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Turn the elegant flavors of chicken cordon bleu into a comforting casserole that's perfect for any night of the week. This version skips the rolling and stuffing but keeps all the creamy, cheesy goodness you love. The homemade Dijon sauce takes it from good to absolutely memorable.
Last month, I served this at a dinner party and my guests couldn't believe it wasn't from a fancy restaurant. The homemade sauce makes all the difference.
Essential Ingredients Guide
- Rotisserie chicken: Creates a tender, flavorful base
- Quality ham: Adds that classic cordon bleu taste
- Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully for authentic flavor
- Fresh broccoli: Brightens the dish with color and crunch
- Real butter: Essential for that rich, velvety sauce
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Detailed Instructions
- Sauce Symphony
- Start with a butter and garlic base, then whisk in flour until it smells nutty and delicious.
- Liquid Love
- Gradually add your broth and milk, creating a smooth, velvety sauce.
- Dijon Magic
- Whisk in that tangy Dijon mustard - it's what makes this dish special.
- Layer Logic
- Build your layers thoughtfully - each component should have its moment to shine.
- Crispy Crown
- Top it all with buttery panko for that irresistible golden crunch.
I discovered that bringing the milk to room temperature prevents any chance of the sauce breaking. My mother-in-law, who's notorious for being particular about casseroles, actually asked for this recipe twice!
Perfect Pairings
A crisp green salad with light vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully. Some garlic bread on the side is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that Dijon sauce. For a complete meal, roasted asparagus adds an elegant touch that complements the flavors perfectly.
Make It Your Own
Try swapping in Gruyere cheese for an extra nutty flavor. Sometimes I add sautéed mushrooms between the layers - they add wonderful earthiness. For a kick, adding a bit of whole grain mustard along with the Dijon creates amazing depth.
Storage Success
This casserole keeps beautifully in an airtight container for up to four days. When freezing, wrap it well and leave off the panko topping - add fresh crumbs when you're ready to reheat.
Next-Day Magic
Reheat individual portions covered with foil to keep them moist. A fresh sprinkle of panko on top brings back that delightful crunch.
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Through many variations of this recipe, I've learned that transforming a classic doesn't mean losing its elegance. This casserole version of Chicken Cordon Bleu brings all the sophistication of the original to your table, but in a way that's more shareable and, honestly, more enjoyable. It's become my go-to for everything from family dinners to special occasions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this ahead?
- Yes, assemble up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if cooking from cold.
- → How do I store leftovers?
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 3 months. Reheat in microwave or oven until hot.
- → Can I use different cheese?
- While Swiss is traditional, Gruyere or provolone work well as alternatives.
- → Can I skip the broccoli?
- Yes, you can omit it or replace with another vegetable like asparagus or green beans.
- → Why use unsalted butter?
- Unsalted butter lets you control saltiness since ham, cheese, and mustard already add salt.