Let me tell you, this delicious chicken cordon bleu casserole is an absolute game changer for family dinners! It’s one of those cozy, comfort food dishes that brings everyone together around the table, and trust me, the aroma wafting from the oven will have your family members flocking to the kitchen. I love how it combines the savory flavors of tender chicken, smoky ham, and melty Swiss cheese all in one dish. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, which means more time to enjoy with my loved ones. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special gathering, this casserole never disappoints and always leaves everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup ham, diced
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How to Prepare the Delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe for Family Dinners
Preheat Your Oven
First things first—let’s get that oven ready! Preheating it to 350°F (175°C) is crucial for even cooking. This step ensures that all the flavors meld together beautifully and that your casserole gets that lovely golden brown crust on top. So, go ahead and set that temperature while you gather your ingredients!
Prepare the Chicken and Ham Mixture
Now, in a large mixing bowl, toss together your shredded chicken, diced ham, and shredded Swiss cheese. Add in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I like to use my hands for this part—it just feels more personal, you know? Just mix until everything is nicely combined, and the flavors start to mingle. It’s a colorful and delicious sight that’ll make your mouth water!
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. I usually take a minute to really whisk it well; this will help ensure that it blends beautifully with the chicken mixture. Trust me, you want that creamy goodness to coat everything evenly!
Combine and Transfer
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken and ham combo, and gently fold everything together until it’s well combined. Once you’ve got that delicious mix, transfer it to a greased baking dish. Make sure it’s evenly spread out so it cooks through nicely!
Top and Bake
Finally, sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top for that perfect crunch. Pop it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and bubbling. You’ll know it’s ready when the aroma fills your kitchen and makes you feel all warm inside. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, and get ready for a cozy family dinner!
Tips for Success
To make your delicious chicken cordon bleu casserole even better, here are a few tips! First, don’t be afraid to customize it—feel free to swap out the Swiss cheese for something like cheddar or provolone if that’s more your style. And if you want to sneak in some veggies, chopped broccoli or spinach works beautifully! Just toss them in with the chicken mixture.
Also, if you’re short on time, you can prep this casserole ahead of time and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge. And, don’t skip the breadcrumbs on top; they add that delightful crunch that makes each bite irresistible!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note about the nutritional information! Please remember that the values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use in your delicious chicken cordon bleu casserole. While I strive to provide accurate estimates, these numbers are not provided precisely. On average, each serving contains approximately 450 calories, 25g of fat, 30g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. So while you’re enjoying this comforting dish, just keep in mind that your actual numbers may differ a bit based on your choices. Happy cooking!
FAQ Section
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This delicious chicken cordon bleu casserole is perfect for prepping ahead. Just assemble everything in your greased baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just take it out and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before putting it in the oven. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it’ll be cold from the fridge. So easy, right?
What vegetables can I add?
Great question! You can definitely sneak in some veggies to boost the nutrition. I love adding chopped broccoli or fresh spinach to the mix. They not only add color but also a nice texture. Just toss them in with the chicken and ham mixture, and you’re good to go! You’ll hardly notice they’re there, but your family will be getting some extra goodness!
Can I use different types of cheese?
Of course! This casserole is super versatile when it comes to cheese. If you’re not a fan of Swiss, go ahead and use cheddar, provolone, or even mozzarella—whatever you have on hand! Each cheese will bring a slightly different flavor and texture, so feel free to get creative. Trust me, it’ll still be delicious no matter what you choose!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy
This delicious chicken cordon bleu casserole is not only scrumptious, but it’s also super quick to prepare! With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this dish assembled and in the oven before you know it. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Seriously, who doesn’t love a meal that comes together so effortlessly?
Family-Friendly
One of the best things about this casserole is how it appeals to everyone, from picky eaters to your adventurous foodies! The combination of tender chicken, savory ham, and gooey cheese creates a dish that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s a great way to get your kids involved in cooking—let them help mix the ingredients and sprinkle on the breadcrumbs. I promise it’ll be a hit at the dinner table, and you’ll hear plenty of happy chatter while everyone digs in!
Comforting and Flavorful
Let’s talk about comfort food—the kind that warms your heart and fills your belly. This casserole delivers rich, savory flavors that just wrap you in a cozy blanket of tastiness. The creamy sauce, combined with the crispy breadcrumb topping, creates a delightful texture that’s simply irresistible. Every bite is like a hug from the inside, making it the perfect dish for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or any time you need a little extra comfort in your life!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Storing your delicious chicken cordon bleu casserole is super easy. Just let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy those cozy flavors again soon!
When it’s time to reheat, I recommend popping individual portions in the microwave for a quick fix. Just heat it on medium power for about 1-2 minutes or until warmed through. If you prefer to reheat the whole casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until it’s heated all the way through. You’ll have that comforting, cheesy goodness back in no time!
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Delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for Heartfelt Dinners
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious chicken cordon bleu casserole that is perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup ham, diced
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk together the milk, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard.
- Combine the chicken mixture with the milk mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Top with breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli or spinach.
- You can use any cheese you prefer.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: delicious chicken cordon bleu casserole recipe for family dinners
