Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole!

🍽️ Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole (Serves 6)

📝 Ingredients

Casserole

• 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded

• 6 oz cooked ham, diced

• 8 oz Swiss cheese, shredded (or sliced and chopped)

• 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or egg noodles work best)

Sauce

• 3 tbsp butter

• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 2 cups milk (warm is best)

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Topping

• 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers

• 2 tbsp melted butter

• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

🔥 Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Make the sauce

   • Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

   • Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.

   • Slowly whisk in milk until smooth.

   • Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

   • Simmer until thickened (3–5 minutes).

3. Assemble the casserole

   • In a large bowl, mix chicken, ham, pasta, and Swiss cheese.

   • Pour sauce over the mixture and stir gently.

   • Transfer to prepared baking dish.

4. Add topping

   • Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan.

   • Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.

5. Bake

   • Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.

   • Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything (except the topping), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add topping just before baking.

Q: Can I freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole?

Yes. Freeze before baking for best results. Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Q: What can I use instead of Swiss cheese?

• Provolone

• Mozzarella

• Gruyère
  (Flavor will change slightly but still delicious.)

Q: Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes:

• Use gluten-free pasta

• Replace flour with cornstarch (1½ tbsp)

• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs

Q: How do I make it creamier?

• Add ¼ cup heavy cream to the sauce

• Or stir in ¼ cup cream cheese while the sauce is warm

Q: Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Good options:

• Broccoli (steamed)

• Peas

• Spinach (wilted)

• Mushrooms (sautéed)

Q: How long do leftovers last?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Q: What goes well with this casserole?

• Green salad

• Roasted vegetables

• Garlic bread

• Steamed green beans