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This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole transforms a classic French dish into a comforting family-style meal. Layers of tender shredded chicken, premium black forest ham, and melted Swiss cheese come together under a blanket of creamy sauce and crispy Panko topping. The dish maintains all the sophisticated flavors of traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu while being much simpler to prepare.
After making this countless times, I've found it's the perfect solution for entertaining when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Perfect Your Ingredients
- Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor.
- Ham: Black forest ham provides the best flavor.
- Swiss Cheese: Fresh-sliced from the deli melts beautifully.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds classic tangy notes.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates the perfect crispy topping.
- Whole Milk: Essential for the creamiest sauce.
Creating Your Casserole
- Layering Technique:
- Begin with evenly distributed shredded chicken as your foundation.
- Sauce Development:
- Create a smooth, velvety sauce by adding milk gradually to your roux.
- Cheese Integration:
- Layer your ham and cheese for optimal melting and flavor distribution.
- Topping Creation:
- Combine butter and Panko for that perfect golden-brown crust.
- Final Assembly:
- Pour sauce evenly and top with buttered breadcrumbs before baking.
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I particularly love how the nutmeg adds a subtle warmth to the cream sauce. It's become my secret ingredient for elevating this dish to restaurant quality.
Perfect Pairings
Serve alongside roasted asparagus or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. Steamed broccoli also pairs beautifully.
Make It Your Own
Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, or add a layer of sautéed mushrooms for extra depth.
Storage Success
Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy topping.
After years of perfecting casseroles, this Chicken Cordon Bleu version stands out for its elegant flavors and reliable results. It proves that comfort food can be sophisticated while remaining approachable. Each time I prepare this dish, I'm reminded that sometimes the best recipes are clever reimaginings of classics.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this ahead?
- Yes, assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time if cooking from cold.
- → What chicken should I use?
- Rotisserie chicken works great, or cook and shred your own chicken breasts.
- → Can I freeze this casserole?
- Yes, freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before cooking.
- → What sides go well with this?
- Steamed vegetables, green salad, or roasted broccoli make perfect sides.
- → Can I use different cheese?
- Swiss is traditional, but Gruyere or provolone can work well too.