Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole (Printable)
Tender chicken and ham with Swiss, creamy Dijon sauce, and a golden Parmesan-Panko crust.
# What You Need:
→ Meats
01 - 4 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
02 - 1 cup cooked ham, diced
→ Dairy
03 - 2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
04 - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
05 - 2 cups whole milk
06 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
→ Vegetables
07 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Dry Goods
09 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
10 - 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
→ Condiments & Seasonings
11 - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
12 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
13 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
14 - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
02 - Melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
03 - Sprinkle flour over the onion and garlic, stirring continuously for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in whole milk until smooth. Simmer, whisking constantly, for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
04 - Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika until fully incorporated.
05 - Arrange half of the cooked chicken in the prepared baking dish, top with all diced ham, and cover with half the shredded Swiss cheese. Repeat layers with remaining chicken and Swiss cheese.
06 - Pour the creamy Dijon sauce evenly over the layered ingredients in the baking dish.
07 - In a mixing bowl, combine Panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole surface.
08 - Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, until the topping turns golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
09 - Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving for optimal texture and flavor.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- It secretly transforms everyday leftovers into something far more impressive and creamy.
- The crispy topping gives way to perfectly tender layers—an irresistible combo that's won over every picky eater at my table.
02 -
- Once, I rushed the thickening stage and ended up with a soupy casserole—be patient and wait for those bubbles in the sauce.
- Doubling the Parmesan in the topping makes a delicious difference, but be careful or the salt will tip overboard fast.
03 -
- Allow the casserole to rest before scooping for cleaner, picture-perfect slices.
- That dusting of smoked paprika on top truly elevates things, especially under the broiler.