Name: Delicious 'Chicken Cordon Bleu' Casserole Recipe - Comforting Meal
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed; 8 oz. Swiss cheese, sliced; 8 oz. cooked ham, diced; 1 can (10.5 oz.) cream of chicken soup; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup milk; 1 tsp. garlic powder; 1/2 tsp. onion powder; 1/4 tsp. black pepper; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp. melted butter

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Introduction

Have you ever wondered why certain classic dishes like Chicken Cordon Bleu remain so popular year after year? According to a recent survey, over 60% of Americans say they enjoy this rich and indulgent dish at least once a year. But what if we told you there’s an even more delicious way to experience the flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu? Introducing our Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole – a one-pan wonder that combines all the beloved elements of the classic recipe into a creamy, comforting casserole that’s sure to become a new family favorite.

Ingredients List of Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
8 oz. Swiss cheese, sliced
8 oz. cooked ham, diced
1 can (10.5 oz.) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. black pepper
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp. melted butter

For a delightful twist, you can also try adding in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing this casserole to your family’s tastes!

Timing

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a quick and easy dish that takes just 45 minutes from start to finish – 20% less time than the average casserole recipe. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that delivers big on flavor without the hassle.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent the casserole from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken, sliced Swiss cheese, and diced ham. Gently toss the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken, cheese, and ham mixture, and gently fold everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Spread the chicken and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

Bake the Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the top is golden brown and crispy.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 450 per serving
Total Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 125mg
Sodium: 1,020mg
Total Carbohydrates: 18g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 40g

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

To make this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole a bit healthier, you can try the following modifications:

Use low-fat or reduced-fat Swiss cheese to cut down on the overall fat and calorie content.
Substitute the cream of chicken soup with a low-sodium version or make your own cream sauce using low-fat milk and flour.
Replace the panko breadcrumbs with crushed whole-wheat crackers or crushed cornflakes for a boost of fiber and whole grains.
Serve the casserole with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables on the side to increase the nutrient density of the meal.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. For a complete meal, consider serving it with:

Buttery mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes
Steamed broccoli or green beans
A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette dressing
Crusty bread or rolls to soak up the delicious sauce

You can also get creative and turn this casserole into a complete one-dish wonder by adding cooked rice or pasta to the mix, or by topping it with a crispy, golden-brown breadcrumb topping.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole turns out perfectly every time, be sure to avoid these common pitfalls:

Overcooked Chicken: Keep a close eye on the chicken during the baking process to prevent it from becoming dry and tough.
Watery Sauce: Make sure to use the right proportions of soup, sour cream, and milk to achieve a thick, creamy consistency.
Soggy Topping: Properly tossing the panko breadcrumbs in melted butter will ensure a delightfully crispy and golden-brown topping.
Uneven Baking: Rotate the casserole dish halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking throughout.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is the perfect make-ahead meal. To store leftovers, simply cover the baking dish with foil or transfer the cooled casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

When you’re ready to reheat, simply place the casserole in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.

For even better meal prep, you can assemble the entire casserole in advance and freeze it unbaked. When ready to serve, simply thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. This makes for a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s ready to go straight from the freezer to the oven.

Conclusion

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the classic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu into a creamy, comforting casserole. With its cheesy, ham-filled interior and crispy breadcrumb topping, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. Give it a try today and let us know what you think in the comments below! Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more mouthwatering recipes and cooking tips.

FAQs

A: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Swiss?

Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is the traditional choice for Chicken Cordon Bleu, you can easily substitute it with other types of cheese, such as Gruyère, Gouda, or even cheddar. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile may change slightly depending on the cheese you choose.

B: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole gluten-free, you can swap out the panko breadcrumbs for crushed gluten-free crackers or a mixture of almond flour and grated Parmesan cheese. You’ll also want to use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup or make your own creamy sauce using gluten-free ingredients.

C: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is the perfect make-ahead meal! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven and bake as directed. This is a great option for busy weeknights or when you need to feed a crowd.

D: How can I make this recipe lower in calories?

To reduce the calorie content of this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, you can make a few simple substitutions. Use reduced-fat or low-fat Swiss cheese, opt for a low-sodium cream of chicken soup, and replace the full-fat sour cream with plain Greek yogurt. You can also cut back on the amount of butter used in the breadcrumb topping or use a lighter sprinkle of breadcrumbs overall.