Growing up, I always thought Chicken Cordon Bleu was one of those fancy restaurant dishes that took hours to make. My mom would only order it on special occasions when we went out to eat. It wasn’t until I started cooking for my own family that I realized I could get those same flavors without all the fuss.
This casserole version came about one night when I had leftover chicken and ham in the fridge, and honestly, it’s become more popular with my kids than the original.
Instead of rolling and breading chicken breasts, everything just goes into one dish – and somehow it still tastes just as good as what I remember from those restaurant dinners.
Suggestions for Ingredient Substitution
Heavy cream can be replaced with a combination of milk and Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess. Use 1 cup whole milk mixed with 1 cup Greek yogurt, which provides similar richness with added protein and less fat. For dairy-free needs, full-fat coconut milk can work as a one-to-one substitute.
Penne pasta can be substituted with whole grain pasta for increased fiber and nutrients, or with zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. Chickpea or lentil pasta also works well, offering extra protein while keeping the familiar pasta texture. Use the same amount as called for in the recipe.
Panko bread crumbs can be replaced with crushed pork rinds for a low-carb topping, or with ground almonds or crushed gluten-free crackers for a gluten-free alternative. These options provide similar crunch and can be used in equal amounts. When using nuts, watch carefully during baking as they can burn more quickly than traditional bread crumbs.
Estimated Nutrition Facts
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 3000-3200
- Protein: 160-180 g
- Fat: 180-200 g
- Carbohydrates: 240-260 g
| Preparation Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Total Time | 35-50 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Ingredients
- 16 ounces penne pasta
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded swiss cheese
- 16 ounces cooked chicken
- 16 ounces chopped ham
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
Cook 16 ounces of penne pasta according to the package instructions.
Once cooked, drain and transfer the pasta to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup of butter.
Add 2 tablespoons of minced garlic and 1/4 cup of flour to the melted butter, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Gradually whisk in 2 cups of chicken broth and 2 cups of heavy cream until the mixture is smooth.
Stir in 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese until fully melted.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Evenly sprinkle 16 ounces of cooked shredded or cubed chicken over the pasta in the baking dish.
Add 16 ounces of chopped ham on top of the chicken.
Pour the prepared cheese sauce over the chicken and ham, ensuring that everything is well coated and evenly distributed.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of panko bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole, creating a crunchy topping.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the topping is lightly browned and the casserole is bubbly.
Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Serve hot with your favorite side dish and enjoy!
