Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole 

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole 🧀🍗🥓

All the flavors of the classic dish—minus the fuss!

Ingredients (Serves 6-8):

• 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded (rotisserie works great!)

• 1½ cups diced ham (or Canadian bacon)

• 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (or Gruyère)

• 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup butter, melted

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, for tang)

• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish

For the Creamy Sauce:

• ¼ cup butter

• ¼ cup flour

• 2 cups milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• ¼ tsp paprika

Instructions:

1. Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Make the sauce:

   • Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux (1 min).

   • Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Simmer 3-5 mins until thickened.

3. Layer:

   • Spread chicken and ham in the baking dish. Pour sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle with Swiss cheese.

4. Top: Mix panko with melted butter (and Dijon, if using), then sprinkle over the cheese.

5. Bake: 25-30 mins until bubbly and golden. Broil 1-2 mins for extra crispiness.

6. Garnish with parsley and serve hot!

Tips & Variations:

• Crispy twist: Add ½ cup crushed French-fried onions to the panko topping.

• Lighter version: Use turkey ham and low-fat cheese.

• Pasta addition: Toss in 2 cups cooked penne or egg noodles for a heartier bake.

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with protein—this casserole is comfort food at its finest! 😊🍽️

(Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.)