Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Comfort food gets an elegant makeover with this chicken cordon bleu casserole. Every bite promises a delightful mix of creamy, cheesy goodness, perfectly balanced with the robust flavors of chicken and ham.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces penne pasta
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 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 shredded or cubed chicken
• 16 ounces chopped ham

Topping:

• 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish.

2️⃣ Cook penne pasta as per package instructions. Drain and transfer pasta to the prepared baking dish.

3️⃣ Meanwhile, melt butter in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Stir in minced garlic and flour, then cook for 1 minute.

4️⃣ Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth. Then add dijon mustard, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper. Allow to simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.

5️⃣ Gradually stir in the shredded swiss cheese until it is fully melted into the sauce. Remove saucepan from heat.

6️⃣ Sprinkle cooked chicken and chopped ham evenly over the pasta in the baking dish. Pour the sauce over these ingredients, ensuring everything is coated well.

7️⃣ In a small bowl, mix together panko bread crumbs, melted butter, and garlic powder. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the pasta.

8️⃣ Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the topping is lightly browned. Serve hot.