Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Introduction

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish that brings together the classic tastes of chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese in a warm, cheesy casserole. This recipe is an easy, hassle-free take on the traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu, with all the rich flavors and none of the complicated breading or frying steps. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or a hearty dinner when you need something filling and delicious. With its combination of tender chicken, savory ham, and melty cheese, Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is sure to become a new family favorite. Plus, this recipe is made halal, ensuring it’s suitable for everyone to enjoy.

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Potlucks or gatherings
• Special occasions
• Weeknight meals
• Comfort food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

Here’s why Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a must-try:

• Rich and Flavorful: This casserole combines all the classic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu—tender chicken, smoky ham, and gooey Swiss cheese—into a one-pan wonder that’s both hearty and satisfying.
• Easy to Make: Unlike the traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu, which requires breading and frying, this casserole simplifies the process while still delivering the same delicious flavors.
• Great for Meal Prep: You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake, making it a convenient option for busy days.
• Family-Friendly: With a creamy sauce and comforting layers of meat and cheese, this casserole is a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Halal and Customizable: This recipe can easily be made halal by using halal chicken and ham, making it suitable for everyone to enjoy.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 25g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make a delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole:

• 2 lbs chicken breast, cooked and shredded (halal chicken)
• 1 ½ cups cooked ham, chopped (halal ham)
• 2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or homemade cream of chicken soup for a more natural option)
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups breadcrumbs (use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken: The protein base of this casserole, tender, juicy chicken breast adds a savory flavor and ensures the dish is satisfying and filling.
• Ham: For a traditional touch, halal ham adds a subtle smokiness and depth to the casserole, pairing perfectly with the creamy sauce.
• Swiss Cheese: Known for its mild, nutty flavor, Swiss cheese is the signature cheese in Chicken Cordon Bleu, and it melts beautifully in the casserole.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: This forms the creamy sauce base, providing a rich texture and flavor. You can opt for a homemade version if you prefer to avoid canned ingredients.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess, helping to create a luscious sauce that binds all the ingredients together.
• Breadcrumbs: Topping the casserole with crispy breadcrumbs adds a delightful crunch that contrasts with the creamy filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Prepare the Casserole Base:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a little butter to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick during baking.
2. Cook the Chicken: If you haven’t already cooked the chicken, bake or pan-fry it until fully cooked through. Once done, let it cool slightly before shredding it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well-mixed.
4. Assemble the Casserole: In your greased baking dish, layer the shredded chicken evenly across the bottom. Next, add the chopped halal ham, followed by a layer of shredded Swiss cheese. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and ham.

Add the Toppings:

5. Top with Mozzarella: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the casserole for added creaminess and flavor.
6. Prepare the Breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with melted butter, tossing them to coat evenly. Spread the buttery breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.

Bake the Casserole:

7. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling. The cheese should be fully melted, and the sauce should be thickened.
8. Cool: Allow the casserole to cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to serve.

Serve and Enjoy:

9. Serve: Once the casserole has cooled slightly, slice it into squares or rectangles. Serve hot with a side of vegetables, rice, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

can be enjoyed in various ways:

• With a Side Salad: Pair this rich casserole with a crisp, refreshing green salad for a light balance to the creamy dish.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus complement the savory casserole.
• With Mashed Potatoes: Serve the casserole over mashed potatoes for an extra layer of comfort.
• With Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to this cheesy, hearty casserole.

Additional Tips for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Here are some tips to make your even better:

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: For an even quicker dinner, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and add it to the casserole, saving time without sacrificing flavor.
• Make it Ahead of Time: This casserole can be assembled a day ahead and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking from cold.
• Adjust the Cheese: If you prefer a different cheese, feel free to swap the Swiss for Gruyère, cheddar, or a combination. Each cheese will bring its own unique flavor to the casserole.
• Add Veggies: For extra nutrition, you can add frozen peas, mushrooms, or spinach to the casserole for added texture and flavor.
• Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup: To avoid canned soup, make your own using butter, flour, chicken stock, and cream. This will give you full control over the ingredients.

Recipe Variations for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Here are some creative variations of Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole that you can try:

• Chicken and Bacon Cordon Bleu Casserole: Add crispy halal chicken bacon pieces for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
• Low-Carb Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: Use cauliflower rice instead of breadcrumbs to make the casserole more keto-friendly and lower in carbs.
• Vegetarian Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: Use plant-based chicken and vegetarian ham alternatives to make a meat-free version of this classic dish.
• Spicy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: Add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce for a bit of heat.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with Broccoli: Add steamed broccoli florets to the casserole for added veggies and a pop of color.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with Alfredo Sauce: Swap the cream of chicken soup for a creamy Alfredo sauce to add richness and depth to the dish.
• Cordon Bleu Casserole with Mushrooms: Sauté some mushrooms and add them to the casserole for an earthy flavor that complements the chicken and ham.
• Gluten-Free Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: Substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Freezing and Storage for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

• Freezing: You can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. To freeze, assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place it in the freezer. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
• Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

Special Equipment for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Here are some special equipment items that can make preparing easier:

• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: A standard-sized baking dish works best for this casserole, providing the right depth for layers and ensuring even baking.
• Shredding Tools: A sharp knife or food processor is helpful for shredding the chicken quickly and evenly.
• Mixing Bowls: Having a few mixing bowls will help you prepare the sauce and toss the breadcrumbs separately.
• Basting Brush: A basting brush is useful for spreading the melted butter over the breadcrumbs, ensuring an even and crispy topping.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure your sauce ingredients are just right.
• Aluminum Foil or Parchment Paper: To line the baking dish for easy cleanup and prevent sticking.

FAQ Section for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   Yes, chicken thighs work well in this casserole, providing extra moisture and flavor.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   You can use Gruyère, mozzarella, or even cheddar cheese in place of Swiss cheese, depending on your taste preferences.
4. Can I use a different type of meat?
   Yes, you can substitute the ham with turkey, chicken sausage, or even bacon (ensure it’s halal).
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   The standard recipe is not gluten-free, but you can easily make it gluten-free by swapping the breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.

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Conclusion

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, savory ham, and creamy Swiss cheese into a delicious, hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This version is made halal, ensuring it’s suitable for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re cooking for your family, preparing for a potluck, or simply craving a comforting meal, this casserole will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. With its ease of preparation and delightful flavor, is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table. Enjoy!