Description
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that combines tender chicken pieces, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese in a creamy sauce topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs. Baked to perfection and served over egg noodles or rice, it’s an easy and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Toppings
- 3 small chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 8 ounces deli ham, cubed
- 4 ounces Swiss cheese, cubed
Liquid & Binding
- 1 â…“ cups milk, divided
- 1 large egg
- 1 can (10.75 ounces) cream of chicken soup
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Then arrange the chicken pieces evenly in the bottom of the dish to create a solid base.
- Make Egg and Milk Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup of the milk and the large egg until fully combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken pieces to add moisture and help bind the casserole ingredients.
- Add Toppings and Season: Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs evenly over the egg-coated chicken to create a crispy topping. Season the layer with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Then distribute the cubed ham and Swiss cheese evenly over the breadcrumb layer.
- Prepare Cream Sauce: In the same large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup with the remaining 1 cup of milk until smooth. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the entire casserole, covering the toppings to infuse flavor throughout the bake.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 35 minutes which allows the chicken to cook through and flavors to meld nicely.
- Remove Cover and Finish Baking: After the initial baking time, carefully remove the foil to allow the breadcrumbs and cheese to turn golden and slightly crispy. Continue baking uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes to set. Serve warm over cooked egg noodles or rice as a hearty and comforting meal. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use freshly grated Swiss cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Panko bread crumbs give a crispier topping compared to regular bread crumbs.
- Chicken breasts can be substituted with chicken thighs if preferred for juiciness.
- Ensure the casserole is covered tightly with foil during the first bake to keep moisture in.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or microwave.
