Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Reinvented
Recipe Introduction: Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole!
Fancy a super tasty dinner? Ever wondered how to make a Chicken Cordon Bleu Dish easier? I have got just the thing.
My Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is insanely good. It's the perfect Comfort Food Casserole Recipe .
What's the Story?
Chicken Cordon Bleu is posh, right? This Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a shortcut. It's all the flavour without the faff.
This Comforting Casserole Dinner is originally from Europe. Now it's an American staple. This dish takes about an hour to make.
It feeds six to eight people.
Why You'll Love It
This Family Friendly Casserole Recipe is packed with protein. It's proper Comforting Dinner Ideas . Perfect for a Sunday roast alternative.
Honestly, this is one of those Delicious Meals For A Crowd . It's a total game changer.
So, What's in It?
Right, you’ll need chicken. About 1.5 lbs. Cut it into chunks. Plus, you'll need butter. Loads of it. Some flour, chicken broth and cheese of course.
Oh, and don't forget the ham. It all comes together to make this Cheesy chicken and ham casserole .
Alright, let's talk ingredients for this Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole . This isn't just any dish; it’s comfort food casserole recipes taken to the next level.
Honestly, it's so simple, even my mate Dave could nail it, and he once set fire to toast. So, grab your shopping list, and let's get going!
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
Okay, here's the lowdown on what you'll need. Remember, quality counts, especially with the chicken and cheese.
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Look for chicken that's plump and pink, not pale and dry. That's a sign it's been hanging around a bit too long. Cut them into 1 inch pieces, easy peasy.
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml) – Just your regular stuff. It's going into the pan.
- Garlic Powder: 1 tsp – Because everything's better with garlic, right?
- Onion Powder: 1/2 tsp – For that extra bit of oomph.
- Butter: 4 tbsp (56g) unsalted. We'll melt this for the sauce.
- Flour: 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose. This thickens things up.
- Chicken Broth: 2 cups (473 ml) – Low sodium is always a good shout.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup (237 ml) – This is what makes it, well, creamy. Don’t skimp!
- White Wine: 1/4 cup (60ml) – Optional, but a splash of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio really elevates it. Trust me.
- Dijon Mustard: 1/2 tsp – Adds a lovely tang.
- Ground Nutmeg: 1/4 tsp – Just a pinch, it makes all the difference.
- Ham: 8 oz (226g) cooked, diced. Get good quality stuff; it's worth it.
- Swiss Cheese: 8 oz (226g) shredded, about 2 cups . Shred it yourself; pre-shredded stuff doesn't melt as well.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup (50g) – These give a lovely crunch.
- Melted Butter: 2 tbsp (28g) – To mix with the breadcrumbs.
Seasoning Notes
Let's talk flavor. This is where you can really make the Chicken Cordon Bleu Dish your own.
- Garlic and onion powder are essential for the chicken. Don't skip them.
- Nutmeg in the sauce? Sounds weird, tastes amazing. It adds a subtle warmth.
- No white wine? No worries, just use more chicken broth.
- Salt and pepper are obvious, but don't be shy with them.
Equipment Needed
You don't need fancy gadgets for this, promise.
- Large skillet For cooking the chicken and making the sauce.
- 9x13 inch baking dish The perfect size for a Family friendly casserole recipes .
- Whisk To keep that sauce smooth.
- Measuring cups and spoons Because eyeballing it isn't always the best idea.
And that's it! With these bits and bobs, you're all set to create this Comfort Food Casserole Recipes . This is one of the Comforting Dinner Ideas that turns into Delicious Meals For A Crowd , and you will see how Easy chicken casserole recipes makes Weeknight casserole dinners easier and tastier.
Get ready for a Baked chicken cordon bleu casserole that will have everyone begging for more. I tell you, this Cheesy chicken and ham casserole it's gonna be a winner.
Enjoy!
Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: Your Next Weeknight Winner!
Honestly, who doesn't love a good Comfort Food Casserole Recipe ? This Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is like a warm hug in a dish.
It takes the fancy vibes of the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu Dish and makes it totally doable on a Tuesday.
My nan used to say, "A casserole is a hug in a bowl," and this one is definitely hugging material.
Prep Steps: Get Your Mise en Place On!
- Essential mise en place: Dice the ham, shred the cheese. Cut your chicken into bite sized bits. Getting everything prepped means you won't be scrambling later.
- Time saving organization tips: Use pre-cooked ham to shave off time. Honestly, no one will judge you. I also like to pre-shred my cheese because it melts better.
- Safety reminders: Always, always make sure your chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) . No one wants a dodgy tummy.
step-by-step: Let's Get Cooking!
- Sauté chicken with olive oil, garlic, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Melt butter, whisk in flour to make a roux. Cook for 1 minute .
- Slowly add chicken broth, cream, and wine (if using). Simmer until thickened.
