Description

Chicken cordon bleu casserole is a hearty, creamy casserole combining tender penne pasta, savory chicken, ham, and a rich Swiss cheese sauce, topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs for a satisfying twist on the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or as a homemade meal that feeds a crowd. Easily paired with steamed vegetables, garlic bread, or fresh salads.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

– 16 oz penne pasta (substitute gluten-free pasta if needed)

– ¼ cup unsalted butter (preferably Kerrygold; substitute plant-based butter for vegan diets)

– 2 tbsp freshly minced garlic

– ¼ cup all-purpose flour (substitute gluten-free flour if needed)

– 2 cups chicken broth

– 2 cups heavy cream (substitute plant-based cream for vegan diets)

– 2 tbsp smooth Dijon mustard

– 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

– 1 tbsp brown sugar

– ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste; substitute low-sodium options if needed)

– ¼ tsp black pepper

– 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (substitute Gruyere or Monterey Jack if needed)

– 16 oz cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (use rotisserie chicken for convenience)

– 16 oz chopped ham (high-quality like Boar’s Head recommended)

For the Topping:

– 2 tbsp melted butter

– ½ tsp garlic powder

– ½ cup panko bread crumbs

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
Cook penne pasta according to package instructions, drain, and transfer to the prepared dish, spreading evenly.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and flour, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream until smooth. Stir in Dijon mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in shredded Swiss cheese until melted. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta in the baking dish.
Evenly sprinkle cooked chicken over the pasta, followed by chopped ham.
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, garlic powder, and panko bread crumbs. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the casserole for extra crispiness.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Notes

– Use freshly minced garlic for maximum flavor. Substitute plant-based ingredients for vegan diets.

– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Freeze portions for longer storage; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Avoid microwaving for too long to preserve texture.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish / Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American / Comfort Food

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: ~450
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 100mg