Description
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a comforting, creamy dish featuring tender rotisserie chicken, savory black forest ham, and melty Swiss cheese layered beneath a rich homemade sauce, topped with a crispy breadcrumb and parmesan crust. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck, this baked casserole combines classic flavors with ease and warmth in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Base:
- 1 large rotisserie chicken, meat removed and pulled (about 5-6 cups)
- 1/2 pound sliced deli-style black forest ham, chopped
- 1/2 pound sliced Swiss cheese
Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 3 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Topping:
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 1/4 cups seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Casserole Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer the Base Ingredients: Spread the pulled rotisserie chicken evenly at the bottom of the dish, then layer chopped black forest ham on top, followed by slices of Swiss cheese to create the flavorful base layers.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and stir continuously with a rubber spatula to avoid burning until fragrant.
- Season and Thicken: Stir in salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and lemon juice to the melted butter and garlic. Whisk in 4 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Milk and Cook Sauce: Gradually whisk in 3 cups of milk, stirring frequently to prevent lumps. Increase heat to high and cook until the sauce thickens and reaches a rolling boil.
- Combine and Pour Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the layered chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese base in the casserole dish.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with seasoned bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese until the butter is well distributed.
- Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly for the perfect texture.
Notes
- You can substitute the rotisserie chicken with any leftover cooked chicken.
- Ensure you whisk the sauce continuously to avoid lumps.
- For a crispier topping, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- This casserole is great for meal prep and reheats well in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/10th of the casserole)
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
