Effortless Family Favorite: The Ultimate One-Pan Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
Searching for a dinner recipe that combines gourmet flavor with effortless preparation? Look no further than this incredible Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. It’s the quintessential comfort food, reimagined into an easy-to-assemble, one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights or special holiday gatherings. Just layer your ingredients into a single casserole dish, bake, and get ready to enjoy a hearty, satisfying dinner that the entire family will adore. This recipe brings the classic flavors of chicken cordon bleu – tender chicken, savory ham, and melty Swiss cheese – together in a delicious, creamy casserole format, simplifying a traditionally more complex dish without sacrificing any of its beloved taste. (This post is proudly sponsored by Foster Farms, bringing you fresh, quality chicken for your family meals.)
Every family cherishes their own unique holiday traditions, especially when it comes to the festive dinner table. Growing up, our Christmas dinners weren’t tied to a specific dish. Instead, my mom had a wonderful approach: she’d ask us, “What culinary delight shall we enjoy for Christmas dinner this year?” This meant every year brought a delightful surprise – one year it might be a warming chili, another a creamy clam chowder, and I distinctly remember one unforgettable year where we savored classic chicken cordon bleu. Regardless of the main course, Mom always made the occasion feel incredibly special, adorning our dining table with her finest china and polished silverware. The magic wasn’t just in the food, but in the thoughtful presentation and the warmth of family gathering around.
Now, as a parent myself, I find myself embracing a similar philosophy for our holiday meals. While turkey and ham are traditional choices, I believe the heart of a holiday dinner lies in sharing a delicious meal that brings joy and ease to the cook. If the mood strikes for something a little different, something that feels both comforting and special without requiring hours in the kitchen, I’m all for it. That’s why this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole has become a strong contender for our festive table – it hits all the right notes of deliciousness and simplicity.
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, I’ve become a firm advocate for easy, fuss-free dinners. Maintaining sanity often means opting for meals that don’t demand excessive time or an arsenal of dirty dishes. And that, my friends, is precisely why I hold a deep appreciation for casseroles. Some may dismiss them, but I am, unequivocally, a devoted fan. What’s not to love about a dish that allows you to combine an array of ingredients, often requiring minimal pre-cooking, into a single baking vessel? The beauty of a casserole extends beyond its simplicity; it’s a testament to wholesome, comforting food that often tastes even better the next day. A true win-win, especially when the cleanup is as minimal as washing just one casserole dish. Score!
This particular Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole isn’t just easy; it’s one of the easiest and most satisfying meals you’ll ever prepare. Forget the intricate rolling and breading typically associated with traditional chicken cordon bleu. Here, we embrace a simplified yet equally flavorful approach. You simply layer all the fresh ingredients into one dish – from the succulent chicken and savory ham to the rich cheese and a creamy sauce – cover it with foil, and let your oven do the heavy lifting. The result is a wonderfully moist and tender chicken dish, enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce, topped with a delightful crunchy crust. It’s so incredibly delicious, in fact, that it’s high on my list for consideration as this year’s Christmas dinner centerpiece! Imagine serving a dish so impressive yet so easy, leaving you more time to cherish moments with loved ones.
For a recipe like Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, where chicken is the star, the quality of your poultry truly makes a difference. That’s why I confidently chose Foster Farms Fresh & Natural Chicken for this dish. Their commitment to freshness and quality is unparalleled, and it makes all the difference in the final taste and texture of your meal. I particularly appreciate their individual packaging, which is incredibly convenient. It allows you to use exactly what you need for a recipe, then easily store and freeze the remainder without the hassle of repackaging into plastic baggies or dealing with unnecessary waste. This thoughtful packaging ensures freshness and simplifies meal prep for busy home cooks.
What’s more, Foster Farms products are readily available at virtually every grocery store in my area, which I consider a huge advantage. And there’s a compelling reason for my enthusiasm: all Foster Farms fresh chicken products sold in California are locally grown right here in California! This dedication to local sourcing means the chicken travels shorter distances, ensuring it arrives on your dinner table fresher and tastier. This commitment to local agriculture has been a cornerstone of Foster Farms since its founding 76 years ago. Their chicken is delivered fresh from local ranches within an impressive 48 hours or less. Contrast this with some other chicken brands that might be trucked across the entire country, potentially taking up to a week to reach the West Coast – a thought that honestly makes me shudder. Choosing local not only supports regional farmers but also guarantees a superior product. Beyond freshness, Foster Farms also holds American Humane Certified status for all their fresh chicken products, providing peace of mind that you’re supporting ethical and responsible farming practices. It’s a choice you can feel good about, both for your family and for the animals.
To ensure your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips. First, ensure your chicken tenders are uniform in thickness for even cooking. If your chicken breasts are very thick, you might want to pound them slightly or cut them into smaller, more manageable pieces. Second, don’t skimp on crushing the cornflakes thoroughly; a finer crumb will create a more cohesive and evenly distributed crust. When pressing the cornflake mixture into the bottom of the casserole dish, make sure it forms a relatively firm base – this helps prevent sogginess and adds a wonderful textural contrast. Lastly, while the recipe calls for Monterey Jack, feel free to experiment with other melty cheeses like Gruyère or a good quality Swiss for a slightly different flavor profile. Serving this casserole with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables creates a balanced and complete meal.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
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Ingredients
- 4 cups cornflakes crushed
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese I used the powdered kind
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 2 1/2 lbs. Foster Farms chicken cut into tenders
- salt and pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheese I used Monterey Jack
- 6 ounces thinly sliced cooked ham
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
- 4 green onions diced
- 1 10.5-oz can reduced fat cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup plain low fat Greek yogurt
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350ºF.
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Combine crushed cornflakes, parmesan cheese and butter (I crushed my cornflakes in a large plastic baggie and then added the cheese and butter to it and tossed to combine). Place about 2/3 of the mixture on the bottom of a 9×13 casserole dish, pressing down to create a sort of crust.
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Top with chicken pieces in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper.
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Add mushrooms and green onions to the top of the chicken. Lay the pieces of ham evenly to cover the mushrooms.
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Mix soup, broth and yogurt with a whisk in a medium sized bowl. Pour over ham.
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Top with cheese and remaining cornflake mixture. Cover with foil. Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes. Take off foil and cook for about 15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and cheese is bubbly.
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Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Whether you’re planning a grand Christmas feast or simply seeking a delicious, easy-to-prepare weeknight dinner, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is an outstanding choice. It’s a comforting, flavor-packed dish that brings smiles to every face at the table. I genuinely hope you get the chance to try this wonderfully simple yet sophisticated recipe. From my kitchen to yours, happy holidays and happy cooking!
Looking for some more yummy chicken dinner recipes? Try these:
Cajun Chicken Pasta
Lemon-Rosemary Grilled Chicken
Orange Chicken Stir Fry
