Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a comforting twist on the classic dish, combining tender chicken, ham, and a creamy Swiss cheese sauce with pasta. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for weeknights or gatherings.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces penne pasta
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 16 ounces cooked chicken
• 16 ounces chopped ham
• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions, then drain and spread it evenly in the baking dish.
2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and flour, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream until smooth. Stir in Dijon mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in Swiss cheese until melted.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the cooked chicken evenly over the pasta, then add the chopped ham on top. Pour the cheese sauce over everything, making sure it’s well coated.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, combine panko bread crumbs, melted butter, and garlic powder. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole to create a crunchy topping.
5. Step 5: Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until the topping is lightly browned and the casserole is bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use smoked ham for a deeper flavor, or substitute Gruyère cheese for Swiss for a nuttier taste.
• For extra richness, add a handful of sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the casserole before baking.
• If you prefer a lower-fat option, swap heavy cream for half-and-half, but the sauce may be less thick.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish covered with foil in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. Avoid reheating too long to keep the topping crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Bake it just before serving to ensure the topping stays crispy.

What can I use instead of panko bread crumbs?

If you don’t have panko, regular bread crumbs or crushed crackers can work as a topping, though the texture might be less crunchy.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 87 reviews

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a comforting and delicious baked dish featuring tender cooked chicken, savory ham, and penne pasta all smothered in a creamy Swiss cheese sauce with a crispy panko topping. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.

• Author: Sienna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Protein

• 16 ounces penne pasta
• 16 ounces cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
• 16 ounces chopped ham

Cheese Sauce

• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

Topping

• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pasta and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish. Cook 16 ounces of penne pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and transfer the pasta to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup butter. Add 2 tablespoons minced garlic and 1/4 cup flour; sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Gradually whisk in 2 cups chicken broth and 2 cups heavy cream until smooth. Stir in 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese until melted.
3. Assemble the Casserole: Evenly sprinkle the cooked chicken over the pasta in the baking dish, then add the chopped ham on top. Pour the cheese sauce over the meat and pasta, coating everything evenly.
4. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons melted butter, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
5. Bake and Serve: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving hot.

Notes

• You can substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyère or mozzarella for a different flavor.
• Leftover casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
• Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free panko crumbs for a gluten-free version.
• Feel free to add steamed vegetables like broccoli or peas for added nutrition.

Keywords: chicken cordon bleu casserole, baked chicken casserole, creamy chicken pasta bake, swiss cheese casserole, easy chicken recipe