Cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

$- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded - 1 cup thinly sliced ham - 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded - 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (divided) - 1 cup cream of chicken soup - 1 cup milk - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 8 ounces egg noodles, cooked and drained - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) When making Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, gather these fresh ingredients. Start with shredded chicken. This can come from a rotisserie chicken or cooked at home. Next, you need thinly sliced ham. Look for deli ham that is easy to layer. Swiss cheese gives a nice flavor, while cheddar adds richness. The cream of chicken soup is key for a creamy texture. Milk helps loosen the mix and keep it smooth. For a zing, Dijon mustard works well. Garlic powder and smoked paprika add depth and warmth. Cooked egg noodles are the base and soak up all the tasty flavors. Finally, you will need salt and pepper to enhance the dish. Don't forget fresh parsley for a pop of color when serving. These ingredients combine to create a warm and comforting meal your family will love. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. 2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, sliced ham, Swiss cheese, and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix them well. 3. In another bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure it's smooth and well-blended. 4. Add the cooked egg noodles into the chicken and ham mix. Gently fold in the creamy soup mixture until everything is coated evenly. 5. Transfer this mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish. Spread it out for even baking. 1. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil. This keeps the moisture in while it bakes. 2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This helps all the flavors meld together. 3. After 25 minutes, remove the foil. Bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. This gives the dish a nice crust. 4. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. - Ensure even mixing of ingredients: Mix all your chicken, ham, and cheeses well. This helps every bite taste great. - Choose the right casserole dish size: A 9x13-inch dish works best. It lets your casserole bake evenly. - Use pre-cooked chicken for convenience: Shredded chicken saves time. You can buy it ready-made or cook it ahead. - Overcooking the noodles: Cook them just until tender. They will cook more in the oven. - Skipping the seasoning: A pinch of salt and pepper makes big flavors. Don’t forget the spices! - Not allowing the casserole to cool before serving: Let it sit for a few minutes. This helps it hold its shape when you serve. Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker and more flavorful option, use store-bought rotisserie chicken, saving you time on cooking and shredding. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix and match cheeses based on your preference. Gruyère or mozzarella can add a unique twist to the flavor profile. Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Garnish for Freshness: Adding fresh herbs like thyme or chives can enhance the flavor and presentation of the casserole before serving. {{image_4}} You can make this casserole your own with some easy swaps. - Using turkey instead of chicken: Turkey works great if you have leftovers. It keeps the dish light and tasty. - Alternative cheeses for different flavors: Try gouda or provolone for a new twist. Each cheese adds its own flavor. - Gluten-free noodles option: Use gluten-free egg noodles if needed. They taste just as good! Get creative to make this dish even better. - Adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli: Toss in fresh spinach or tender broccoli. They add color and nutrients. - Experimenting with different mustards or spices: Change up the mustard. Honey mustard adds sweetness, while whole grain mustard brings a bite. Spices can also change the flavor profile. Try adding thyme or oregano. After you enjoy your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, you might have some left. To store it properly, let it cool down first. This step helps keep it fresh. Place the casserole in a glass or plastic container with a lid. If you don’t have a lid, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Use a container that is safe for the fridge. This will keep your leftovers tasty for about 3 to 4 days. When you're ready to eat your leftovers, reheating them right is key. The best way is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 to 25 minutes or until it’s hot all the way through. If you’re short on time, you can use the microwave. Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. Heat for about 1 to 2 minutes. Check if it's warm enough. If not, heat in 30-second bursts until it’s hot. Enjoy your delicious casserole! Can I make this casserole in advance? Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. Just assemble all the ingredients but do not bake it. Cover the dish and store it in the fridge. When ready, bake it as directed. This makes meal prep easy and saves time on busy nights. How do I freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole? To freeze the casserole, first let it cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Label it with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake it as usual. What sides pair well with this dish? This casserole pairs nicely with light sides. A fresh green salad adds a crunchy texture. Steamed veggies like broccoli or carrots also work well. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the cheesy goodness. This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole combines tasty layers of chicken, ham, and lots of cheese. You learned how to prepare it step by step and avoid common mistakes. Remember to mix ingredients well and choose the right dish size. If you want to switch things up, there are many ingredient variations to try. Now, with the right storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your leftovers too. Dive into your cooking adventure, and make this dish your own!$

Cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

A creamy and cheesy casserole featuring shredded chicken, ham, and two types of cheese, baked to perfection.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
1 cup thinly sliced ham
1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
1 cup cream of chicken soup
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
8 ounces egg noodles, cooked and drained
to taste Salt and pepper
for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's ready for baking.
In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the shredded chicken, sliced ham, Swiss cheese, and half of the cheddar cheese (1/2 cup).
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and well-blended.
Add the cooked and drained egg noodles into the chicken and ham mixture, mixing gently. Pour the creamy soup mixture over the top and stir until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Carefully transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure uniform baking.
Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top of the casserole for a delicious cheesy crust.
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture, and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
After 25 minutes, remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven to bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and has turned a lovely golden brown.
Once fully baked, allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish generously with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

Notes

Serve warm with a light green salad or steamed vegetables.

Keyword casserole, cheesy, chicken, comfort food