Chicken Cordon Bleu and Rice Casserole recipe

Chicken Cordon Bleu. Just the name evokes images of elegant dinners and fancy restaurants. But let’s be honest, sometimes we crave that classic flavor without the fuss of stuffing and breading individual chicken breasts. That’s where this Chicken Cordon Bleu and Rice Casserole comes in – a total weeknight win! I stumbled upon this recipe when searching for a way to get that beloved Cordon Bleu taste on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. And let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. It’s all the comforting flavors of ham, Swiss cheese, and tender chicken, beautifully melded together in a creamy rice casserole. My family, who are notorious for their casserole skepticism, absolutely devour this dish. It’s become a regular request, and I love how easy it is to throw together. This casserole is pure comfort food, simplified and streamlined for modern life. Get ready to experience the classic Cordon Bleu flavors in a cozy, family-friendly casserole that will become a new weeknight staple in your home!

Gather Your Ingredients: What You Need for Chicken Cordon Bleu Rice Casserole

This recipe utilizes pantry staples and readily available ingredients to bring the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu flavors to a comforting casserole form. Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need to create this family-friendly meal:

• Chicken: 1.5 lbs (approximately 700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes. Chicken breast provides the lean protein base for this casserole. Ensure the chicken is cut into even-sized pieces for consistent cooking.
• Cooked Rice: 3 cups of cooked rice (white or brown rice, long-grain or medium-grain). Cooked rice forms the hearty base of the casserole. Using leftover rice is a great time-saver. You can use white rice for a classic casserole texture, or brown rice for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
• Ham: 8 oz (approximately 225g) cooked ham, diced. Diced ham provides the signature salty and savory element of Chicken Cordon Bleu. Use deli ham, leftover holiday ham, or cooked ham steak, diced into small pieces.
• Swiss Cheese: 6 oz (approximately 170g) Swiss cheese, shredded. Swiss cheese is essential for that classic Cordon Bleu flavor. Shredded Swiss cheese melts beautifully into the casserole, creating a cheesy and gooey texture.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 can (10.75 oz or approximately 300g) condensed cream of chicken soup. Cream of chicken soup forms the creamy base of the casserole and binds the ingredients together. For a richer flavor, you can use “golden” cream of chicken soup.
• Milk: ½ cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy). Milk thins out the cream of chicken soup and adds moisture to the casserole, creating a creamy sauce. You can use whole milk, 2% milk, or non-dairy alternatives like almond milk or oat milk.
• Dry White Wine (Optional): ¼ cup of dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc). White wine adds depth of flavor and complexity to the sauce. If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute with chicken broth.
• Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and enhances the savory flavors of the casserole.
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Onion powder adds a subtle onion flavor throughout the casserole.
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Garlic powder provides a savory garlic note.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon of salt, or to taste. Salt enhances all the flavors in the casserole. Be mindful of the salt content in the ham and cream of chicken soup.
• Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, or to taste. Freshly ground black pepper is preferred for the best flavor.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons of butter, melted. Melted butter is used to sauté the chicken and adds richness to the casserole.
• Breadcrumbs (Optional Topping): ½ cup of breadcrumbs (panko or Italian breadcrumbs). Breadcrumbs add a crispy topping to the casserole. Panko breadcrumbs provide extra crunch.
• Fresh Parsley (Optional Garnish): 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness as a garnish.

Step-by-Step Comfort: Instructions for Chicken Cordon Bleu Rice Casserole

Creating this comforting and flavorful casserole is a breeze. Follow these simple steps to bring it to life:

