Why Make This Recipe
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a comforting, delicious meal that brings together the classic flavors of chicken, ham, and cheese in a creamy, satisfying dish. Perfect for a family dinner or a potluck, this casserole offers the beloved tastes of Chicken Cordon Bleu while being easy to prepare and serve. With its creamy sauce, tender pasta, and crispy topping, it’s sure to be a hit at your dining table.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cavatappi pasta
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups half & half
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, diced
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup plain panko bread crumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of water. Add the cavatappi pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Prepare the Sauce Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, half & half, and Dijon mustard. Stir well to mix the ingredients together evenly. Then, add the chopped parsley, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Make sure everything is well combined.
Combine with Chicken and Cheese: Now, it’s time to add flavor. Add the shredded Swiss cheese and diced rotisserie chicken to the sauce mixture. Gently stir everything together until well combined.
Assemble the Casserole: Take a greased baking dish and pour in the cooked cavatappi pasta. Then, carefully spread the creamy chicken and cheese mixture over the pasta, making sure to evenly distribute it.
Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the plain panko bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. This will create a crunchy topping. Once well combined, sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
Let it Rest: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to serve.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole can be served warm right from the oven. You can present it directly in the baking dish or scoop individual portions onto plates. To make it a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light salad or steamed vegetables. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted asparagus to balance the creaminess of the casserole.
How to Store Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Storing leftovers is easy with Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Once the casserole has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store it for a longer period, consider freezing it. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the freezer, where it can stay for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Tips to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
- Choose Good Quality Ingredients: Since this recipe relies on a few key ingredients, using high-quality chicken and cheese can elevate the dish’s flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, make sure to cook it al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Add More Vegetables: You can enhance the nutritional value by adding vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, or peas to the casserole.
- Play with Cheese: While Swiss cheese is traditional, feel free to mix in other types of cheese like cheddar for a deeper flavor.
- Adjust the Seasonings: Taste the sauce mixture before adding the chicken and cheese. You can adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference.
Variation
While this casserole is delicious as is, there are several ways to customize it:
- Use Different Meats: Swap out the rotisserie chicken for cooked ham, turkey, or even cooked bacon for a different flavor profile.
- Make It Lighter: Use a low-fat cream of chicken soup and reduce the amount of cheese for a lighter version.
- Try Different Pasta Shapes: While cavatappi is fun and holds the sauce well, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli, based on your preference.
FAQs
1. Can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole in advance and keep it in the refrigerator for up to one day before baking. If you do this, it’s best to let it sit out for about 30 minutes before baking for even cooking.
2. Can I use uncooked chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can use uncooked chicken. Just chop or shred it into pieces and lightly cook it in a skillet before mixing it with the sauce, or bake it separately and add it to the casserole.
3. Is this casserole suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole can be frozen. Just ensure it’s tightly wrapped and stored in an airtight container. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
4. How can I make the casserole spicier?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture for an added kick.
5. What can I do with leftover casserole?
Leftover casserole can be heated up in the microwave or oven. You can also reinvent it by mixing it into a soup or serving it stuffed in a baked potato for a new meal option.
Print
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting and delicious casserole that combines the classic flavors of chicken, ham, and cheese with a creamy sauce and crispy topping, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cavatappi pasta
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups half & half
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, diced
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup plain panko bread crumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling a large pot of water. Add the cavatappi pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, half & half, and Dijon mustard. Stir well to mix the ingredients together evenly. Then, add the chopped parsley, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Make sure everything is well combined.
- Combine with Chicken and Cheese: Now, it’s time to add flavor. Add the shredded Swiss cheese and diced rotisserie chicken to the sauce mixture. Gently stir everything together until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Take a greased baking dish and pour in the cooked cavatappi pasta. Then, carefully spread the creamy chicken and cheese mixture over the pasta, making sure to evenly distribute it.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the plain panko bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. This will create a crunchy topping. Once well combined, sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
- Let it Rest: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to serve.
Notes
You can enhance the nutritional value by adding vegetables such as spinach or broccoli. Experiment with different cheeses for varied flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Chicken Cordon Bleu, Casserole, Comfort Food, Family Dinner, Easy Recipe