Lazy Chicken Cordon Bleu
A comforting baked dish featuring tender chicken, ham, and melted mozzarella cheese in a creamy mushroom sauce, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove bones from cooked chicken and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- In a 9 x 13-inch baking pan, place the chicken on the bottom and top with sliced ham.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the ham.
- Mix together the cream of mushroom soup, water, diced or dried onion, and parsley.
- Pour the soup mixture over the chicken, ham, and cheese in the baking pan.
- Top with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake at 350°F until bubbly and golden brown, about 35 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker prep, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. If you're short on mozzarella, feel free to mix in other cheeses like cheddar or gouda. Adding a touch of garlic powder to the soup mixture can enhance the flavor. You can also substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken for a different taste. This dish is very forgiving, so play around with the ingredients!
Serving Suggestions
This Lazy Chicken Cordon Bleu is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a side of Zucchini-Carrot Au Gratin for a complete meal. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables can also complement the rich flavors of the dish. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce, making it a satisfying dinner that everyone will love.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until it's heated through and the cheese is melty again. You can also microwave individual servings.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lazy Chicken Cordon Bleu contains roughly 424 calories, with 20g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (40% of the Daily Value) and calcium (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 787mg per serving (34% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is traditional for its melting qualities, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone, gouda, or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile. Mixing cheeses can also add depth to the dish. Just be sure to adjust the amount based on the cheese's melting properties.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken or even a homemade white sauce as a substitute. For a healthier option, consider using a pureed vegetable soup, which will still give you the creaminess without the processed ingredients. Just ensure to season it well.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Assemble the layers in the baking pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come to room temperature for even cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).