Chicken Cordon Bleu Dream Casserole 5 Layers of Comfort Food Bliss

Recipe Introduction: Level Up Your Dinner with This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole!

Ever crave proper comfort food that's also a bit fancy? Like when you're after that classic Chicken Cordon Bleu taste, but can't be arsed with all the faff? Then, get ready because this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Chicken is about to become your new best mate in the kitchen.

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is basically a deconstructed version of the French classic. It's Chicken and Ham Casserole delight.

Think layers of juicy chicken, salty ham, dreamy Swiss cheese, and a creamy Dijon sauce. It's like a warm hug in a baking dish, perfect for a cold evening or a family gathering.

What's the Buzz About Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole?

Right, let's talk origin. Chicken Cordon Bleu itself is, of course, French inspired. But this casserole version is proper Anglo American comfort food at its finest.

This Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a medium difficulty recipe and takes around an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes to get on the table, serving about 6-8 people.

Perfect for a family dinner!

Why This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe is a Winner

Honestly, this casserole is all about convenience and taste. Its got great protein. It is perfect for weeknight family dinners.

Plus, you can even make it ahead! It is perfect to prepare a make-ahead Casserole . The Dijon Mustard Casserole gives it a tangy kick, and the layers of cheese and ham? Well, that’s just pure indulgence.

What sets this apart is how easy it is to make it takes all the fuss out of the original recipe.

Fancy giving this a go? Let’s dive into the ingredients you'll need to whip up this Weeknight Dinner Casserole winner.

Ingredients & Equipment for This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Chicken

Alright, let's talk about what you need to whip up this epic Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe . Honestly, it's easier than you think. No need to be intimidated!

Main Ingredients

Okay, first things first. You'll need 2 lbs (900g) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed. Make sure the chicken is nice and plump.

For the ham, grab 8 oz (225g) of your favourite cooked variety. I'm partial to Black Forest ham, myself. It adds a touch of fancy! For the Swiss cheese , get 8 oz (225g) , shredded.

Trust me, pre-shredded cheese is alright. But shred your own, really. The texture will be better.

Seasoning Notes

Right, let's get this Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole taste amazing. For the chicken , a simple combo of 1 tsp (5g) garlic powder, 1/2 tsp (3g) onion powder, 1/4 tsp (1.

5g) black pepper, and 1/4 tsp (1.5g) salt does the trick.

Now, the sauce. The Dijon mustard in the casserole is key. You will use 2 tbsp (30ml) . You also use 1/2 tsp (3g) salt, 1/4 tsp (1.

5g) black pepper and 1/4 tsp (1.5g) ground nutmeg to taste. Don't skip the nutmeg, it adds warmth. If you're feeling adventurous, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper in the sauce is great!

Equipment Needed

You don't need fancy gadgets. Just the basics! A 9x13 inch (23x33cm) baking dish is essential for this Chicken and Ham Casserole .

You'll also need a large skillet for cooking the chicken . Honestly, I always have my trusty skillet. A whisk for the Dijon mustard casserole sauce, and a couple of mixing bowls.

Nothing too crazy.

This Weeknight Dinner Casserole is all about simple comfort. I am very sure that this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is comfort food !.

It's a make-ahead Casserole , so feel free to prep it in advance.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Dream Casserole: 5 Layers of Comfort Food Bliss

Alright, let's get cracking on this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe ! Forget fiddling with individual bits. This is like taking a classic Chicken Cordon Bleu and making it super easy.

Fancy a Weeknight Dinner Casserole ? This is the one. It is a Comfort Food done right.

Prep Like a Pro: The Mise en Place

First things first, prep your ingredients. Dice your Swiss Cheese , ham, and cube your chicken. This is your mise en place , making the cooking flow much easier.

Honestly, if you cube the chicken and pop it in the fridge for like, 15 mins, it helps it firm up a bit for cooking.

Total win! And while that's going on, grab that whisk, your 9x13 inch baking dish, and your sauté pan, and let's prep for some Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole magic!

step-by-step to Casserole Nirvana

1. Toss chicken with oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté over medium high heat until it hits 165° F ( 74° C) .
2. Melt butter for the Dijon sauce. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk. Cook until thickened about 5- 7 minutes. Stir in salt, pepper, nutmeg, and Dijon.
3. Now, assemble! Half of chicken, all the ham, half the Dijon sauce, then half the Swiss Cheese . Repeat layers.
4. Combine panko, melted butter, and Parmesan. Sprinkle on top.
5. Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 35- 40 minutes until golden. Let it stand for 10 minutes.