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This prevents the casserole from sticking and makes serving easier.
2. Sauté Chicken: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and sauté until cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season the chicken with salt and pepper while sautéing. Cooking the chicken before adding it to the casserole ensures it’s fully cooked and adds a layer of flavor through browning.
3. Prepare Sauce Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, milk, white wine (if using), Dijon mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until smooth and well combined. This mixture forms the creamy and flavorful sauce for the casserole.
4. Combine Casserole Ingredients: Add the cooked rice, diced ham, and shredded Swiss cheese to the bowl with the sauce mixture. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly, ensuring the rice, ham, and cheese are coated in the creamy sauce.
5. Pour into Baking Dish: Pour the casserole mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
6. Optional Breadcrumb Topping: If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole. This adds a crispy and textural element to the finished dish.
7. Bake to Golden Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through, bubbly around the edges, and the breadcrumb topping (if used) is golden brown. The cheese should be melted and gooey, and the casserole should be heated throughout.
8. Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly and makes serving easier. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot and enjoy this comforting and flavorful Chicken Cordon Bleu Rice Casserole!

Nutritional Information: A Look at the Goodness Inside

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Rice Casserole is a comforting and satisfying meal that provides a good source of protein and carbohydrates. Here’s a general nutritional breakdown per serving (estimated, based on a recipe serving 8 people and can vary depending on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes):

• Servings per recipe: 8 servings
• Serving Size: Approximately 1 generous cup of casserole

Approximate Nutrition Facts Per Serving (estimated):

• Calories: 350-450 kcal
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fat: 15-20g (depending on the fat content of ham and cheese)
• Saturated Fat: 8-12g
• Cholesterol: 80-100mg
• Sodium: 700-900mg (can be higher depending on ham and soup choices)
• Carbohydrates: 25-35g
• Fiber: 1-2g (higher if using brown rice)
• Sugar: 3-5g (naturally occurring sugars and sugars in processed ingredients)

Key Nutritional Considerations:

• Good Source of Protein: Chicken and ham provide a significant amount of protein, essential for muscle building and satiety.
• Source of Carbohydrates: Rice provides carbohydrates for energy. Choosing brown rice will increase fiber content.
• Moderate in Fat: The casserole contains a moderate amount of fat, primarily from cheese and cream of chicken soup. Using leaner ham and reduced-fat cream of chicken soup can reduce fat content.
• Sodium Content: Be mindful of the sodium content, which can be relatively high due to the ham and cream of chicken soup. Using low-sodium cream of chicken soup and reduced-sodium ham can help lower sodium levels.
• Calcium: Swiss cheese provides calcium, important for bone health.

Tips for a Healthier Casserole:

• Use Brown Rice: Substitute white rice with brown rice for added fiber and nutrients.
• Leaner Ham: Choose lean ham or reduced-sodium ham to lower fat and sodium content.
• Reduced-Fat Cream of Chicken Soup: Use reduced-fat cream of chicken soup to reduce fat content.
• Increase Vegetables: Add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers to the casserole for added nutrients and fiber.
• Top with Fresh Herbs: Garnish generously with fresh parsley or chives for added vitamins and freshness.

Preparation Timeline: Streamlining Your Casserole Creation

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Rice Casserole is designed for ease and efficiency, making it a perfect weeknight meal solution.

• Prep Time: 20-25 minutes (including chopping chicken, ham, cheese, and sautéing chicken)
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 45-55 minutes

Time-Saving Strategies for Quick Weeknight Dinners:

• Use Pre-Cooked Rice: Using leftover rice or pre-cooked rice pouches significantly reduces prep time.
• Pre-Shredded Cheese: Purchase pre-shredded Swiss cheese to save time on shredding.
• Diced Ham from Deli: Ask your deli counter to dice ham for you, or buy pre-diced ham if available.
• Assemble Ahead of Time (Partially): You can prepare the casserole mixture (steps 1-5) earlier in the day or even the night before and store it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving. This is a great way to break up the prep and cooking process.

With these time-saving tips, you can have a comforting and delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Rice Casserole on the table in under an hour, even on busy weeknights.

