There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm casserole, especially when it’s packed with flavors that remind you of home. My delicious chicken cordon bleu casserole recipe for family dinners is a true crowd-pleaser that brings everyone to the table. I still remember the first time I made this for a family gathering. The aroma wafting through the kitchen had everyone asking, “What’s cooking?” It’s that perfect blend of tender chicken, savory ham, and gooey Swiss cheese, all wrapped in a creamy sauce that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Trust me, this dish is bound to become a new family favorite!
Ingredients List
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded – I like to use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy option, but you can also poach or bake your own.
- 2 cups ham, diced – Any type of ham works here! Just make sure it’s cut into small pieces for even distribution.
- 2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded – This cheese melts beautifully, giving that gooey texture we all love. Freshly shredded is best!
- 1 cup breadcrumbs – I prefer seasoned breadcrumbs for an extra flavor boost, but plain works too.
- 1 cup milk – Whole milk adds creaminess, but you can substitute with a lower-fat version if you prefer.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise – This adds richness and helps bind everything together. You can use light mayo if you want to lighten it up a bit.
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard – This gives a lovely tang; feel free to adjust to taste if you’re not a mustard fan.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Perfect for a hint of garlic without the fuss of chopping fresh cloves.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – Adds a sweet, savory depth to the casserole.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t forget to season well! A little goes a long way.
How to Prepare the Delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe for Family Dinners
Making this casserole is a breeze, and I promise it’ll fill your home with mouthwatering aromas. Let’s get started, shall we?
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is essential because it ensures even cooking and that deliciously bubbly finish we’re all after!
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, diced ham, and Swiss cheese. Make sure everything is well combined, as you want every bite to have that amazing flavor mix. I always get a little excited at this stage because it smells so good already!
Step 3: Make the Liquid Mixture
Now, in another bowl, whisk together the milk, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This creamy mixture is the magic that brings everything together, so make sure it’s smooth and well-blended!
Step 4: Combine and Transfer
Pour the liquid mixture over the chicken mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated. Then, transfer this delicious blend into a greased baking dish. I like to use a spatula to make sure it’s all in there evenly—no one wants a dry corner!
Step 5: Add the Topping
Now, grab your breadcrumbs and sprinkle them generously over the top of the casserole. This will create that golden, crispy layer we all crave. I sometimes get a little carried away with the breadcrumbs—no regrets!
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Pop it in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s bubbly and golden brown on top—trust me, the anticipation is worth it!
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This resting time is crucial for the flavors to settle. Dish it up, and I love to serve it with a fresh salad on the side for a complete meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a quick and easy meal that comes together in under an hour!
- Packed with flavor from the tender chicken, savory ham, and gooey Swiss cheese.
- Perfect for family gatherings, making it a true crowd-pleaser.
- One dish means less cleanup—who doesn’t love that?
- Versatile and customizable, so you can tweak it to suit your family’s taste.
- A comforting, hearty dish that warms you from the inside out.
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Please note that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used in this recipe. The numbers provided are estimates, so it’s always a good idea to calculate based on your actual ingredients for the most accurate information.
Tips for Success
- Always use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged. It melts better and gives a creamier texture!
- Mix the chicken, ham, and cheese thoroughly to ensure that every bite is packed with flavor.
- Don’t rush the baking time; let it get bubbly and golden for that perfect finish.
- Feel free to taste the liquid mixture before adding it to the chicken for any adjustments in seasoning.
- For a little extra crunch, add some grated Parmesan cheese to the top before baking!
Variations of the Delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe for Family Dinners
This casserole is super versatile, and I love experimenting with different ingredients! For a twist, try using turkey instead of chicken for a lighter option, especially after the holidays. You can also switch up the cheese—Provolone or Gouda work wonderfully if you’re looking for something different. Feeling adventurous? Add some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for an extra veggie boost. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Just be careful not to overcook it, or you might lose that creamy goodness!
FAQ Section
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake!
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, just make sure to fully cook and shred it before adding it to the casserole. It works great and saves some time!
What can I serve with this casserole?
I love serving it with a fresh green salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal. It pairs wonderfully with a light vinaigrette!
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Definitely! Just ensure it’s in an airtight container, and it should last for about 2-3 months in the freezer.
What if I don’t have Swiss cheese?
No problem! You can substitute it with any cheese that melts well, like mozzarella or cheddar. Each will give a unique flavor twist!
Delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for Cozy Family Nights
- Gesamtzeit: 50 minutes
- Ertrag: 6 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
A comforting chicken cordon bleu casserole perfect for family dinners.
Zutaten
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups ham, diced
- 2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Anweisungen
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese.
- In another bowl, combine milk, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the liquid mixture over the chicken mixture and stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Can substitute turkey for chicken.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 35 minutes
- Kategorie: Casserole
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cup
- Kalorien: 450
- Zucker: 2g
- Natrium: 800mg
- Fett: 25g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 10g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 30g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterin: 90mg
Keywords: chicken cordon bleu casserole recipe, family dinner recipe, easy casserole
