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Take regular Chicken Cordon Bleu to a whole new level with this simple, hearty casserole version. Layers of juicy shredded chicken, tasty black forest ham, and melty Swiss cheese come together under a rich, tangy Dijon sauce and a crunchy Panko topping. It's fancy comfort food made super easy.
I've tweaked this dish many times in my kitchen, and I'm happy to say it brings all the good stuff from traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu without nearly as much work.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
- Chicken: Go for soft, shredded pieces for the right feel
- Ham: Black Forest variety adds the deepest taste
- Swiss Cheese: Fresh-cut slices melt way better
- Dijon Mustard: Brings that zingy flavor kick
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Makes that amazing crunchy layer
- Whole Milk: Gives you that velvety, thick sauce
Building Your Tasty Masterpiece
- Spread Your Chicken:
- Put chicken down evenly so every bite has some.
- Place The Ham:
- Cover completely with slices of ham.
- Load The Cheese:
- Arrange Swiss pieces so they slightly touch each other.
- Mix The Sauce:
- Stir gently until everything's smooth and creamy.
- Sprinkle The Top:
- Scatter buttery Panko mix all over.
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From my own cooking, I've found that taking your time with the sauce really makes all the difference. My cooking teacher always told me, 'The sauce isn't something to rush - it's what makes the whole dish special.'
Perfect Pairings
This tastes great with some roasted asparagus, a simple green salad, or buttery egg noodles on the side. For fancy dinners, try adding a little white wine sauce on top.
Mix It Up
Try switching things around by using Gruyère instead of Swiss, throwing in some cooked mushrooms, or adding layers of spinach. You can also mix herbs into your breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
Keeping Leftovers
You can keep this covered in your fridge for about three days. When you want to eat it again, warm it up in the oven to keep the top nice and crunchy.
After trying this recipe countless times, I can tell you it really hits that sweet spot between fancy cooking and everyday ease. When you take care with each step, you'll end up with something special enough for company but easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use precooked chicken?
- Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken keeps things simple.
- → Is this good for prepping ahead?
- You can assemble it a day in advance. Just leave off the breadcrumbs until you're ready to bake.
- → What pairs well with it?
- Try it with a crisp salad or some steamed veggies to round out the meal.
- → Can I freeze it before baking?
- Freeze without the crumb topping. Defrost overnight and add the Panko before cooking.
- → How do I fix a runny sauce?
- Stir the flour in fully and slowly cook before adding the milk, whisking the whole time.