Introducing the ultimate comfort food mashup – the Quick and Delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with Rotisserie Chicken! This decadent dish combines the classic flavors of chicken cordon bleu with the convenience of pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, resulting in a comforting and irresistible meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Picture this: juicy rotisserie chicken nestled between layers of flavorful ham, melty Swiss cheese, and a creamy, savory sauce, all baked to golden perfection. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water, and the first bite will have you wondering why you haven’t been making this casserole your entire life.
But this recipe isn’t just about the incredible flavors – it’s also about the sheer convenience of it all. By using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, you can skip the time-consuming step of preparing the chicken from scratch, allowing you to get this delicious dish on the table in a fraction of the time. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want a homemade meal that doesn’t require hours of prep work.
Reasons This Recipe Will Become a Favorite
From the moment you take your first bite, you’ll understand why this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with Rotisserie Chicken is destined to become a household staple. The combination of the juicy, tender chicken, the salty and savory ham, the melty Swiss cheese, and the creamy, flavorful sauce is simply divine. And with the added convenience of using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, it’s a no-brainer for those nights when you want a comforting, homemade meal without the fuss.
But the appeal of this recipe goes beyond just the taste. The texture of the casserole is absolutely perfect, with a crispy, golden-brown top that gives way to a rich and creamy interior. And because it’s a casserole, it’s the kind of dish that’s easily customizable to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs, making it a versatile option that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Ingredients
• 8 oz deli-style ham, diced
• 8 oz shredded Swiss cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
The key ingredients in this recipe are the rotisserie chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese. The rotisserie chicken provides a delicious, juicy base for the casserole, while the ham and Swiss cheese add the signature flavors of chicken cordon bleu. The sour cream and cream of chicken soup create a creamy, savory sauce that ties everything together, and the panko breadcrumbs provide a satisfying crunch on top.
If you’re looking to make substitutions, you can use any type of pre-cooked chicken, such as leftover grilled or baked chicken. And if you’re not a fan of Swiss cheese, you can use cheddar or Monterey Jack instead. Just be sure to adjust the quantities as needed to ensure the right balance of flavors and textures.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, diced ham, and 6 oz of the shredded Swiss cheese. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, and black pepper until well blended. Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken and ham, and gently mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the chicken and ham mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining 2 oz of shredded Swiss cheese.
- Make the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and melted butter, mixing until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
- Bake the Casserole: Sprinkle the buttered panko breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Timing Overview
• Cook time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Nutritional Information
Nutritional information is an estimate per serving, based on 8 servings.
• Protein: 35 g
• Sodium: 1,002 mg
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fat: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
Customizing This Dish for Any Occasion
• To Make it Vegetarian: Replace the chicken and ham with sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or plant-based protein substitutes like cooked lentils or tofu. Adjust the seasoning and sauce as needed.
• To Add a Spicy Kick: Stir in a tablespoon or two of finely chopped jalapeño or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the creamy sauce mixture. You can also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking.
Restaurant-Style Plating at Home
• Garnish Suggestions: Garnish the top of the casserole with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
• Beverage Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, or a refreshing iced tea or lemonade.
How to Sidestep Common Cooking Pitfalls
• Mistake 2 – Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure all of your ingredients, especially the sour cream and cream of chicken soup, are at room temperature before assembling the casserole. This will help ensure a smooth, creamy texture in the final dish.
• Mistake 3 – Not Preheating the Oven: Properly preheating your oven is crucial for this recipe, as it allows the casserole to bake evenly and develop a beautifully golden-brown topping.
The Right Way to Store and Reheat This Recipe
• Freezing: This casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the casserole to an oven-safe dish and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the top is crispy once again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Swiss?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is the traditional choice for chicken cordon bleu, you can substitute it with other melty cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses. Just be sure to adjust the quantities to maintain the right balance of flavors and textures.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole dairy-free, you can replace the sour cream with a non-dairy alternative like cashew cream or coconut yogurt. For the cheese, opt for a dairy-free shredded cheese or omit it altogether. You may also need to use a dairy-free cream of chicken soup or make your own dairy-free version.
Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time and bake it later?
Yes, you can absolutely prepare this casserole in advance and bake it later. Simply assemble the casserole as directed, but do not add the breadcrumb topping. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, remove the casserole from the fridge, add the breadcrumb topping, and bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since the casserole will be cold.
How can I make the topping extra crispy?
To ensure a super crispy, golden-brown topping on your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, try mixing the panko breadcrumbs with a bit of grated Parmesan cheese and melted butter. The cheese will add an extra savory note and help the breadcrumbs crisp up even more in the oven.
Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of rotisserie?
Absolutely! If you have leftover cooked chicken on hand, you can certainly use that in place of the rotisserie chicken in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning and sauce as needed to account for the different flavor profile of your homemade cooked chicken.
Your Next Delicious Step
Now that you’ve discovered the ultimate Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with Rotisserie Chicken, it’s time to make it the star of your next weeknight meal or weekend gathering. Imagine the delight on your family’s faces as they dig into this irresistible dish, with its layers of tender chicken, savory ham, and melty cheese, all wrapped in a creamy, comforting sauce and topped with a satisfying crunch. This recipe is sure to become a new household favorite, so don’t hesitate to make it again and again.
Bon appétit!
Quick and Delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with Rotisserie Chicken
⏱️ Timing Overview
🥘 Ingredients
📝 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, diced ham, and 6 oz of the shredded Swiss cheese. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, and black pepper until well blended. Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken and ham, and gently mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the chicken and ham mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining 2 oz of shredded Swiss cheese.
- In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and melted butter, mixing until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the buttered panko breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
