Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dish
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a beloved classic, but sometimes you crave those comforting flavors without all the fuss. That’s where this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole comes in! This recipe takes all the delicious elements of traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu and transforms them into an easy-to-make and satisfying casserole dish. With creamy sauce, tender chicken, and layers of Swiss cheese, this hearty casserole is sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply craving a cozy meal, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is the perfect solution.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Cavatappi Pasta
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) Cream of Chicken Soup
- 2 cups Half and Half
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon seasonal salt (such as Lawry’s)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups Swiss cheese, grated
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, diced
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the cavatappi pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, half and half, Dijon mustard, chopped parsley, seasonal salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: In the prepared baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta, followed by half of the diced rotisserie chicken and half of the grated Swiss cheese. Pour half of the sauce mixture evenly over the cheese layer. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, chicken, cheese, and sauce.
- Top with Bread Crumbs: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, plain bread crumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped parsley, if desired, and enjoy!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Add Ham: For a more traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu flavor, add diced ham to the casserole layers along with the chicken.
- Use Different Pasta: Feel free to swap out the cavatappi pasta for your favorite pasta shape, such as penne, rotini, or fusilli.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free bread crumbs to make this casserole gluten-free.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate diced vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or broccoli for added flavor and nutrients.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Low-Carb Pasta Alternatives: Substitute the cavatappi pasta with low-carb options such as zucchini noodles (zoodles) or shirataki noodles to reduce the carb content of the dish.
- Keto-Friendly Bread Crumbs: Use crushed pork rinds or almond flour mixed with grated Parmesan cheese as a low-carb alternative to bread crumbs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply bake as directed when ready to serve.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Once cooled, portion the leftovers into airtight containers or freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q: Can I use cooked chicken breast instead of rotisserie chicken? A: Yes, cooked chicken breast works well in this recipe. Simply dice cooked chicken breast and use it in place of the rotisserie chicken.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that brings all the flavors of the classic recipe to the table with minimal effort. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy goodness, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, potluck, or weeknight meal prep, this casserole is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious taste of Chicken Cordon Bleu in casserole form!
