There’s something so comforting about a warm, bubbling casserole that brings the whole family together, isn’t there? I mean, who doesn’t love a dish that’s not only hearty but also packed with flavor? My delicious chicken cordon bleu casserole recipe for family dinners is a game changer! It combines tender chicken, savory ham, and gooey Swiss cheese all baked together with a crispy breadcrumb topping that’s simply irresistible. Trust me, this dish has become a staple in my home, especially on busy weeknights when I need something quick yet satisfying. Plus, it’s so easy to prepare ahead of time, making it perfect for those hectic evenings when you want to enjoy a cozy meal without a fuss. So let’s dive into this deliciousness together!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (I usually use rotisserie chicken for convenience, but any cooked chicken works!)
- 1 cup ham, diced (Feel free to use leftover ham or even turkey if you prefer!)
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded (It melts beautifully, but you can swap it with mozzarella for a milder taste.)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (I love using panko for extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs are just fine too!)
- 1/2 cup milk (Whole milk or 2% works best for creaminess!)
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard (This adds a zesty kick, but you can use yellow mustard if that’s what you have!)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (This makes the casserole super creamy and delicious.)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (You’ll mix this with the breadcrumbs for that golden topping!)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (A must for flavor, but fresh minced garlic is even better if you have it!)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (This adds depth to the dish, enhancing those savory notes.)
- Salt and pepper to taste (Don’t forget to season to your liking; it really brings everything together!)
How to Prepare the Delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe for Family Dinners
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven heated up! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that our casserole cooks evenly, giving you that delightful golden brown topping we all love.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, diced ham, and shredded Swiss cheese. I like to use my hands to mix it all together; it’s a fun way to get everything nicely combined! Make sure the chicken and ham are evenly distributed throughout, so every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Now, let’s whip up that creamy sauce! In another bowl, whisk together the milk, Dijon mustard, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This mixture will add so much flavor and creaminess to the casserole, and it’s super simple to put together. Make sure everything is well combined, so you don’t have any clumps!
Step 4: Combine and Transfer
Pour the milk mixture over the chicken mixture and stir gently until everything is well coated. Now it’s time to transfer this delicious mix into a greased baking dish. I usually use a 9×13 inch dish, but any similar size will do. Spread it out evenly, making sure it’s all packed in nicely.
Step 5: Prepare the Topping
In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. This step is crucial because it gives the topping that irresistible crunch! Make sure all the breadcrumbs are coated in butter, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole. It’s gonna turn beautifully golden as it bakes!
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Pop your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s bubbly and the top is a lovely golden brown. Just let it cool for a few minutes before serving, so you don’t burn your tongue on that deliciousness. Trust me, the wait will be worth it!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of my delicious chicken cordon bleu casserole recipe for family dinners. Each serving contains about 350 calories, with 15 grams of fat—6 grams of which are saturated fat. You’ll also get 25 grams of protein, making it a satisfying option for a hearty meal. The casserole has around 30 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of fiber. Remember, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this gives you a great idea of what to expect!
Tips for Success
To make sure your delicious chicken cordon bleu casserole turns out perfectly, here are a few pro tips! First, don’t skip the preheating step; it really makes a difference in how evenly the casserole cooks. If you can, use freshly cooked chicken for the best flavor—rotisserie chicken is a real time-saver! Also, be sure to mix the sauce well to avoid any clumps; a smooth sauce will coat everything beautifully. When you add the breadcrumbs, make sure they’re evenly distributed to ensure that lovely crunch on top. And lastly, let it cool for a few minutes before serving; this helps it set and makes serving much easier. Trust me, these small steps will elevate your dish to the next level!
Variations
If you want to switch things up with my delicious chicken cordon bleu casserole recipe for family dinners, there are plenty of fun variations to try! You could use shredded turkey instead of chicken for a Thanksgiving twist or even swap out the ham for crispy bacon for that smoky flavor. For cheese lovers, feel free to experiment—Gruyère or cheddar would add a delightful kick! And if you’re looking for a veggie-packed option, toss in some steamed broccoli or spinach to sneak in some greens. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Serving Suggestions
To complement my delicious chicken cordon bleu casserole recipe for family dinners, I recommend serving a light side salad. A simple mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole. You could also pair it with some roasted vegetables, like asparagus or broccoli, to bring in those lovely colors and flavors. And if you’re in the mood for something extra, some crusty bread or garlic knots would be perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. Trust me, these sides will elevate your meal and make it even more satisfying!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken for this casserole?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely and shred it before using. Frozen chicken can work just as well as freshly cooked, especially if you’re in a pinch.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Just assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. This makes it a great option for busy nights when you want to save time!
What can I substitute for Swiss cheese?
If you’re not a fan of Swiss, feel free to use mozzarella, provolone, or even cheddar! Each cheese brings its own flavor, so choose what you love!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check your mustard and any other ingredients for gluten-free options. It’s a delicious way to enjoy this family favorite without the gluten!
Delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: 5 Family Favorites
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A delicious chicken cordon bleu casserole recipe for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup ham, diced
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese.
- In another bowl, combine milk, Dijon mustard, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the milk mixture over the chicken mixture and stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the casserole.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken cordon bleu, casserole, family dinner, easy recipe
