Introduction
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a delicious, creamy, and cheesy twist on the classic French dish, Chicken Cordon Bleu. Traditionally, Chicken Cordon Bleu consists of chicken breast stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, breaded, and then baked or fried to golden perfection. This casserole version simplifies the process while keeping all the rich, comforting flavors intact. It’s an ideal dish for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any time you want a hearty meal without the hassle of rolling and breading individual chicken breasts.
The History of Chicken Cordon Bleu
Chicken Cordon Bleu is believed to have originated in Switzerland, with roots tracing back to schnitzel, a breaded and fried meat dish popular in Europe. The name “Cordon Bleu,” meaning “Blue Ribbon” in French, was associated with excellence in culinary arts. The dish gained popularity in the mid-20th century in the United States, where home cooks and restaurants embraced its crispy exterior and gooey cheese-filled center. The casserole adaptation was born out of the need for convenience, offering the same flavors in a simple, easy-to-make format.
Ingredients Breakdown
To make a flavorful Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect taste and texture:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are commonly used. Cooking and shredding them beforehand makes assembly easier.
- Ham: Diced or sliced ham adds a salty, smoky flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
- Swiss Cheese: The star ingredient, Swiss cheese, provides a mild, nutty taste that melts beautifully.
- Cream Sauce: A blend of heavy cream, butter, cream cheese, and Dijon mustard creates a velvety, flavorful base.
- Breadcrumbs: A mixture of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese forms the crispy topping that mimics the traditional breading.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika enhance the dish’s depth of flavor.
Step-by-Step Recipe
- Prepare the Chicken: Cook and shred chicken or cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Cream Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, add flour for a roux, then whisk in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and cream cheese until smooth.
- Layer the Ingredients: In a baking dish, spread the shredded chicken, layer with ham slices, pour the cream sauce over, and top with Swiss cheese.
- Prepare the Topping: Mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter; sprinkle evenly on top.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Let it rest for a few minutes before serving with a side of vegetables or salad.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy alternative.
- Add a splash of white wine to the cream sauce for enhanced depth of flavor.
- Toast the breadcrumbs before adding them to the casserole to ensure extra crispiness.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow flavors to meld together.
- If you prefer a low-carb version, skip the breadcrumbs and use crushed pork rinds instead.
Variations and Customizations
- Keto-Friendly: Replace flour with almond flour and use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them altogether.
- Dijon Kick: Increase Dijon mustard in the sauce for a more pronounced tangy flavor.
- Extra Cheesy: Add Gruyère cheese along with Swiss cheese for more creaminess.
- Vegetable Boost: Mix in spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for added nutrients.
- Spicy Twist: Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the sauce for a bit of heat.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is high in protein due to the chicken and ham but also contains significant amounts of fat from cheese and cream. A single serving provides approximately 400-600 calories, depending on portion size and ingredient choices. Opting for low-fat cheese, using Greek yogurt instead of cream, and reducing the amount of butter can make it a healthier option. Adding vegetables can boost fiber content, making it a more balanced meal.
FAQ
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, assemble it in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave.
- Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, assemble, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- What can I serve with this casserole? Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Ingredients
- 6 cups cooked chicken shredded (from approximately 2 lbs of chicken)
- 6 oz ham cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 oz butter melted
- 6 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp white wine optional
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 5 oz Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the shredded chicken evenly in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, then layer the ham pieces on top.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to blend the melted butter, softened cream cheese, white wine (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and salt until a thick sauce forms. Spread the sauce evenly over the chicken and ham.
- Place the Swiss cheese slices on top of the sauce. Bake for 30-40 minutes, until heated through.
- For a golden, bubbly finish, broil for 2 minutes at the end, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.