Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Introduction

When I first made Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, I didn’t know what to expect. It sounded like a delicious combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors, but I wasn’t sure how it would compare to the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu. Well, let me tell you—it exceeded all expectations. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and gooey Swiss cheese brought the same wonderful flavors of the traditional dish, but with the ease and comfort of a casserole. My family absolutely loved it, and it quickly became a favorite in our house. The crispy panko topping adds the perfect crunch, giving it that signature “baked” texture. It’s a dish that’s not only comforting and filling but also incredibly easy to make. This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or even special family dinners. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up rotisserie chicken, which makes it even quicker to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 pound cavatappi pasta
• 2 (10.5-ounce) cans of cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups of half & half
• 3 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon of season salt (I use Lowry’s brand)
• ½ teaspoon of black pepper
• 3 cups of Swiss cheese, shredded
• 2 cups of rotisserie chicken, diced
• 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup of plain panko bread crumbs
• ¼ cup of grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.
2. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling water, cook the cavatappi pasta according to the package directions, about 7 to 8 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Make the Sauce: In a large bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, half & half, Dijon mustard, fresh chopped parsley, season salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients into a smooth sauce.
4. Add Cheese and Chicken: Stir in the shredded Swiss cheese, diced rotisserie chicken, and cooked cavatappi pasta. Stir everything together to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.
5. Assemble the Casserole: Pour the chicken cordon bleu casserole filling into the prepared 9×13-inch casserole dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly in the dish.
6. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, plain panko bread crumbs, and grated parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined.
7. Top the Casserole: Evenly sprinkle the panko breadcrumb mixture over the top of the casserole. This will create a deliciously crunchy topping as the casserole bakes.
8. Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
9. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting dish hot, straight from the oven!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories per Serving: 480 kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 1050mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

How to Serve

• As a Main Dish: This casserole is hearty enough to be the main dish of your meal. Serve it with a side of green beans or a crisp salad to balance the richness.
• For a Family Dinner: It’s an easy, one-pan dinner that feeds the whole family and is sure to please picky eaters.
• As Leftovers: This casserole makes excellent leftovers. Store in an airtight container and reheat in the microwave or oven for a quick meal the next day.
• For Special Occasions: Serve this casserole as a comforting main dish for a holiday or family gathering. It’s easy to make in large batches and will feed a crowd.

Additional Tips

1. Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, use rotisserie chicken for the casserole. It’s a great way to make the recipe even quicker while adding a delicious, pre-cooked flavor.
2. Make It Spicier: If you like a little heat, try adding some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
3. Cheese Variations: While Swiss cheese is traditional for Chicken Cordon Bleu, you can try using other cheeses like Gruyere, cheddar, or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
4. Use Low-Fat Cream: To make this recipe lighter, substitute the half & half with low-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative.
5. Freeze for Later: This casserole freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 375°F for 45 minutes to an hour.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: You can substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian take on this casserole.
• Low-Carb Option: For a low-carb version, use spiralized zucchini or cauliflower florets instead of pasta, and omit the breadcrumbs for a keto-friendly dish.
• Ham and Cheese Version: For a classic Chicken Cordon Bleu twist, add some diced ham along with the chicken for a delightful combination of flavors.

Serving Suggestions

• With a Salad: Serve the casserole with a fresh, light salad such as a simple mixed greens salad or a Caesar salad to balance the richness of the dish.
• Pair with Roasted Vegetables: This casserole pairs perfectly with roasted vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots.
• With Garlic Bread: If you’re craving something extra, serve with some crispy garlic bread or a warm baguette to mop up the creamy sauce.
• For Extra Flavor: Drizzle a little bit of honey or balsamic glaze over the casserole before serving for a sweet contrast to the savory flavors.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
• Freezing: To freeze, assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake according to the recipe instructions.
• Reheating: When reheating, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until it is thoroughly heated.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it the next day for a quick meal.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   Yes, you can use other short pasta shapes like penne or rotini instead of cavatappi, depending on your preference.
3. Can I make this without half & half?
   If you don’t have half & half, you can substitute it with heavy cream or milk for a slightly lighter version.
4. Can I make this dish without the cheese topping?
   Yes, the casserole will still taste delicious without the cheese topping, but the cheese gives it a creamy, rich flavor.
5. Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
   Yes, you can cook chicken breasts or thighs and shred them for the casserole.
6. Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
   Absolutely! Add some frozen peas, spinach, or sautéed onions for extra flavor and nutrients.
7. How can I make this dish spicier?
   Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or some cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick of heat.
8. Is there a substitute for panko bread crumbs?
   Yes, you can use regular bread crumbs or crushed crackers if you don’t have panko.
9. Can I freeze this casserole?
   Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just bake it, let it cool, and then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw and reheat.
10. How long should I bake the casserole for?
    Bake the casserole for about 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. If you’re making it from a frozen state, it may take a little longer.

Conclusion

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is the perfect dish when you want something comforting, easy, and full of flavor. The creamy, cheesy filling with tender chicken and pasta, topped with a crispy panko crust, makes it a family favorite. It’s a dish that is sure to impress anyone you serve it to, and it’s easy enough to make for a busy weeknight meal. Whether you’re feeding your family or entertaining guests, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser every time. Make it once, and it will quickly become a regular on your dinner table!

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