Chicken cordon bleu, a beloved crowd favorite, boasts a delicious combination of chicken breast, ham, and Swiss cheese. Traditionally prepared by stuffing, breading, and frying, this classic French dish can be easily transformed into a mouthwatering casserole with just 20 minutes of preparation.
The casserole version layers tender chicken slices over ham and Swiss cheese, creating a delightful harmony of flavors. Baked to perfection, it offers a simpler yet equally scrumptious option that pleases even the pickiest eaters. Its adaptability allows for creative variations, making it a versatile and delightful addition to any meal.
The chicken cordon bleu casserole's appeal lies in its ease of preparation and delectable taste. By forgoing the intricate stuffing and frying process, the casserole version maintains the beloved flavors of the traditional dish without the fuss.
Ingredients- 1 1/2 pound of cooked chicken meat, shredded (you can use leftovers or use rotisserie chicken, discard the bones)
- 1 package of lean ham, sliced
- Swiss cheese slices (enough to cover the casserole)
- 1 lemon
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
For the sauce: - 1 can of evaporated milk (12 ounces)
- butter or oil (to taste)
- 1 chicken bouillon cube*
- 2 tablespoons of Dijon Mustard
- 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the topping: - 2 cups of Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 ounce of butter (30 gr)
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of white grounded pepper
* Swap the chicken bouillon cube for 1/2 cup (120 Ml) of chicken broth if you want the sauce to be juicier.
Directions: 1. Preheat your oven to 350 F (170 C) and grease a casserole pan with a little bit of butter or your preferred oil.
2. To make the sauce, melt some butter or heat the oil in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add the evaporated milk, the chicken bouillon cube, the mustard, nutmeg and season to taste. Let it cook to desired thickness whisking it often over low heat.
3. While the sauce cooks, assemble your casserole. Spread the shredded chicken evenly and season it with salt, lemon juice and the garlic powder.
Make a second layer with the ham slices ...
...and finalize with a layer of the cheese. Use just enough to cover the chicken entirely.
Pour the sauce evenly to cover your casserole.
4. To prepare the topping, melt the butter in a pan, add the Panko crumbs, the onion and garlic powder, the white pepper, and the dried basil. Add the topping over your casserole and pop it in the oven until it's bubbly and golden brown, around 30 minutes. Allow 10 minutes to cool down before serving it.
TIP #1 (optional): You can wait until the sauce is done and spread a thin layer of it on the casserole before adding the chicken. Once the chicken is assembled, sprinkle it with a little bit of sauce before adding the ham.
TIP #2 (optional): Try to add a little bit of shredded parmesan cheese to the topping.
