Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with a Crunchy Topping

### **Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole**

1. **Preheat Your Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.

2. **Prepare the Sauce:**
– In a large saucepan, combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, and cream of chicken soup. Stir well to combine and heat the mixture over medium heat until it’s warmed through. This will form the creamy base for your casserole.
– Add the garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until the seasonings are evenly distributed. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.

3. **Assemble the Casserole:**
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced ham, and shredded Swiss cheese. Pour the prepared sauce over the top of the chicken and ham mixture. Stir gently to coat the chicken and ham evenly with the sauce.

4. **Transfer to the Casserole Dish:**
– Pour the chicken and ham mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

5. **Make the Crunchy Topping:**
– In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Stir until the crackers are evenly coated with butter. This will create a golden, crunchy topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy casserole.
– Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

6. **Bake the Casserole:**
– Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden and crispy.

7. **Garnish and Serve:**
– Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

8. **Enjoy!**
– Serve the creamy, cheesy casserole with a side of veggies, a fresh salad, or some warm bread. This dish is comforting, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion!

### **Why This Casserole is a Must-Try**

– **Rich & Creamy:** The creamy sauce and melty Swiss cheese provide a rich, indulgent base that pairs perfectly with the chicken and ham. Every bite is satisfying, creamy, and full of flavor.
– **Golden & Crunchy:** The Ritz cracker topping adds the perfect crunch to contrast with the smooth, creamy filling. It’s an irresistible texture combination that takes this casserole to the next level.
– **Family-Friendly:** This casserole is a hit with kids and adults alike. The familiar flavors of chicken, ham, and cheese make it approachable, while the rich, creamy sauce elevates it into something special.
– **Perfect for Meal Prep:** This casserole makes great leftovers and can even be made in advance. Prepare it a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. It also freezes well for future meals!

### **Customization Ideas**

– **Swap the Cheese:** While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can easily swap it for mozzarella, cheddar, or Gruyère for a different flavor profile. A blend of cheeses will also work beautifully.
– **Add Veggies:** If you want to sneak in some extra veggies, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas to the casserole. They will complement the rich flavors without overpowering the dish.
– **Spicy Kick:** For a little heat, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture. This will add a delightful zing to the dish.
– **Low-Carb Option:** To make this dish lower in carbs, swap the Ritz crackers for crushed pork rinds or almond flour-based crackers to keep the crunchy topping without the extra carbs.

### **Healthier Twist**

While this casserole is already a comforting, hearty dish, you can lighten it up a bit if you prefer:
– Use **low-fat or fat-free cream of chicken soup** and **low-fat Swiss cheese** to reduce the fat content.
– Replace the **heavy cream** with **milk** or **half-and-half** for a lighter option.
– Consider using **baked or grilled chicken** rather than fried chicken for a healthier protein choice.

### **Conclusion**

This **Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with a Crunchy Topping** takes the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu flavors and turns them into an easy, comforting casserole the whole family will love. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken and ham, gooey cheese, and crispy topping, it’s the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for any meal occasion. Whether you’re making it for dinner tonight or prepping it for the week ahead, this dish will become a staple in your recipe collection.

Try it out today and experience the delicious combination of rich, savory flavors and satisfying textures in every bite. You won’t be disappointed! 🍗🧀