Looking for a hearty and comforting meal that’s easy to prepare? Look no further than Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole! This delightful twist on the classic dish combines tender chicken, savory ham, and gooey cheese, all layered with a crispy cornbread stuffing. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to make this delicious casserole in your slow cooker!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ~10 ounces of canned chicken soup
- 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic powder and oregano
- 1/4 cup of milk
- 1/2 pound of sliced ham
- One package (6 ounces) of cornbread Stove Top stuffing
- One package (6 ounces) of sliced cheese (Swiss)
- 1/3 cup of melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Mix the Soup: In a bowl, mix the canned chicken soup, garlic powder, oregano, and milk until well combined. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Layer the Ham: Layer the sliced ham over the chicken and soup mixture in the slow cooker.
- Add the Cheese: Layer the sliced cheese over the ham in the slow cooker.
- Top with Stuffing: Sprinkle the cornbread stuffing evenly over the cheese in the slow cooker.
- Drizzle with Butter: Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top of the stuffing in the slow cooker.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the casserole is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the slow cooker insert from the heat and let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Stuffing Options: Feel free to use your favorite flavor of stuffing mix for this recipe. Traditional herb stuffing or even a cornbread stuffing works well.
- Cheese Variations: While Swiss cheese is classic for Chicken Cordon Bleu, you can experiment with other cheese varieties such as Gruyere or even cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetable Addition: Add some vegetables to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrition. Diced onions, bell peppers, or spinach can be great additions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe. Keep in mind that thighs may require slightly less cooking time than breasts.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of this recipe by using gluten-free cream of chicken soup and a gluten-free stuffing mix.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers? A: Yes, you can freeze the leftovers of this casserole for future meals. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer individual portions to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Keto and Low-Carb Version:
For a keto-friendly version of this recipe, you can omit the stuffing and use a low-carb substitute such as cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower. Additionally, use a keto-friendly cream of chicken soup and cheese, and ensure that the ham is free of added sugars.
In conclusion, Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With layers of tender chicken, savory ham, melted cheese, and crispy stuffing, it’s a complete meal in one pot. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead, this casserole is sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings. So dust off your slow cooker and give this recipe a try—it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite!