This Chicken and Ham Casserole is epic!

Pro Tips for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Perfection

Don’t overcook the chicken! You want it juicy, not rubbery. Ever made a roux that looks lumpy? Add a tablespoon of cold milk and mix it vigorously.

Works every time! Want to make this ahead? Assemble the make-ahead Casserole and keep it refrigerated overnight, then bake as directed.

You can even freeze it before baking. Just be sure to add about 15- 20 minutes to the baking time.

This Dijon Mustard Casserole is the bomb!

Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Right then, let's dive into making this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole a resounding success. I've got a few thoughts to share things I wish I knew the first time I made it.

Trust me, these little tweaks will take your Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole from good to oh my gosh, this is amazing!

Serving Suggestions: Presentation is Key!

Presentation matters, even for Comfort Food like this. Okay, so for plating, think about a generous scoop of this Chicken and Ham Casserole served in a nice bowl.

Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. A side of vibrant green beans balances the richness perfectly. As for drinks, a crisp glass of dry white wine works a treat.

Or, you know, a cold pint of lager if you're feeling proper British.

Storage Tips: make-ahead Magic

This make-ahead Casserole is a lifesaver. You can totally assemble the whole thing (except for the crumb topping) a day ahead.

Keep it covered in the fridge. Add the crumb topping just before baking. Once baked, leftovers will happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through. Freezing? Yep, you can freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.

Just thaw them completely before reheating.

Variations: Tweak it to Your Taste

Got dietary needs? No worries! For a gluten-free version, simply swap regular flour for a gluten-free blend. Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs, too.

Easy peasy. Want to mix things up seasonally? In autumn, try adding some roasted butternut squash to the layers. It adds a lovely sweetness and works surprisingly well with the Swiss Cheese and ham.

Honestly, the options are endless.

Nutrition Basics: A Little Food for Thought

Alright, so let's be real. This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Chicken isn't exactly a health food. But it's packed with protein from the chicken and ham, which is great.

The Dijon Mustard Casserole sauce does have some fat, but it's also where you get that lovely creamy flavour. This Weeknight Dinner Casserole hits the spot with every bite! Portion control is key, innit? Enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

So, there you have it! All my best tips for making an absolutely smashing Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe . Get stuck in, have some fun, and don't be afraid to experiment.

You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to prepare Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Chicken in advance? I'm a busy bee!

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Chicken up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with cling film, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time, making sure the center is heated through.

Think of it as your secret weapon for a stress free dinner party!

My family isn't keen on Swiss cheese. Can I substitute it in the Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Chicken recipe?

No worries, you can definitely swap out the Swiss cheese! Gruyere or Emmental are excellent alternatives with a similar nutty flavour that complements the ham and chicken beautifully. You could even get a bit cheeky and try a mild cheddar for a more familiar taste. It's your casserole, innit, so make it your own!

What's the best way to store leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Chicken? And how long does it last?

To store leftovers, let the Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Chicken cool completely before covering it tightly with foil or transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.

When reheating, cover it with foil to prevent the topping from burning and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but the topping won't be as crispy.

Can I make this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Chicken gluten-free? My friend is coeliac, and I'd love to make it for her.

Yes, you can absolutely make a gluten-free version! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the Dijon sauce with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (like Bob's Red Mill). Also, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for the topping many brands are available these days.

Double check all your ingredient labels to be extra safe. Bosh!

I'm watching my calorie intake. Are there any ways to make this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Chicken healthier?

You bet! You can lighten up the dish by using skimmed milk in the sauce, reducing the amount of butter, and using lean ham or even turkey breast instead of ham. Opting for less cheese or a light Swiss cheese variety will also cut down on fat.

And remember, portion control is key a smaller slice can still be satisfying! You could even serve it with a mountain of greens.

My casserole topping isn't browning, what am I doing wrong?

Make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature and the casserole is close enough to the heating element. If it isn't browning properly after the recommended time, try broiling it for the last few minutes of baking, but watch it carefully to prevent burning.

For an even browner topping, brush the breadcrumb mixture with a little extra melted butter before baking.