Description
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a family favorite that combines all the rich flavors of the classic dish—tender chicken, smoky ham, creamy Swiss cheese, and a velvety Dijon sauce—into a quick, easy, and comforting one-pan meal.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 5 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 9 ounces sliced deli-style Black Forest ham, cut into strips
- 8 ounces sliced Swiss cheese (about 12 thin slices)
For the Sauce:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
For the Crispy Topping:
- 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Assemble the layers: Spread the shredded chicken evenly into the baking dish. Layer sliced ham over the chicken. Place Swiss cheese slices over the ham, slightly overlapping.
- Make the creamy sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in Dijon mustard, lemon juice (if using), garlic powder, salt, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth. Simmer for 4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Pour and top: Pour the sauce evenly over the cheese layer. Mix Panko breadcrumbs with softened butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes until the sauce bubbles and the topping is golden brown. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor, including real Swiss cheese and fresh shredded chicken.
- Dijon mustard is essential for the signature tang and flavor.
- For a crispier topping, toast the Panko breadcrumbs in a pan with butter before sprinkling them on top.
- To make it extra creamy, substitute part of the milk with heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Category: Casserole, Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, French-Inspired