30 Apr 2025
Cook time 65 min
Prep time 20 min
Ingredients:
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb chicken breasts
10 oz ham
10 oz swiss cheese
4 tbsp butter
4 tbsp whole-grain wheat flour
3 cups nonfat milk
2 tbsp lemon juice
1.50 tbsp mustard
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup butter
1.50 cups bread crumbs
1.50 tsp garlic powder
1.50 tsp fresh parsley
1/4 tsp black pepper
Chicken cordon bleu casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the classic flavors of chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese with a creamy sauce and a crispy breadcrumb topping. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion and can be prepared ahead of time for convenience.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it cool. Once cooled, dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
3. Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt 4 tbsp of butter over medium heat.
- Add the whole-grain wheat flour and cook, whisking constantly, for about 1-2 minutes, until the mixture turns golden brown.
- Gradually whisk in the nonfat milk, making sure to eliminate any lumps.
- Continue to cook the sauce, whisking constantly, until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the lemon juice, mustard, paprika, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Remove the skillet from the heat.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread half of the diced chicken evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Layer half of the diced ham on top of the chicken.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded Swiss cheese over the ham.
- Pour half of the sauce evenly over the cheese.
- Repeat layers with the remaining chicken, ham, and cheese.
- Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the top.
5. Prepare the Topping:
- In a medium bowl, melt the remaining 1/4 cup of butter.
- Stir in the bread crumbs, garlic powder, fresh parsley, and the remaining 1/4 tsp black pepper until the mixture is well combined.
6. Top the Casserole:
- Evenly spread the bread crumb mixture over the top of the casserole.
7. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
8. Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
Tips:
- For a healthier option, you can use low-fat cheese and skip the ham.
- To save time, you can use pre-cooked chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken.
- Make sure to whisk the sauce continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- If you prefer a more golden and crispy topping, broil the casserole for the last few minutes of baking.
- Feel free to add more spices and herbs to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
- The casserole can be assembled a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate it, then bake when ready to serve.
Once the Chicken cordon bleu casserole is baked to perfection, let it cool slightly before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. Enjoy the rich and savory flavors of this comforting casserole with your loved ones!