Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a delightful and comforting dish that brings together the classic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu in a convenient casserole form. This recipe combines tender chicken, savory ham, creamy Swiss cheese, and a crunchy Panko topping, making it a favorite for both family dinners and gatherings. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, this casserole offers a perfect balance of taste and convenience, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
1 lb. pasta (penne or any fun-shaped pasta)
1 cup cooked and cubed chicken breasts
1 cup cooked and cubed ham
1 1/2 cups milk
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp. dried minced onion
2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Cayenne pepper, to taste
1 cup Panko crumbs
1/2 cup melted butter
Directions
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Salt the water and add the pasta. Cook until al dente, about 11 minutes (note: whole wheat pasta may take longer). Drain and return the pasta to the pot.
Combine Chicken and Ham:
Add the cooked and cubed chicken and ham to the pasta. Toss to combine.
Prepare the Sauce:
Preheat the broiler. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, cream cheese, and minced onion over low-medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until smooth, about 5 minutes.
Pour the sauce over the pasta mixture and stir to combine. Add the shredded Swiss cheese and season with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste.
Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish. Top with Panko crumbs and pour the melted butter over the crumbs.
Broil and Serve:
Broil until the topping is browned, about 4 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy!
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best aspects of the Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is its versatility. Here are some variations and substitutions to suit different tastes and dietary preferences:
Cheese Variations
Gruyère Cheese: Swap Swiss cheese with Gruyère for a nuttier flavor.
Mozzarella: For a milder taste, use mozzarella cheese. It melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture.
Cheddar: Sharp cheddar can add a bit of a tangy twist to the dish.
Protein Substitutions
Turkey: Substitute chicken with cooked turkey, especially useful for post-Thanksgiving leftovers.
Vegetarian: Use vegetarian chicken substitutes or additional vegetables like broccoli and mushrooms for a meat-free option.
Bacon: Add cooked, crumbled bacon for an extra layer of smoky flavor.
Pasta Options
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Whole Wheat: Whole wheat pasta adds a nutty flavor and additional fiber.
Sauce Enhancements
Dijon Mustard: Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce for a slight tanginess that complements the creamy sauce.
Garlic: Incorporate minced garlic into the sauce for a deeper flavor profile.
Topping Alternatives
Breadcrumbs: If Panko crumbs are unavailable, regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can work as a crunchy topping.
Herbs: Mix herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary into the Panko crumbs for added flavor.
Nutritional Considerations
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole can be modified to be more health-conscious. Here are some tips:
Lower Fat: Use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat Swiss cheese.
Increase Fiber: Opt for whole wheat pasta and add vegetables like spinach or peas.
Reduce Sodium: Choose low-sodium ham and cheese options and reduce the amount of added salt.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
Avoid Overcooking the Pasta: To ensure the pasta doesn’t become mushy, cook it just until al dente. Remember, it will continue to cook slightly when baked.
Consistent Stirring: When preparing the sauce, stir constantly to prevent the cream cheese from burning and to achieve a smooth consistency.
Broiling with Caution: Keep a close eye on the casserole while broiling. Panko crumbs can go from perfectly golden to burnt quickly.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh, green salad and a glass of crisp white wine. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside roasted vegetables or a bowl of creamy soup.
Storing and Reheating
- Storage: Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for convenience.
Conclusion
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a delightful dish that combines convenience with gourmet flavors. Its creamy, cheesy, and slightly crispy texture is sure to win over family and friends. The versatility in ingredients and the ease of preparation make it a go-to recipe for various occasions. Whether you stick to the traditional method or experiment with different variations, this casserole is bound to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy the process of making it and the delicious results it brings to your table.
CHICKEN CORDON BLEU CASSEROLE!
Ingredients
- For the Casserole:
- 1 lb. pasta – penne or any fun-shaped pasta Cooked until al dente.
- 1 cup cooked and cubed chicken breasts
- 1 cup cooked and cubed ham
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 8 oz. cream cheese Softened.
- 2 tbsp. dried minced onion
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- Salt To taste.
- Pepper To taste.
- Cayenne pepper To taste.
- 1 cup Panko crumbs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Salt the water and add the pasta. Cook until al dente, about 11 minutes (note: whole wheat pasta may take longer). Drain and return the pasta to the pot.
- Combine Chicken and Ham: Add the cooked and cubed chicken and ham to the pasta. Toss to combine.
- Prepare the Sauce: Preheat the broiler. In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, cream cheese, and minced onion over low-medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until smooth, about 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the sauce over the pasta mixture and stir to combine. Add the shredded Swiss cheese and season with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste.
- Top with Panko: Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish. Top with Panko crumbs and pour the melted butter over the crumbs.
- Broil and Serve: Broil until the topping is browned, about 4 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy!