Serving Suggestions: Completing Your Cordon Bleu Casserole Meal

While this Chicken Cordon Bleu Rice Casserole is satisfying on its own, pairing it with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded and balanced meal. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your casserole experience:

Classic Side Dish Pairings:

• Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, asparagus, or roasted vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts add a healthy and colorful side.
• Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls: Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce of the casserole.
• Fruit Salad or Fresh Fruit: A light fruit salad or simply sliced fresh fruit provides a refreshing and sweet ending to the meal.
• Mashed Potatoes (for extra comfort): For an extra comforting and indulgent meal, serve mashed potatoes alongside the casserole.

Sauce and Garnish Enhancements:

• Hot Sauce (for those who like a kick): Offer a bottle of hot sauce on the table for those who want to add a spicy kick to their casserole.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt (for topping): A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt adds a cool and tangy topping.
• Chives or Green Onions (for garnish): Sprinkle chopped chives or green onions over the casserole for added freshness and flavor.
• Extra Shredded Swiss Cheese (for extra cheesy goodness): Offer extra shredded Swiss cheese for topping individual servings for those who love extra cheese.

Meal Occasions:

• Weeknight Family Dinner: This casserole is perfect for a comforting and easy weeknight family dinner.
• Potlucks and Gatherings: Casseroles are always a hit at potlucks, family gatherings, and casual get-togethers. This Chicken Cordon Bleu Rice Casserole is easy to transport and serve.
• Comfort Food Cravings: When you’re craving classic comfort food, this casserole is a perfect choice.
• Holiday Leftover Meal: Use leftover holiday ham to make this casserole a delicious and creative way to repurpose leftovers.

Expert Tips for Casserole Success: 5 Secrets to Deliciousness

To ensure your Chicken Cordon Bleu Rice Casserole is consistently delicious and comforting, keep these five expert tips in mind:

1. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: When sautéing the chicken, cook it until it’s just cooked through and lightly browned. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough in the casserole. It will continue to cook in the oven.
2. Use Cooked Rice: Make sure to use cooked rice in this recipe. Uncooked rice will not cook properly in the casserole and will result in a crunchy and undercooked dish.
3. Don’t Skimp on the Cheese: Swiss cheese is essential for the signature Chicken Cordon Bleu flavor. Use a generous amount of shredded Swiss cheese for a cheesy and flavorful casserole.
4. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before baking, taste the casserole mixture and adjust seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, or onion/garlic powder to your preference.
5. Don’t Overbake: Bake the casserole until it’s heated through and bubbly around the edges, and the topping (if used) is golden brown. Overbaking can dry out the casserole. Start checking for doneness around 25 minutes and adjust baking time as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions: Your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Queries Answered

Got questions about making this comforting and flavorful casserole? Here are answers to some common queries to guide you to casserole-making success:

Q1: Can I make this casserole ahead of time and freeze it?

A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole and freeze it before baking. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time when baking from frozen. Alternatively, you can bake the casserole, let it cool completely, cut it into portions, wrap individual portions, and freeze them for easy reheating.

Q2: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Swiss cheese?

A: While Swiss cheese is classic for Chicken Cordon Bleu, you can substitute it with other cheeses that melt well, such as Gruyere, provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a mild cheddar. Keep in mind that using a different cheese will slightly alter the flavor profile of the casserole.

Q3: Can I make this casserole without cream of chicken soup?

A: Yes, you can make a homemade cream sauce instead of using cream of chicken soup. To make a simple cream sauce, melt butter, whisk in flour, gradually whisk in milk or chicken broth, and cook until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. You can find numerous homemade cream sauce recipes online. Using homemade cream sauce will give you more control over ingredients and sodium content.

Q4: Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

A: Absolutely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of the casserole. Sautéed mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, peas, or green beans would all be delicious additions. Add them to the casserole mixture along with the rice and ham.

Q5: What can I use instead of white wine?

A: If you prefer not to use white wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth or extra milk. Chicken broth will add a savory flavor, while extra milk will maintain the creaminess. You can also add a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar for a touch of acidity if desired.

With these tips, tricks, and answers to your questions, you are now fully equipped to create a perfectly comforting and delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Rice Casserole. Enjoy the classic flavors in a simplified and family-friendly format!

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