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Unveiling the Ultimate Comfort Food: A Deep Dive into Chicken Cordon Bleu

Unveiling the Ultimate Comfort Food: A Deep Dive into Chicken Cordon Bleu
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This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole brings all the comforting, elegant flavors of traditional chicken cordon bleu — tender chicken, savory ham, creamy sauce, and golden breadcrumbs — but in a much easier baked casserole form. It’s comforting, creamy, and perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you need a hearty dish that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 5 cups shredded chicken

  • 9 ounces sliced deli-style black forest ham, cut into strips (about 9 slices)

  • 8 ounces sliced Swiss cheese (about 12 thin slices)

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional)

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

  • 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • 3 cups whole milk

  • 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

  • Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven
    Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

  2. Layer Chicken
    Spread the shredded chicken evenly across the bottom of the dish.

  3. Layer Ham
    Evenly distribute the ham strips over the chicken.

  4. Layer Cheese
    Place the Swiss cheese slices on top, slightly overlapping to cover the entire dish.

  5. Make the Sauce

    • In a saucepan, melt 6 tbsp butter over medium heat.

    • Whisk in Dijon mustard, lemon juice (if using), garlic powder, salt, nutmeg (optional), and cayenne (optional).

    • Sprinkle in the flour and whisk until a paste forms.

    • Slowly pour in the milk, ¼ cup at a time, whisking until smooth before each addition.

    • Once all milk is added, let the sauce simmer for about 4 minutes, whisking occasionally, until thickened.

  6. Pour Sauce
    Evenly pour the creamy sauce over the cheese layer, spreading it into all corners.

  7. Make Breadcrumb Topping
    In a small bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs and softened butter. Mix until crumbly, then sprinkle evenly over the casserole.

  8. Bake
    Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.

  9. Finish & Serve
    Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set.
    Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.

  • Mix cheeses: Add a little Gruyère or provolone for a richer flavor.

  • Make it creamier: Stir ¼ cup cream cheese into the warm sauce before pouring it over the dish.

  • Add vegetables: Steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms make delicious additions.

  • Prep ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance; refrigerate and bake when needed

Find it online: https://biteseason.com/unveiling-the-ultimate-comfort-food-a-deep-dive-into-chicken-cordon-bleu/