.
Perfecting the breadcrumb topping
A crispy topping makes everything better! I love to mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. This adds a nice crunch. If you want more flavor, try adding Parmesan cheese or spices to the topping. You can even use crushed crackers or panko for a different texture. Top your casserole just before baking for the best crunch.
Pro Tips
- Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken, making it a convenient and time-saving option.
- Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese based on your preference, such as cheddar or gouda, for a unique flavor twist.
- Perfect Noodle Choice: Opt for wide egg noodles for a heartier texture, or use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of this dish.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it, then just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
Variations
Vegetarian option
You can easily make a vegetarian version of this casserole. Simply swap the chicken and ham for hearty vegetables. I love using mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach. These add great flavor and texture. You can also throw in some zucchini or broccoli. To keep the dish filling, add extra cheese. This way, you will still enjoy that creamy, cheesy goodness.
Gluten-free adaptations
If you need a gluten-free option, there are simple swaps. Choose gluten-free egg noodles instead of regular ones. Many brands offer great-tasting alternatives. For the breadcrumbs, use crushed gluten-free crackers or panko. You can make your own by crushing gluten-free bread. These small changes keep the dish tasty and safe for gluten-free diets.
Flavor variations
Experimenting with flavors can make your casserole unique. Try different cheeses like gouda or cheddar for a twist. You can mix in fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor. Adding a dash of paprika or cayenne pepper can give it a nice kick, too. These small changes can make your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole feel fresh and exciting every time you make it.
Storage Info
Storing leftovers
To keep your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This will help it stay moist and tasty. Place the container in the fridge. It will last for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat it, check for any signs of spoilage before warming it up.
Reheating suggestions
You can reheat your casserole in two ways: the oven or the microwave. If you choose the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C) and cover the dish with foil. Heat it for about 20 minutes. This keeps it warm and helps the top stay crunchy. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too. Just heat it in short bursts of 1 to 2 minutes, checking often. This will warm it up quickly but may not keep the topping crunchy.
Freezing the casserole
If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the casserole cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This way, it will taste almost as good as when you first made it.
FAQs
How long does it take to make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole?
It takes about 50 minutes to make this casserole. You spend 15 minutes preparing the ingredients. Then, you bake it for 30 to 35 minutes. This time gives you a tasty meal without a long wait.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can switch the cheese to fit your taste. Try cheddar for a sharper flavor. Gouda adds a nice richness. You can even mix cheeses for a unique twist. Just keep the total cheese amount the same for best results.
What can I serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole?
Pair this casserole with simple sides for a balanced meal. A fresh green salad works great. You can also serve steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans. Rice or garlic bread are good options too.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
You can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just mix all the ingredients and place them in the dish. Cover it tightly, then store it in the fridge. Bake it when you are ready. This saves time and keeps it fresh!
This article covered how to make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. You learned about key ingredients like chicken, ham, and cheeses. We discussed how to prepare, assemble, and bake the dish. You also picked up tips for making it creamy and packing in flavor. Variations let you adapt the recipe to your taste or diet. Whether you refrigerate, reheat, or freeze leftovers, you’ll enjoy this dish again. Embrace your creativity and try this recipe for a tasty mea