- Stir in Dijon mustard and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper.
- Layer sauce, chicken, ham, and cheese in a baking dish. Repeat.
- Top with panko breadcrumbs and melted butter.
- Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 30- 35 minutes , until golden and bubbly.
Pro Tips: Secret Casserole Hacks
- Expert Techniques: Toast your panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. A tiny bit of colour, you know?
- Common Mistakes: Don't overcook the chicken! It will get dry in the oven. Also, grate your own cheese for better melting. Trust me on this!
- make-ahead Options: You can assemble this the day before. Just cover it and keep it in the fridge. Add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time.
This Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is perfect for those nights when you need a bit of Comforting Dinner Ideas .
It's also brilliant for Delicious Meals For A Crowd . Plus, it's one of those Easy chicken casserole recipes that even I can manage after a long day.
You know, with a glass of wine in hand.
Recipe Notes for the Perfect Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Right then, let’s dive into a few extra bits that will help you ace this Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole.
Think of these as my little secrets to make sure yours turns out absolutely stonking! You know how sometimes a recipe just needs that extra something? Well, here it is.
Nailing the Presentation: Plating Like a Pro
Honestly, how you present your food makes a difference. I once served a casserole in a chipped dish at a party.
Big mistake! A nice dish makes it feel special. For this Chicken Cordon Bleu Dish , serve it straight from the baking dish for that homely, comfort food casserole recipes vibe.
Or, scoop a generous portion onto a plate. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. A side of vibrant green veggies brightens it all up.
Don't forget the drinks! A chilled glass of white wine or even a sparkling apple juice pairs beautifully.
Storage Savvy: Keeping it Fresh
Right, let's talk leftovers. If you have any of this Comforting Casseroles Dinners goodness left, you’re in luck. This cheesy chicken and ham casserole keeps brilliantly.
Pop it in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freezing is an option. Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer safe containers.
It will be good for up to 2 months.
Reheating is a doddle. Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through. Add a splash of milk or broth if it seems a bit dry.
Alternatively, you can microwave it, but the texture might be slightly different.
Variations on a Theme: Making it Your Own
Fancy a twist? How about a Smoked Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole ? It adds depth. If you are after Delicious Meals For A Crowd this is perfect to make gluten-free! Simply use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
You can also lighten it up. Use light cream cheese for some of the cheese. For seasonal swaps, think mushrooms in autumn or asparagus in spring.
This Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole adapts really well.
Nutrition Snippets: Goodness in Every Bite
Alright, let's keep this simple. Each serving of this Easy Chicken Casserole Recipes is around 450-550 calories . Packed with 40-50g of protein , it’s satisfying.
It has 25-35g of fat and 10-15g of carbs . Remember, these are estimates. The amount varies. This Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole isn’t just comforting dinner ideas it is nutritious too!
So there you have it. A few extra nuggets of wisdom to make your Weeknight Casserole Dinners even better. Remember, cooking should be fun and this one is a breeze.
This family friendly casserole recipes is such a delight! Now go on, get cooking. You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole ahead of time? Like, can I be a proper Blue Peter presenter and get it all "here's one I made earlier?"
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly with cling film or foil, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
However, I wouldn't recommend adding the panko topping until just before baking to prevent it from getting soggy.
I'm trying to be a bit healthier; are there any lighter swaps I can make in this Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole recipe?
You can definitely lighten things up a bit! Try using reduced fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt in the sauce to lower the fat content without sacrificing too much creaminess. You could also use turkey ham instead of regular ham.
Finally, consider using a lighter breadcrumb topping or skipping it altogether sometimes less is more, innit?
What's the best way to store leftover Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole? Will it keep 'til Tuesday if I make it on Sunday?
Yes, it should be good 'til Tuesday! Store any leftover Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It'll keep well for 3-4 days. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or zap individual portions in the microwave.
You might want to add a splash of milk or chicken broth when reheating to keep it from drying out.
Can I freeze this Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole? Thinking of making a batch for a rainy day.
You sure can. Allow the casserole to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in cling film, then a layer of foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Be aware that the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing, but it will still be tasty. Again, do not freeze with the panko topping on top.
I don't have any Swiss cheese. Is there a good substitute I could use in this Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole?
No worries, mate! If you don't have Swiss, Gruyere is a fantastic substitute it has a similar nutty flavour and melts beautifully. Provolone would also work well. Just avoid strongly flavored cheeses like cheddar, as they'll overpower the other flavours in the casserole. Cheese is cheese, after all.
Is the dry white wine really necessary in the creamy sauce? I don't fancy opening a bottle just for this.
The white wine adds a subtle depth of flavour to the sauce, but it's not strictly necessary. If you don't have any on hand, just replace it with an equal amount of chicken broth. A splash of lemon juice could also add a similar brightness. No one will be any the wiser!
Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Reinvented
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25-35g |
