Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
