Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

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Enjoy the comforting flavors of a classic Chicken Cordon Bleu in an easy-to-make casserole. This dish features tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and smoky turkey, all topped with a crispy, golden breadcrumb crust. It’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights or a satisfying dish to share with family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

This casserole brings the rich, cheesy, and savory goodness of the traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu into a simple, no-fuss dish. Instead of rolling and breading individual chicken breasts, everything is layered into a baking dish for a hassle-free yet delicious meal.

• Creamy and Cheesy – A luscious cheese sauce coats every bite, making this dish irresistibly rich and satisfying.
• Crispy Topping – A buttery breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crunch, balancing out the creamy filling.
• Simple and Convenient – No need for complicated rolling or stuffing; just layer the ingredients and bake!
• Great for Meal Prep – This casserole stores well and can be made ahead, making it ideal for leftovers or busy schedules.

Whether you’re looking for a hearty weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is sure to be a hit!

Ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

To create this rich and creamy casserole, you’ll need a few simple yet flavorful ingredients that bring together the classic taste of Chicken Cordon Bleu in an effortless way.

• Chicken – Use cooked and shredded or diced chicken breast for a tender and juicy base. Rotisserie chicken works well for convenience.
• Smoked Turkey – Instead of ham, smoked turkey provides a similar savory and slightly smoky flavor while keeping the dish wholesome.
• Swiss Cheese – A key ingredient in traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu, Swiss cheese adds a mild nuttiness and creamy melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese – Blends beautifully with Swiss cheese for an extra gooey, cheesy bite.
• Cream Cheese – Softened cream cheese gives the sauce its rich and velvety texture.
• Milk – Helps create a smooth and creamy cheese sauce. Whole milk works best for a richer taste.
• Garlic Powder – Adds a hint of aromatic depth to the sauce.
• Dijon Mustard – A small amount of Dijon mustard enhances the flavor with a tangy and slightly sharp taste, just like in classic Chicken Cordon Bleu.
• Salt and Black Pepper – To season and balance all the flavors.

Crispy Topping for the Perfect Crunch

No Chicken Cordon Bleu is complete without a crispy coating, and this casserole version is no exception. The golden, crunchy topping adds a delicious contrast to the creamy filling.

• Panko Breadcrumbs – Light and crispy, these create the perfect golden topping.
• Butter – Melted butter helps toast the breadcrumbs, giving them a rich, buttery flavor.
• Parsley (optional) – Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the dish.

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How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

This casserole is incredibly easy to put together with just a few simple steps. Here’s how to create a deliciously creamy and crispy dish that everyone will love.

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

Spread the cooked and shredded chicken evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Layer the smoked turkey on top, followed by slices or shredded Swiss cheese.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the cream cheese, milk, garlic powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and turkey layers.

Step 4: Add the Crispy Topping

In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness with a satisfying crunch!

How Long to Bake Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Baking time is essential to ensure the casserole is perfectly heated, the cheese is melted, and the topping is golden and crispy. Here’s a general guideline for baking times:

• Standard Baking Time – Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
• If Using Cold Ingredients – If your ingredients (chicken, turkey, cheese) are cold from the fridge, increase the baking time to 30-35 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.
• For a Crispier Topping – If you want an extra crispy top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

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How to Store Leftovers

This casserole stores beautifully, making it great for meal prep or enjoying leftovers the next day. Follow these simple storage tips:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Freezer: To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

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Tips for the Best Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Here are some expert tips to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time:

• Use Rotisserie Chicken – This saves time and adds extra flavor. Shredded chicken breast works best for an even texture.
• Layer Ingredients Evenly – Spreading out the chicken, turkey, and cheese evenly ensures that every bite is well-balanced.
• Don’t Skip the Dijon Mustard – It adds the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu flavor and enhances the richness of the cheese sauce.
• Customize the Cheese – While Swiss is traditional, you can mix in mozzarella, provolone, or even cheddar for a different flavor.
• Let it Rest Before Serving – Letting the casserole sit for 5 minutes after baking helps the cheese sauce thicken slightly and makes it easier to serve.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole (without the breadcrumb topping) and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the topping just before baking to keep it crispy.

2. Can I use a different meat instead of turkey?
Absolutely! You can use chicken slices or a mild smoked meat alternative if preferred.

3. What side dishes go well with this casserole?
This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, a fresh green salad, roasted potatoes, or garlic bread for a complete meal.

4. Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Yes, but panko breadcrumbs create a lighter, crispier texture. Regular breadcrumbs will work but may result in a denser topping.

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is creamy, crispy, and bursting with flavor, making it a perfect go-to recipe for any occasion!

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