Marie'S Cordon Bleu Casserole
A comforting casserole combining tender chicken, ham, rice, mushrooms, and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners and versatile leftovers with rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pan, melt butter over low heat, being careful not to brown.
- Stir in the mushroom soup mixed with water and the mushrooms; heat until very warm.
- Gently stir in the sour cream and heat without boiling.
- Add cooked rice, ham, and chicken; stir to combine.
- Simmer gently; add water if the mixture seems too thick.
- Add shredded mozzarella cheese and stir until melted and combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle with parsley if desired.
- Reheat leftovers by dotting with butter and thinning with water in the microwave.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a combination of rotisserie chicken and leftover ham for a more robust taste. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt. You can also enhance the dish with herbs like thyme or oregano for extra depth. If you want a bit of crunch, top with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this casserole with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Snappy Golden Cream Of Potato Soup for a comforting dinner. For a heartier option, consider crusty bread or dinner rolls on the side to soak up the creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in the microwave and dot with butter, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. This method helps maintain the dish's creamy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marie'S Cordon Bleu Casserole contains roughly 811 calories, with 36g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (208% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (112% of the Daily Value), and potassium (97% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1419mg per serving (62% 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 uncooked chicken in this recipe?
It's best to use cooked chicken for this casserole to ensure it's tender and fully cooked. If you only have uncooked chicken, consider cooking it first by boiling or baking before adding it to the casserole.
What can I substitute for mushroom soup?
If you don't have mushroom soup, you can create a homemade version using cream of winter vegetable soup or a mixture of cream, mushrooms, and spices. This will provide a similar creamy texture and flavor.
Can this casserole be frozen for later?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole before baking. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.
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).