Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole takes all the flavors of the classic dish and turns it into a comforting, cheesy bake that’s perfect for a family dinner. Layers of tender rotisserie chicken and savory ham are smothered in a rich, creamy Swiss cheese sauce, then topped with a crispy Panko breadcrumb topping for the perfect finish. It’s a simple yet elegant meal that’s sure to impress!

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 5 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 2 cups cubed ham

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, (add more to taste)
• 1 1/4 cups shredded Swiss cheese (5 ounces)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Panko Topping:

• 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

1. Prepare the Casserole:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
• Spread the shredded chicken evenly in the bottom of the casserole dish. Layer the cubed ham on top of the chicken.

1. Make the Cheese Sauce:

• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle the flour over the butter and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes dry and clumpy.
• Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Add the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt. Continue to whisk and simmer the mixture for 3-5 minutes, or until it thickens.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded Swiss cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Taste the sauce and add more salt if needed.
• Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the chicken and ham layers in the casserole dish.

1. Prepare the Panko Topping:

• In a small bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter, mixing until the crumbs are well coated.
• Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.

1. Bake:

• Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 30-35 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
• Once baked, let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips

• Chicken: Rotisserie chicken adds convenience and flavor, but you can also use leftover cooked chicken or turkey.
• Ham: Use good-quality ham, either from the deli or leftover from a previous meal. For a smoky twist, try using smoked ham.
• Cheese Sauce: Make sure to whisk the sauce continuously to avoid lumps and to create a smooth, creamy texture.
• Panko Topping: The Panko breadcrumbs add a nice crunch to the casserole. For an even more golden topping, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
• Serving Suggestions: This casserole is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it’s also great over a bed of pasta or rice to soak up the delicious cheese sauce.

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together the best elements of the traditional recipe in an easy, baked format. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions!