If you're craving a comforting, yet impressively elegant meal, this Golden Chicken Cordon Casserole is just the dish for you. It combines the classic flavors of chicken cordon bleu with the ease of a casserole, making it a perfect choice for a family dinner or a special occasion.
Chicken breasts serve as the hearty base, offering a lean protein that absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully. Layering on sliced ham adds a savory depth, while Swiss cheese melts into a luscious layer that ties everything together. The heavy cream forms the base of the rich sauce, which is thickened slightly with all-purpose flour and flavored with Dijon mustard for a tangy kick. Breadcrumbs, mixed with melted butter, create a golden, crispy topping. Seasonings like salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder enhance the flavors, making every bite a delight.
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, consider serving it with roasted potatoes or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. A crisp, white wine like Chardonnay would complement the creamy sauce beautifully.
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and give your 9x13 inch baking dish a nice greasing. This ensures that our casserole won't stick and makes for an easier cleanup later. Next, grab your chicken breasts. Season them well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, and then arrange them snugly in your prepared dish.
Layer the sliced ham right over the chicken. Make sure each piece of chicken gets a generous layer — you want that savory ham flavor to shine through. Then, cover the ham with slices of Swiss cheese. This will melt beautifully over the chicken and ham, creating a gooey, cheesy layer.
Now, let's tackle the sauce. In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and flour until it's nice and smooth. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the chicken, ham, and cheese. Don't worry if it looks a bit runny; it will thicken as it bakes.
For the topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter in another bowl. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of your casserole — this will crisp up nicely in the oven.
Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and let it bake for 35-40 minutes. You're looking for the chicken to be cooked through and the top to reach a lovely golden brown. Once done, let it cool for about 5 minutes before you dig in. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and makes serving easier.
Share