Dive into the realm of culinary sophistication with our tantalizing Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole—a dish that reimagines the classic French recipe into a convenient and delectable casserole form. This crowd-pleaser captures the essence of Chicken Cordon Bleu with layers of succulent chicken, savory ham, Swiss cheese, and a luscious Dijon cream sauce. Join us as we explore the ingredients, guide you through the step-by-step instructions, share cook notes and variations, and provide keto and low-carb versions. Elevate your dining experience with the indulgent flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole!
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 4 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 8 slices ham, thinly sliced
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Dijon Cream Sauce:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for low-carb)
- 2 cups whole milk (or unsweetened almond milk for low-carb)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Crafting the Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Layer the Chicken: Spread the shredded chicken evenly across the bottom of the baking dish, creating the first layer.
- Add Ham Slices: Place the thinly sliced ham over the chicken, forming the second layer.
- Swiss Cheese Layer: Arrange the Swiss cheese slices over the ham, creating a melty and cheesy third layer.
- Prepare the Dijon Cream Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously to create a roux. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Season and Flavor: Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to infuse the sauce with rich flavors. Allow the sauce to thicken to a creamy consistency.
- Pour Over Layers: Pour the Dijon cream sauce over the layers in the baking dish, ensuring an even distribution.
- Top with Mozzarella: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, creating a gooey and golden fourth layer.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown, and the casserole is bubbly.
- Broil for Crispy Finish: If desired, broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes to achieve a crispy and irresistible top layer.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Cook Notes
- Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful option.
- Almond Flour for Low-Carb: For a low-carb version, substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour in the Dijon cream sauce.
- Tailor the Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese blends to customize the flavor. Gruyere or Gouda can be delightful alternatives.
Variations
1. Bacon Lover’s Twist:
Enhance the flavor profile by adding crispy bacon bits between the chicken and ham layers. The smoky goodness adds an extra layer of indulgence.
2. Vegetable Medley:
Introduce a burst of freshness by layering thinly sliced vegetables like spinach or asparagus between the ham and cheese layers.
3. Herb-Infused Sauce:
Elevate the Dijon cream sauce by incorporating fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or tarragon for an aromatic touch.
Keto Versions
For those on a keto journey, consider these modifications:
- Almond Flour Roux: Use almond flour to create the roux for a keto-friendly alternative in the Dijon cream sauce.
- Replace Milk with Unsweetened Almond Milk: Substitute whole milk with unsweetened almond milk to reduce the carb content in the sauce.
- Adjust Flour in Sauce: Reduce the amount of flour in the sauce or use a low-carb thickening agent to maintain a keto-friendly profile.
Low-Carb Version
To cater to low-carb preferences, make these adjustments:
- Almond Flour Roux: Opt for almond flour instead of all-purpose flour to reduce the carb content in the Dijon cream sauce.
- Use Unsweetened Almond Milk: Replace whole milk with unsweetened almond milk to keep the sauce low in carbs.
- Minimize Root Vegetables: If adding vegetables, choose low-carb options like zucchini or bell peppers instead of higher-carb vegetables.
The Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a testament to the fusion of elegance and convenience in the culinary world. Whether you follow the classic recipe, experiment with enticing variations, or adapt it to keto and low-carb lifestyles, this casserole is a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds. So, preheat your oven, layer the ingredients with care, and relish in the joy of serving a dish that captures the essence of Chicken Cordon Bleu with every bite. Here’s to culinary bliss and the pleasure of savoring a well-crafted casserole!
