Imagine sinking your fork into a bubbling, golden-topped casserole that melds the comfort of homemade cooking with the elegance of a French dish. Campbell's Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole brings this delightful combination to your dinner table with simplicity and speed. This dish encapsulates the essence of chicken cordon bleu—tender chicken, savory ham, and rich, gooey cheese—layered with creamy soup and topped with a crunchy, buttery breadcrumb mixture. In this post, we'll guide you through making this crowd-pleasing recipe, ensuring your next family dinner is both sophisticated and straightforward.
What is Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Before diving into the casserole version, let’s understand the original dish. Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic French dish where a chicken breast is stuffed with ham and cheese, then rolled, breaded, and fried or baked. This technique not only imparts deep flavors but also keeps the chicken incredibly moist. The casserole adaptation transforms this labor-intensive dish into an easy-to-prepare meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients for Campbell’s Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cups of cooked, cubed chicken
- 1 can (10.5 oz) of Campbell’s Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1⁄2 cup of milk
- 1⁄2 cup of mayonnaise
- 1 cup of Swiss cheese, grated
- 1 cup of cheddar cheese, grated
- 1⁄2 cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
- 8 oz of cooked ham, diced
- 1⁄4 cup of green onions, chopped
- 1 cup of seasoned bread crumbs
- 3 tablespoons of melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Mix Your Base Layer
In a large bowl, combine the following:
- Cream of chicken soup
- Milk
- Mayonnaise
Whisk these ingredients until smooth. Add the cooked chicken, diced ham, Swiss and cheddar cheese, green onions, and season with salt and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly coated. Pour this mixture into your prepared dish.
3. Top with Breadcrumb Mixture
In a separate bowl, mix the bread crumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle this evenly over the chicken mixture, followed by a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese.
4. Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole for about 25 to 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling. Here’s what you’re looking for:
- A crispy, golden brown top
- A casserole that’s bubbling around the edges
⚠️ Note: If the breadcrumbs brown too quickly, cover with foil and continue baking.
Serving Suggestions
Once your casserole is baked, let it rest for a few minutes to cool slightly before serving. Here are some serving ideas:
- Side Dishes: Accompany with roasted vegetables like asparagus or carrots for a balanced meal.
- Salads: A light, green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a fresh contrast to the rich casserole.
- Wines: For those looking to pair with wine, consider a light and crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the creaminess.
Notes on Customization
- Feel free to substitute the cheeses based on your taste preferences. Provolone or Gruyère could be excellent alternatives.
- If you want to make it healthier, replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or use a lighter version of Campbell’s soup.
As we wrap up this guide to Campbell's Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, let's reflect on what makes this dish so special. It's not just about the flavors; it's the ease with which you can bring a gourmet experience to your kitchen. This recipe melds the comforting, home-cooked feel with the sophistication of a classic French dish, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or gatherings where you want to impress with minimal effort. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or tweak it to your liking, the essence of a delicious, hearty meal remains, proving that sometimes, less is indeed more.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
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Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Cover it with foil and refrigerate. When ready to cook, allow it to come to room temperature before baking as per the instructions.
What are some vegetarian substitutions for this recipe?
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You can substitute the chicken and ham with mushrooms, tofu, or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat. Use vegetable stock in place of the chicken soup base if needed.
How do I reheat leftovers?
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The best way to reheat this casserole is in the oven at a low temperature like 300°F (150°C) until heated through. This helps maintain the texture and prevents the cheese from becoming rubbery.
