Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole ~ TO BE TASTY

Ingredients Breakdown

Casserole Base

Ingredient	Amount
Small-cubed ham (dried with a towel)	2 cups (divided)
Swiss cheese (grated)	1 ½ cups (169.5 g, divided)
Monterey Jack cheese (grated)	1 ½ cups (169.5 g, divided)
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts	4, cooked and shredded

Topping

Ingredient	Amount
Butter (melted)	5 tbsp
Panko breadcrumbs	½ cup

Creamy Sauce

Ingredient	Amount
Butter	2 tbsp
All-purpose flour	¼ cup
Whole milk	2 cups
Chicken broth	1 cup
Dijon mustard	2 tbsp
Cayenne pepper	½ tsp
Kosher salt and black pepper	To taste

Preparation Overview

Step	Time Needed
Prep Time	15 minutes
Baking Time	25–30 minutes
Total Time	~45 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole

Place a third of the shredded chicken in an even layer at the bottom of the baking dish.
Sprinkle half of the ham on top of the chicken.
Add ¼ cup each of Swiss and Monterey Jack cheeses.
Repeat the layers, ending with the remaining chicken as the final layer.

Step 3: Prepare the Topping

In a medium bowl, combine 5 tablespoons of melted butter with the panko breadcrumbs. Mix well and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
Add the flour and whisk continuously for 2–3 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in the milk, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and cayenne pepper. Stir occasionally until the mixture begins to thicken.
Remove from heat and stir in ½ cup each of Swiss and Monterey Jack cheeses, as well as salt and pepper to taste. Stir until completely melted and smooth.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the layered casserole.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, followed by the prepared panko breadcrumb mixture.
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.

Pro Tips for Success

✔ Dry the Ham: Patting the ham pieces dry ensures the casserole doesn't become watery.
✔ Layer Evenly: Distribute the ingredients evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
✔ Use a Food Thermometer: Check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for perfect doneness.

Perfect Pairings

Side Dish: Serve with a fresh green salad or roasted asparagus for balance.
Beverage: Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling water with lemon.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Skipping the Butter Roux: The butter and flour mixture ensures a smooth sauce without lumps.
❌ Overbaking: Keep an eye on the casserole; overbaking can dry out the chicken.
❌ Neglecting Breadcrumbs: Ensure the panko topping is well-buttered for that golden crunch.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole without the panko topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour blend for the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a delicious, creamy, and cheesy dish with a satisfying crunch on top. It’s an excellent option for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep.

What’s your favorite casserole recipe? Let’s swap ideas! 🥘✨