Chicken Cordon Bleu Classic (Printable Recipe)
Layers of chicken, ham, Swiss cheese with creamy sauce and crispy panko topping, perfect for family dinners.
# Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Protein Components
01 -
5 cups shredded cooked chicken
02 -
9 ounces sliced deli-style black forest ham, cut into strips
03 -
8 ounces sliced Swiss cheese (approximately 12 thin slices)
→ Sauce
04 -
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 -
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
06 -
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional)
07 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
08 -
½ teaspoon salt
09 -
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
10 -
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
11 -
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
12 -
3 cups whole milk
→ Topping
13 -
1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs
14 -
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
15 -
Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
02 -
Evenly spread 5 cups of shredded cooked chicken in the prepared dish.
03 -
Layer 9 ounces of sliced black forest ham, cut into strips, evenly over the chicken.
04 -
Place 8 ounces of Swiss cheese slices over the ham, overlapping slices to cover the surface.
05 -
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons unsalted butter. Whisk in Dijon mustard, lemon juice (if using), garlic powder, salt, nutmeg (if using), and cayenne pepper (if using).
06 -
Sprinkle 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour into the butter mixture, whisking continuously until a paste forms.
07 -
Slowly whisk in 3 cups whole milk in increments of ¼ cup, ensuring a smooth mixture before adding more.
08 -
Allow sauce to simmer for 4 minutes while whisking occasionally until thickened.
09 -
Evenly pour the prepared sauce over the cheese layer, spreading carefully to reach all corners.
10 -
In a small bowl, combine 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs with 4 tablespoons softened butter. Spread mixture evenly on top of the sauce.
11 -
Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes, until sauce is bubbling and breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
12 -
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to set the sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
For a gluten-free variation, substitute all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. Using high-quality ham and cheese will enhance flavor. The casserole can be customized by adding vegetables like spinach.