There is something truly comforting about the Chicken Cordon Bleu Rice-a-Roni Casserole Recipe that makes it an all-time favorite in my kitchen. This casserole combines the cozy goodness of tender chicken and ham with the rich, creamy textures of swiss cheese and sour cream, all tied together perfectly by fluffy chicken-flavored Rice-A-Roni. It’s an effortless weeknight dish that feels special enough for guests yet simple enough to become a regular on your dinner rotation. If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful meal with a crispy, buttery topping, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Rice-a-Roni Casserole Recipe is about to become your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up this Chicken Cordon Bleu Rice-a-Roni Casserole Recipe, you only need a handful of familiar ingredients that unite in a way that’s truly greater than the sum of their parts. Each item plays a critical role, adding texture, creaminess, or a little bit of savory-piquant flair, so don’t skip or swap willy-nilly!
- Chicken flavor Rice-A-Roni: The base of the casserole, delivering that nutty, slightly buttery rice every bite needs.
- Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: Acts as the creamy binder to keep everything luscious and tender.
- Sour cream: Adds a tangy richness that lightens the overall creaminess just right.
- Garlic powder: A subtle lift of savory warmth without dominating the mix.
- Honey mustard dressing: Brings a hint of sweetness and zing that balances the savory flavors perfectly.
- Cooked chopped chicken: The star protein, tender and ready to absorb all those savory notes.
- Diced ham: Adds smoky depth and a touch of saltiness.
- Shredded Swiss cheese: Melts into gooey, nutty pockets throughout the casserole.
- Butter (melted): Essential for crisping the golden topping and adding richness.
- Ritz crackers (crushed): Creates that irresistible crunchy crust we all crave on a baked casserole.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Rice-a-Roni Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Start by preheating your oven to 350º Fahrenheit and spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This simple prep step ensures your casserole won’t stick and will brown perfectly on the edges.
Step 2: Cook the Rice-A-Roni
Cook the chicken flavor Rice-A-Roni exactly according to the package directions. This step is key because the cooked rice forms the textured, fragrant heart of the casserole. Make sure the rice is fluffy and fully cooked before mixing.
Step 3: Combine the Creamy Mixture
In a large bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, and honey mustard dressing until smooth. Add in the cooked chopped chicken, diced ham, and shredded Swiss cheese, stirring to combine. Finally, fold in the cooked Rice-A-Roni, making sure every grain gets coated in this flavorful mixture.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread your creamy rice and chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. This creates the perfect even layer to bake, ensuring consistent cooking and a beautiful presentation when it’s done.
Step 5: Prepare the Topping
Mix the melted butter with the crushed Ritz crackers in a small bowl. This buttery crumb topping is the secret to that addictive crunch and golden finish atop the casserole. Sprinkle it evenly over the rice mixture before baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes. The heat will meld all the flavors together while crisping the topping until it’s irresistibly golden and crunchy. Once it’s done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Rice-a-Roni Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate the casserole beautifully, especially a sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives for a hit of color and fresh herbal aroma. A few thin lemon wedges on the side add a bright acidity that cuts through the richness wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Since this casserole is rich and hearty, pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables balances the plate perfectly. Simple roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans bring a fresh crunch and vibrant flavors, making the meal feel complete without competing with the casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve portions in individual ramekins for an elegant twist or layer the casserole with extra swiss cheese on top for a melty, decadent finish. You can also experiment by adding a drizzle of honey mustard before serving for an extra touch of sweetness and tang that’s reminiscent of the original ham-and-cheese flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it an excellent choice for batch cooking. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing to maintain texture and flavor integrity.
Freezing
If you want to stretch its enjoyment further, the Chicken Cordon Bleu Rice-a-Roni Casserole Recipe freezes well. Before baking, cover your assembled casserole tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the whole casserole covered with foil in a 350º F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. To re-crisp the topping, remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese provides the best traditional flavor for this Chicken Cordon Bleu Rice-a-Roni Casserole Recipe, Gruyère or mozzarella can work nicely if you prefer a milder or stretchier cheese.
Is this casserole suitable for freezer meals?
Yes, this dish can be assembled ahead and frozen before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil, and when ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed.
Can I substitute the chicken?
Sure! While cooked chicken is ideal, leftover turkey or even diced rotisserie chicken are great alternatives that maintain the flavor and texture in the casserole.
What if I don’t have Ritz crackers for topping?
No worries! You can use any buttery cracker crumbs, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed pretzels to create that crunchy topping that makes this casserole so irresistible.
How spicy is the casserole?
This recipe is mild and very approachable for all taste buds. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños if you’d like to introduce a gentle heat to the dish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s both easy and delicious, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Rice-a-Roni Casserole Recipe checks all the boxes. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory flavors that will warm your heart and fill your home with irresistible smells. Give it a try soon—I promise it’ll become one of those recipes you make again and again!
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Rice-a-Roni Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Rice-a-Roni Casserole combines tender chicken, savory ham, and creamy swiss cheese with flavorful chicken-flavored Rice-A-Roni to create a comforting and delicious baked dish. Topped with buttery crushed Ritz crackers, this casserole offers a delightful crispy texture and cheesy goodness, perfect for a hearty family meal in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 box chicken flavor Rice-A-Roni
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp honey mustard dressing
- 3 cups cooked chopped chicken
- 8 oz diced ham
- 1½ cups shredded Swiss cheese
Topping
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350º F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Rice-A-Roni: Cook the chicken flavored Rice-A-Roni according to the package directions until rice is tender and the seasoning is absorbed.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, honey mustard dressing, cooked chopped chicken, diced ham, and shredded Swiss cheese. Fold in the cooked Rice-A-Roni until all ingredients are well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the combined rice and meat mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the crushed Ritz crackers. Evenly sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Notes
- For extra crisp topping, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
- You can substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyere or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken to save time.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead; cover and refrigerate before baking, then bake when ready.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
