Ingredients

• 1 (8-ounce) package wide egg noodles
• 2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast
• 8 ounces cooked ham, cubed
• 8 ounces Swiss cheese, cubed
• 1 (10.5-ounce) can reduced-fat, reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup 2% milk
• 1/2 cup light sour cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Prep Time, Cook Time, and Total Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories per Serving: 430 kcal

Steps to Prepare

1. Prepare the Egg Noodles:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Combine the Base Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cubed ham, and Swiss cheese. Add the cooked egg noodles to the mixture and toss gently to combine.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, and sour cream. Pour this mixture over the noodle and meat mixture. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter. Transfer the noodle mixture to the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly.
5. Prepare the Topping:
   In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the seasoned bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese until combined. Sprinkle this crumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
6. Bake:
   Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
7. Serve:
   Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Pair it with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Why This Recipe is Timeless

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole captures the essence of classic French cuisine in a dish that is easy to prepare and enjoy. The combination of chicken, ham, and cheese has been a beloved flavor profile for decades, often seen in traditional dinner parties and elegant restaurant menus. This casserole modernizes the classic cordon bleu by eliminating the need for stuffing and breading the chicken, making it a practical option for everyday cooking.

Its creamy texture, savory flavors, and golden crust make it irresistible, while its simple preparation ensures it remains accessible to home cooks of all skill levels. The dish’s adaptability—it works just as well with leftover turkey or different types of cheese—ensures it can be tailored to suit various preferences and occasions.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 430 kcal
• Protein: 28 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg
• Sodium: 820 mg
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 3 g

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before placing it in the oven.

2. Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole and wrap it tightly in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

3. Can I substitute the cheese?
Of course! While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can use mozzarella, cheddar, or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.

Tips for Success

• Use Leftover Meat: This recipe is a great way to use leftover rotisserie chicken or holiday ham.
• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cook them just until al dente, as they’ll continue to cook in the oven.
• Add Veggies: For a nutritional boost, consider adding steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach to the casserole.
• Bread Crumb Variations: Try panko breadcrumbs for a crispier topping, or mix in fresh herbs for extra flavor.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven.
2. Freezing: Freeze the baked casserole for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Conclusion

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole isn’t just another recipe—it’s a dish that embodies the essence of comfort food, bringing a sense of warmth and familiarity to any table it graces. It takes the flavors of the beloved Chicken Cordon Bleu, a dish often reserved for fancy dinners, and transforms them into a simple, no-fuss casserole that anyone can make at home. Its creamy texture, golden breadcrumb topping, and the perfect balance of savory chicken, ham, and cheese make it a meal that’s not only satisfying but unforgettable.

What makes this casserole truly remarkable is its ability to connect people. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, preparing it for a potluck, or serving it at a holiday gathering, it has the power to bring smiles and start conversations. It’s a recipe that feels like home, yet it carries the elegance of a classic dish that has been cherished for generations.

This casserole is also a testament to how food can evolve to fit our busy lifestyles without losing its heart. The traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu, while delicious, can be time-consuming and challenging for the everyday cook. This casserole keeps all the best parts—the flavors, the textures, the indulgence—but packages them in a way that makes them accessible to anyone, no matter their cooking experience or time constraints.