Description
Comfort meets elegance in this chicken cordon bleu casserole, blending classic French-inspired flavors with hearty Midwestern warmth. Layers of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and golden breadcrumbs promise a delightful dining experience you’ll savor to the last bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 4 cups chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 8 ounces (226 grams) ham, diced
Cheese and Dairy:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sour cream
Seasonings and Topping:
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
- Combine diced chicken, chopped ham, and shredded Swiss cheese in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
- Create a creamy sauce by whisking together heavy cream, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well-blended.
- Pour the velvety sauce over the chicken, ham, and cheese mixture, thoroughly coating each component for maximum flavor infusion.
- Carefully transfer the seasoned mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it uniformly to create an even layer.
- Prepare the crispy topping by mixing breadcrumbs with melted butter, creating a golden, crunchy coating.
- Generously sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs across the entire surface of the casserole, ensuring complete coverage.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a bubbling texture and a rich golden-brown top.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to settle and the casserole to set.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, fresh finish before serving hot.
Notes
- Cream Alternatives: Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version that still maintains a rich, creamy texture.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds to create a crispy topping that’s safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the delicious crunch.
- Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or dried thyme to the cream mixture for an extra layer of depth and complexity in the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 605
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 24 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 185 mg