Chicken Cordon Bleu has always felt like a dish reserved for special occasions, right? But what if I told you it could be an everyday delight?
Picture this: tender chicken, layers of ham and gooey cheese, all wrapped up in a cozy casserole that makes weeknights feel a little more indulgent—like wearing your fanciest socks just because.
I stumbled upon this recipe while flipping through an old cookbook, and it was like finding a forgotten treasure in your attic—unexpected, but oh so satisfying.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place shredded cooked chicken at the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and evenly distribute the ham pieces over the chicken.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, softened cream cheese, white wine (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and salt. Use an electric mixer to blend these ingredients until you have a thick, creamy sauce.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and ham in the baking dish, spreading it out to cover evenly. Arrange the slices of Swiss cheese over the sauce layer.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until it is hot and bubbly. Optionally, broil for an additional 2 minutes to achieve a golden, bubbly cheese topping, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Ingredients
- 6 cups cooked chicken, shredded (approximately 2 pounds)
- 6 ounces ham, cut into small pieces
- 4 ounces butter, melted
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon white wine (optional)
- 1 ounce lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 5 ounces Swiss cheese
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2712 | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 204g | Fat: 204g | Saturated Fat: 102g | Cholesterol: 984mg | Sodium: 5496mg | Potassium: 2088mg | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 4920IU | Vitamin C: 8.4mg | Calcium: 1074mg | Iron: 4.8mg
FAQ
- What is Chicken Cordon Bleu?
- Chicken Cordon Bleu is a dish consisting of chicken breast wrapped around ham and cheese, traditionally breaded and fried. It originated in Switzerland around the 1940s.
- What side dishes pair well with Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole?
- This rich casserole pairs well with lighter sides such as a fresh green salad, roasted asparagus, steamed cauliflower, or oven-roasted green beans.
- What sauce complements Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole?
- A creamy lemon sauce enriched with butter, cream cheese, mustard, lemon juice, and white wine is a perfect match for this casserole, enhancing its flavors.
- Can I use different types of cheese in the casserole?
- Yes, you can substitute Swiss cheese with other mild cheeses like provolone, mozzarella, or Havarti to suit your family’s preferences.
- How can I ensure the chicken remains juicy in the casserole?
- To keep the chicken moist, make sure it isn’t dry before starting. If needed, increase the sauce quantity by 1.5 times or mix in some chicken broth with the shredded chicken before layering the toppings.
Tips
- To ensure a juicy and flavorful casserole, make sure your chicken is moist. If your chicken is on the drier side, consider increasing the sauce quantity by 1.5 times or even doubling it to enhance the dish.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties to suit your family’s taste preferences. Provolone, mozzarella, or Havarti can be excellent alternatives to Swiss cheese.
- Save time by using chicken tenderloins instead of shredded chicken. Simply bake them, drain any excess liquid, and then proceed with the casserole preparation as instructed.
- If you’re using dry shredded chicken, adding a 1/4 cup of chicken broth to the sauce can help maintain moisture and improve the overall texture of the dish.
Equipment
- 9 x 13 Baking Dish – If you don’t already own this specific size, it’s essential for the casserole.
- Electric Mixer – Useful for blending the sauce ingredients smoothly.
- Broiler Pan (optional) – If you choose to broil the casserole at the end for a golden top, this can be handy.
