Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu Stuffing Bake
This Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu Stuffing Bake transforms the classic French dish into an easy, hearty casserole that combines flavor and convenience. Featuring tender boneless chicken breasts layered with savory smoked ham and creamy Swiss cheese, this dish is elevated with a rich cream of chicken soup mixture that seeps into each layer. Topped with buttery seasoned stuffing, it creates a delightful crunch that contrasts with the moist filling. Ideal for a weeknight dinner, this one-dish meal is so simple to prepare that you'll want to make it time and again. Serve it with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete dining experience.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast Halves
4 (Trimmed of excess fat and laid flat)
Deli Ham (Smoked)
4 slices (Sliced)
Swiss Cheese
4 slices (Large slices or shredded)
Cream of Chicken Soup
1 (10 ounce) can (No preparation required)
Water
1/2 cup (Measured)
Butter or Margarine
1/2 cup (Melted)
Seasoned Stuffing Mix
1 (6 ounce) box (Unopened)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2
Lightly grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
3
Arrange the boneless skinless chicken breast halves in a single layer at the bottom of the baking dish.
4
Layer each chicken breast with a slice of smoky deli ham, followed by a slice of Swiss cheese.
5
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup with 1/2 cup of water until well blended, then pour this mixture evenly over the layered chicken, ham, and cheese.
6
Melt the butter (or margarine) in a small saucepan over low heat. In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter with the seasoned stuffing mix until it is well coated.
7
Sprinkle the stuffing mixture evenly over the top of the casserole, ensuring maximum coverage.
8
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 1/2 hours or until the chicken juices run clear.
9
For a crunchy topping, remove the foil for the last 30 minutes of baking to allow the stuffing to brown up.
10
Serve warm and enjoy the comforting harmony of flavors in this delightful casserole.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu Stuffing Bake?
It is a hearty casserole version of the classic French dish, featuring chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, and a crunchy stuffing topping.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
What size baking dish do I need?
A 9 x 13 inch baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should lightly grease the dish with non-stick spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.
What type of chicken is best for this bake?
Boneless skinless chicken breast halves are used for the base of this casserole.
How should the chicken be prepared?
The chicken breasts should be trimmed of excess fat and laid flat in a single layer.
What kind of ham should I use?
Smoked deli ham is recommended for a savory flavor profile.
Can I use shredded Swiss cheese instead of slices?
Yes, you can use either large slices or shredded Swiss cheese.
What is the soup mixture made of?
It is a blend of one 10-ounce can of cream of chicken soup and 1/2 cup of water.
How do I prepare the stuffing topping?
Melt 1/2 cup of butter and combine it with a 6-ounce box of seasoned stuffing mix until well coated.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter in the stuffing mixture.
How do I ensure the stuffing is crispy?
Remove the aluminum foil during the last 30 minutes of baking to allow the stuffing to brown and crisp up.
What is the total baking time?
The dish takes approximately 1 1/2 hours to bake in the oven.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the dish with aluminum foil for the first hour of baking.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when the juices run clear, usually after 1.5 hours at 325 degrees F.
What side dishes go well with this casserole?
It is best served with a side of fresh vegetables or a crisp garden salad.
Can I use a different type of soup?
While cream of chicken is standard, other cream-based soups like cream of mushroom could be used as a variation.
What is the order of the layers?
Layer chicken first, followed by ham, then Swiss cheese, then the soup mixture, and finally the stuffing.
Is this a good meal for weeknights?
Yes, it is designed as an easy one-dish meal that is simple to prepare for families.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients, but you may need two baking dishes or a larger pan.
What makes this 'Cordon Bleu' style?
The combination of chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese mimics the traditional stuffed chicken recipe.
Do I need to cook the stuffing before adding it?
No, you use the dry stuffing mix from the box and mix it with melted butter.
Is the ham pre-cooked?
Yes, deli ham is typically pre-cooked, so it just needs to be heated through during baking.
Why is water added to the soup?
Water thins the soup slightly so it can seep into the layers and keep the chicken moist.
What kind of stuffing mix should I buy?
Any 6-ounce box of seasoned stuffing mix (like herb or chicken flavor) works well.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, the creamy sauce and buttery stuffing make it a classic comfort food dish.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can assemble the layers ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready, though you may need to add a few minutes to the cook time.
Does this recipe contain vegetables?
The base recipe does not contain vegetables, which is why it is recommended to serve it with a side of greens.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.