Description

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a comforting, cheesy baked dish combining shredded chicken, turkey breast strips, and Swiss cheese, enveloped in a creamy, flavorful sauce and topped with buttery Panko breadcrumbs. Perfect for a hearty family meal, it offers all the classic cordon bleu flavors in a convenient casserole form.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Casserole:

5 cups shredded cooked chicken
9 oz sliced turkey breast, cut into strips
8 oz sliced Swiss cheese

For the Sauce:

6 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
6 tbsp all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk

For the Topping:

1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs
4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
Chopped parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and allow for easy cleanup.
Layer the Casserole: Begin by spreading the shredded cooked chicken evenly in the casserole dish. Next, layer the turkey breast strips over the chicken, and then top with the slices of Swiss cheese, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
Make the Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the Dijon mustard, optional lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper until combined. Gradually whisk in the flour to make a roux, then slowly add the whole milk while whisking continuously. Let the sauce simmer gently, stirring frequently, until it thickens to a creamy consistency. Pour the completed sauce evenly over the layered casserole to bind the ingredients together.
Prepare the Topping: In a bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs with the softened butter, mixing until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this buttery breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a crunchy, golden crust upon baking.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy. Once baked, optionally garnish with chopped parsley for a touch of freshness and color before serving.

Notes

Use leftover roasted chicken for ease and flavor.
Lemon juice in the sauce adds a subtle brightness but can be omitted if preferred.
For a lower-fat version, substitute whole milk with 2% or skim milk and reduce butter slightly.
Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crunchier topping than regular breadcrumbs.
Ensure all layers are evenly distributed for balanced flavor.
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set before serving.