Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 8 slices ham, chopped
• 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
• 1 cup cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole will cook evenly and achieve the perfect golden top.
2. Prepare the Casserole Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and chopped ham. These two ingredients will form the heart of the casserole, so make sure they’re evenly mixed. Add in the shredded Swiss cheese, and toss everything together to distribute the cheese evenly among the chicken and ham.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This mixture will bring the creamy richness that Chicken Cordon Bleu is known for. Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and ham mixture and stir everything together until fully coated.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the chicken and ham mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it evenly to ensure that every bite will be packed with delicious flavors. The casserole base should be rich and creamy, with all of the ingredients nicely blended.
5. Prepare the Crunchy Topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Stir well until the breadcrumbs are fully coated with the butter. This will create a crunchy topping that adds the perfect contrast to the creamy casserole beneath. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the casserole, making sure to cover the entire surface.
6. Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy, and the casserole is bubbling. The cheese should be melted, and the entire dish should be hot and inviting.
7. Garnish and Serve: Once your casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to settle and make it easier to scoop out. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a touch of color and a burst of freshness.