Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: A Delicious Cheesy Ham Chicken Casserole You Must Try ๐๐ง๐ฅ
1. Introduction
If youโre searching for a comforting, savory dish that combines the rich flavors of chicken, ham, and cheese, then look no further than the chicken cordon bleu bake. This cheesy ham chicken casserole offers all the deliciousness of traditional cordon bleu, but in a convenient casserole form thatโs perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. Prepare to indulge in this creamy chicken casserole that is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
2. Ingredients for the Cheesy Ham Chicken Casserole
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices of ham, sliced thin
- 1 cup of shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup of cooked ham chunks or slices
- 1 cup of heavy cream or cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup of Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
- 2 tablespoons of butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
3. Step-by-step Instructions for Making a Cheesy Ham Chicken Casserole
Preparation of the Chicken and Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Lightly season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. If needed, pound them to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Lay the chicken breasts flat on a cutting board.
Assembly of the Casserole
Spread a little Dijon mustard over each chicken breast. Place a slice of ham on top of each. Roll up the chicken breasts tightly and secure with toothpicks if necessary. Place the rolled chicken in a greased baking dish, seam side down.
Adding the Creamy Sauce and Cheese
In a small bowl, mix heavy cream (or cream of chicken soup) with extra Dijon mustard if desired. Pour this mixture over the rolled chicken. Then, sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top. For added crunch and flavor, combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese.
Baking the Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden. Remove from oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
4. Storage Tips for Your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Allow the cheesy ham chicken casserole to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the oven or microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions or the entire casserole for up to 2 months.
5. Serving Suggestions and Variations
This creamy chicken casserole pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a fresh green salad. For added flavor, serve with a side of garlic bread or crispy roasted vegetables. Feel free to customize your dinner menu with variations like adding spinach, mushrooms, or other favorite vegetables to elevate this cheesy ham chicken casserole.
6. FAQs about Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Q: Can I make this chicken cordon bleu bake ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole beforehand, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake it fresh when youโre ready to serve for best results.
Q: What cheese is best for this cheesy ham chicken casserole?
Swiss cheese offers an authentic flavor, but mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend can add a different twist. Choose your favorite melting cheese for creamy results.
Q: Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Prepare and portion the casserole into individual servings, then store in airtight containers for easy reheating throughout the week.
7. Additional Tips and Recommendations
For a quick and easy prep, consider using a Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker for chilling beverages, or a Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master to quickly chop vegetables for sides. To enhance your kitchen tools, a versatile CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set can make all your cooking easier and more efficient.
8. Related Recipes to Try
9. Conclusion
In summary, the chicken cordon bleu bake is a fantastic cheesy ham chicken casserole that combines tender chicken, savory ham, and gooey cheese for a satisfying meal. Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, this creamy chicken casserole will surely become a go-to in your dinner repertoire. Donโt forget to explore other delightful recipes on our dinner category and elevate your cooking game today!
Print
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
- Author: Maria
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Nut-Free, Protein-Rich
Description
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish combining tender chicken breasts, savory ham, and melted cheese topped with crispy breadcrumbs. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this flavorful casserole is a must-try recipe that offers the delicious taste of traditional cordon bleu in an easy-to-make bake.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices of ham, sliced thin
- 1 cup of shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup of cooked ham chunks or slices
- 1 cup of heavy cream or cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup of Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
- 2 tablespoons of butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Season chicken with salt and pepper. Pound to even thickness if needed.
- Spread Dijon mustard over each chicken breast. Place a slice of ham on top. Roll up tightly and secure with toothpicks.
- Place rolled chicken in a greased baking dish, seam side down.
- Mix heavy cream with extra Dijon mustard if desired. Pour over rolled chicken. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until cooked through and bubbly. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute Swiss cheese with mozzarella or cheddar for different flavors.
- Pound the chicken to an even thickness for uniform cooking.
- Use cooked ham slices or chunks depending on preference.
- For extra crunch, add a sprinkle of chopped parsley before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 115mg