Name: Easy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Dinner
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 cloves garlic, grated or minced; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; ½ cup chicken broth; 1 ½ cups milk; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon chicken or vegetable stock/bouillon powder; ¼ cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish); 4 cups cooked or rotisserie chicken, shredded or diced; 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, uncooked; 2 cups beef ham, diced; 2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded; ¼ cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese

Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, a dish that evokes cozy evenings and satisfied sighs. There’s something inherently delightful about the combination of tender chicken, savory beef ham, and melted Swiss cheese, all brought together in a rich, velvety sauce. It’s a classic for a reason, isn’t it? People adore it because it transforms familiar flavors into something truly special, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even a weeknight treat when you crave something a little more decadent. What truly sets this Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole apart is its ease of preparation without sacrificing that authentic, gourmet taste. We’ve streamlined the process to bring you all the beloved flavors of the traditional dish in a wonderfully forgiving and utterly delicious casserole format. Get ready to fall in love with this recipe!

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, grated or minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
½ cup chicken broth
1 ½ cups milk (skim or full cream will work, adjust for desired richness)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon chicken or vegetable stock/bouillon powder
¼ cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese (for the sauce)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
4 cups cooked or rotisserie chicken, shredded or diced (this is the star protein!)
2 cups fresh broccoli florets, uncooked (for a touch of green and texture)
2 cups beef beef ham, diced (beef ham “ham” in Cordon Bleu)
2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded (for that classic Cordon Bleu flavor)
¼ cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese (for topping and extra cheesiness)

Preparing the Creamy Sauce

First, let’s get our rich and creamy sauce started, which forms the foundation of this delightful casserole. In a medium saucepan, melt the 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted and shimmering, add the 2 cloves of grated or minced garlic. Cook the garlic for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown, as burnt garlic can turn bitter. This step infuses the butter with a wonderful aromatic depth.
Next, we’ll create a roux, which is the thickening agent for our sauce. Sprinkle the 3 tablespoons of flour over the melted garlic butter. Whisk continuously for about 2 minutes. This cooking process, called toasting the flour, helps to eliminate the raw flour taste and develop a richer, nuttier flavor. You’re looking for a pnon-alcoholic ale golden color. Don’t rush this step; it’s crucial for a smooth sauce.
Gradually whisk in the ½ cup of chicken broth, ensuring you incorporate it fully into the flour mixture to prevent lumps. Once the broth is smoothly combined, begin extract slowly pouring in the 1 ½ cups of milk, whisking constantly. It’s important to add the milk gradually to maintain a smooth consistency. Continue whisking until the gin extractce begins to thicken. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes on medium-low heat. You want it to coat the back of a spoon nicely.
Now, it’s time to flavor our sauce. Stir in the 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard and the 1 teaspoon of chicken or vegetable stock/bouillon powder. The Dijon mustard adds a delightful tang that cuts through the richness, and the bouillon powder intensifies the savory notes. Continue to cook and whisk for another minute until everything is well incorporated and the sauce is smooth. Then, stir in the ¼ cup of fresh grated Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and has melded into the sauce. This adds another layer of cheesy goodness. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your personal preference. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed; it’s always better to add a little more salt or pepper than to overdo it.
Finally, we’ll assemble this glorious casserole. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the 4 cups of cooked chicken, the 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets, and the 2 cups of dbeef hamd beef ham. Pour about two-thirds of the creamy sauce over this mixture and gently toss until all the ingredients are evenly coated. This ensures every bite is infused with flavor.
Transfer this chicken,beef hamoccoli, and ham mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Now, sprinkle the 2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese generously over the top of the mixture. Make sure to cover it well for maximum cheesy meltiness. Drizzle the remaining one-third of the creamy sauce over the Swiss cheese layer. This will help create a luscious, golden-brown topping.
For that extra touch of cheesy perfection and a beautiful golden crust, sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of fresh grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This is the finishing touch that will have everyone asking for seconds. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, carefully remove the aluminum foil. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, and the broccoli is tender-crisp. The cheese should be fully melted and slightly caramelized in places, creating an irresistible aroma.
Once baked to perfection, remove the Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole from the oven. Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the casserole to set up slightly, making it easier to serve and preventing the sauce from being too runny. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Conclusion:

And there you have it – your delicious, comforting Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is ready to be enjoyed! This recipe brings together all the classic flavors of chicken cordon bleu in a convenient and satisfying casserole format, perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd. The creamy sauce, savory beef ham, and tender chicken, all topped with a delightful cheesy crust, create a truly memorable meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

For serving suggestions, this Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted asparagus. You could also serve it alongside some crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. Looking for variations? Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere or Swiss for an even richer flavor. You can also add a splash of Dijon mustard to the sauce for an extra zing, or swapbeef hame ham for cooked beef bacon for a different smoky profile.

We hope you love making and eating this Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole as much as we do. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own! Happy cooking!

FAQs

Can I make this Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come to room temperature slightly, and then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if needed.

What if I don’t have cooked chicken?

If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, you can easily cook some chicken breasts or thighs. Simply poach or bake them until cooked through, then dice or shred them before adding them to the casserole mixture. Rotisserie chicken is also a fantastic shortcut!