Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Shred or Cube the Chicken:
- Use pre-cooked chicken to save time. Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this.
- Dice the Ham:
- Cut the ham into bite-sized pieces for easy layering.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
- Blend the Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Add the Cheese:
- Stir in 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese until fully incorporated.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Layer the Ingredients:
- Spread the shredded chicken evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Scatter the diced ham over the chicken.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the top, spreading it evenly to cover the chicken and ham.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Swiss cheese over the sauce.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
Step 4: Bake
- Cook the Casserole:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
- Cool Slightly:
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the layers set.
Tips for Success
- Chicken Alternatives: If you don’t have cooked chicken, you can cook and shred chicken breasts or thighs.
- Ham Substitutes: Try turkey or prosciutto for a different flavor profile.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking.
- Freezing: Freeze the assembled casserole (without the topping) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add the topping before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this hearty casserole with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. Garlic bread or dinner rolls also make excellent accompaniments.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is the perfect dish for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or potlucks. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of comforting flavors that everyone will love. Give it a try—you’ll be making it again and again!