Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
45 mins
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Total Time
55 mins
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Servings
10 servings
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Calories
375 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Description
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole brings together cooked pasta coated in a smooth, cheese-thickened sauce made by whisking flour and milk until thickened, then melting in shredded Swiss and grated Parmesan cheeses. The pasta is topped with cubed cooked chicken and ham, providing a hearty meat layer. A crumbly topping consisting of breadcrumbs and additional Parmesan adds a crisp contrast after baking. Baking the casserole at 350°F heats it through and melts the topping to a golden finish.
The flavor combines the nuttiness of Swiss cheese with the sharpness of Parmesan, while the creamy sauce ties the dish together. The pasta cooks almost to al dente for a firm bite that holds well when baked and after freezing. The mixture of chicken and ham delivers a layered meaty profile familiar to cordon bleu preparations without individual breaded pieces.
This casserole works well as a make-ahead meal; it can be frozen after initial baking then thawed and reheated for another 20 to 30 minutes until hot and bubbly. This flexibility helps with meal planning or feeding a crowd. Seasoning with salt and pepper adjusts the taste to preference.
Ingredients
Casserole
- 4 cups milk
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 8 ounces swiss cheese shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 12 ounce pasta dried shaped, like penne
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 2 cups chicken cubed, cooked
- 2 cups ham cubed, cooked
Topping
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs Panko or traditional, dried
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Grease two 9x9-inch casserole dishes or a 9x13 baking dish if making one casserole.
- Cook pasta to almost al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than al dente if freezing or to al dente if not.
- Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot whisk together milk and flour until smooth.
- Heat over medium-low heat until thickened, whisking regularly.
- Remove from heat, and whisk in Swiss cheese and Parmesan cheese blend until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add pasta to baking dish(es).
- Pour cheese sauce over pasta.
- Top with chicken and ham.
- Sprinkle bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake casserole for 15 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
- Let come to room temperature.
- Cover pan tightly with plastic wrap and then foil.
- Freeze.
- When ready to use, thaw in fridge overnight.
- Uncover, and bake at 350F for about 20-30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Notes
- Freeze the casserole tightly wrapped with plastic wrap and foil for best preservation.
- For best texture, cook pasta slightly less than al dente if freezing to prevent overcooking during reheating.
- Thaw frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator before baking again to reheat.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste after cheese sauce is prepared.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 375 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 375kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 41g | 14% |
| Protein | 29g | 58% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 60mg | 20% |
| Sodium | 505mg | 21% |
| Potassium | 399mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 424IU | 8% |
| Calcium | 361mg | 36% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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