Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, offering a delicious twist on the classic dish. This recipe delivers all the flavors you love – tender chicken, savory ham, melty cheese, and a creamy sauce – in a convenient and easy-to-assemble casserole format. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family. This recipe is designed to answer frequently asked questions, making it even more helpful for home cooks.
What Makes This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe Special?
This recipe differentiates itself through a few key aspects:
- Creamy Sauce Perfection: We've perfected the creamy sauce, ensuring it's rich and flavorful without being overly heavy. It beautifully coats each ingredient, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
- Easy Assembly: No complicated techniques here! The casserole is surprisingly simple to assemble, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Customizable Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, add mushrooms, or adjust the seasoning to suit your preferences.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 oz sliced ham, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (or substitute with another sharp cheese)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until browned on all sides. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, whisk in the flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and white wine (if using). Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese. Pour half of the sauce over the first layer. Repeat layers with remaining chicken, ham, Gruyere cheese, and remaining sauce.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Garnish & Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! This recipe is highly adaptable. Experiment with your favorite cheeses. Cheddar, provolone, or even a blend of cheeses would work well.
What if I don't have white wine?
The white wine is optional. You can omit it entirely, and the casserole will still be delicious. You could substitute with an extra splash of chicken broth.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover it and refrigerate until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when it's bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown. You can also check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when searing the chicken. Work in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth.
- If you prefer a crispier top, broil the casserole for the last few minutes of baking. Watch closely to prevent burning.
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its ease of preparation and rich, satisfying flavor make it a perfect addition to your recipe repertoire. Enjoy!
