Indulge in Comfort with Delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Dive into the comforting flavors of a classic Chicken Cordon Bleu in a convenient casserole form. This recipe combines tender rotisserie chicken, savory ham, and a luscious cheese sauce, all topped with a crispy Ritz cracker topping. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or craving a hearty meal, this casserole is sure to satisfy your cravings. Let’s explore how to create this mouthwatering dish step by step.
Ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 4 cups diced or shredded rotisserie chicken
- 3 cups diced ham
Cheese Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 -2 ½ cups milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛-¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese or Gruyere cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 pinches nutmeg (optional but recommended)
- 2 cups cooked white rice for serving
Cracker Topping:
- ⅓ cup butter, melted
- 1 ¼ sleeves Ritz crackers, crushed
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
Preparing the Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth and thickened.
- Add the Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and ground cayenne pepper. Stir to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste. Set aside.
Assembling the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In the prepared baking dish, layer the diced rotisserie chicken and diced ham.
- Pour the prepared cheese sauce over the chicken and ham, spreading it evenly.
Preparing the Cracker Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley.
- Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the cheese sauce layer.
Baking the Casserole:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
Serving:
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Serve the Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole hot over cooked white rice.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli, peas, or spinach to the casserole for added nutrition and flavor.
- Alternate Toppings: Instead of Ritz crackers, you can use breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for the topping.
- Creamy Cauliflower Sauce: For a keto-friendly version, substitute the flour-based cheese sauce with a creamy cauliflower sauce made from steamed cauliflower, heavy cream, and cheese.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto-Friendly Option:
- Substitute the all-purpose flour in the cheese sauce with almond flour or coconut flour for a low-carb alternative.
- Use unsweetened almond milk or heavy cream instead of regular milk to reduce the carb content.
- Omit the white rice and serve the casserole on a bed of cauliflower rice or alongside a fresh salad for a keto-friendly meal.
Low-Carb Twist:
- Reduce the amount of rice or omit it entirely to lower the carb content of the dish.
- Use crushed pork rinds or almond flour mixed with Parmesan cheese as a low-carb alternative for the cracker topping.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of rotisserie chicken? A: Yes, you can use leftover cooked chicken, such as roasted or grilled chicken breasts, in place of rotisserie chicken.
Q: Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the refrigerator, add the cracker topping, and bake as directed.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole? A: Yes, this casserole freezes well. After assembling but before baking, tightly cover the dish with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese in the sauce? A: Certainly! While Swiss cheese or Gruyere cheese are classic choices for Chicken Cordon Bleu, you can experiment with other cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone for a unique flavor twist.
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this delectable Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. With its layers of tender chicken, savory ham, and creamy cheese sauce, topped with a buttery Ritz cracker topping, this casserole is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is guaranteed to impress. So, gather your ingredients and prepare to delight your taste buds with this irresistible casserole creation. Bon appétit
