Ah, the magic of a good casserole! There’s something so comforting and satisfying about throwing a bunch of tasty ingredients into one dish and coming out with a delightful meal. One-Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole has become one of my absolute favorites, especially when I’m feeling a bit lazy but still want to impress my family. It’s a dish that combines the flavors of classic chicken cordon bleu with the ease of a casserole – what’s not to love?
Let me tell you, this dish has saved many of my weeknight dinners. I vividly remember the first time I made this for my best friend. We had planned a fun girls’ night in—just good food, laughter, and perhaps a little too much wine. With my kitchen skills slightly below average that day, I whipped this casserole up and, oh boy, was it a hit! We devoured it while reminiscing about our college days, and I knew right then it was a keeper. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and make this delightful casserole together!
What’s in One-Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole?
Cooked Chicken: Perfect for using up leftovers or rotisserie chicken. Shred or dice it to mix it seamlessly into the casserole.
Cooked Ham: A key player in this dish! Diced ham adds that salty, savory kick we all love.
Broccoli Florets: Fresh or frozen, broccoli adds a pop of color and nutrition. Plus, it just feels good putting a veggie in the mix!
Cooked White Rice (or Pasta): I typically go with rice since it soaks up the flavors beautifully. But if pasta is your jam, feel free to use it!
Swiss Cheese: Oh, the melty goodness! Swiss cheese provides that creamy texture and a subtle nutty flavor that’s just divine.
Cream of Chicken Soup: The sauce base! It keeps everything moist and flavorful. Feel free to use a low-sodium version if you’re looking to be healthier.
Milk: To thin out the cream of chicken soup and add extra creaminess. I usually go for whole milk, but any type you have on hand will do.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These little guys add depth to the flavor profile. A pinch of garlic can elevate any dish, in my opinion!
Salt and Pepper: Always essential. Season to taste to ensure everything bursts with flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Panko adds a delightful crispy topping, but regular breadcrumbs work just as well if that’s what you’ve got in the pantry.
Butter: Melted to coat the breadcrumbs—talk about a crunch factor!
Fresh Parsley: This is optional, but a sprinkle of chopped parsley not only makes it look pretty but adds a fresh note!
Is One-Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Good for You?
Absolutely! But like everything, moderation is key. This dish is not only delicious but also filling, thanks to the combination of protein from the chicken and ham, and the fiber from broccoli.
Chicken is packed with lean protein that helps build and repair tissues, while ham provides additional protein along with some essential vitamins and minerals. Adding in broccoli gives this casserole a boost of vitamins K and C, and let’s not forget about the fiber that helps keep our digestive system happy.
However, if you’re keeping a close eye on your sodium intake, just be cautious of the canned cream of chicken soup and diced ham. Opting for low-sodium versions can help make this dish a bit healthier!
Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
– 1 cup cooked ham, diced
– 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
– 1 cup cooked white rice (or pasta)
– 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
– 1 cup cream of chicken soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
*Serves 4-6 people*
How to Make One-Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole?
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, diced ham, broccoli, cooked rice (or pasta), and shredded Swiss cheese.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken and veggie blend, stirring until everything is evenly coated.
4. Transfer the mixture to a large casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
5. In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter, stirring until the breadcrumbs are well coated.
6. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before garnishing with fresh parsley.
9. Serve warm and enjoy your One-Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole!
Crunchy, Creamy Goodness — Tips & Tricks!
– For a little extra zing, consider adding a dash of mustard to the cream of chicken soup mixture. It adds that classic flavor you find in traditional chicken cordon bleu.
– If you want to jazz it up even more, toss in some sautéed mushrooms or diced bell peppers.
– This casserole can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge for a couple of days, making it a great option for meal prepping!
Give this dish a try, and I promise it will become a staple in your kitchen just as it did in mine. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you, so don’t forget to share your thoughts. Happy cooking!
