If you’re craving pure comfort food with a touch of elegance, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole delivers all the classic flavors you love, but with barely any fuss. Imagine tender chicken, savory ham, and gooey melted Swiss cheese baked together under a crisp, buttery panko crust — each bite is creamy, cheesy magic. This recipe takes everything wonderful about the famous French dish, simplifies the steps, and transforms it into a weeknight dinner that the whole family will cheer for. It’s the perfect way to use up leftover chicken or ham, and it will earn a spot in your meal rotation after just one taste of its hearty, flavor-packed layers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need are a handful of everyday ingredients to create a dish that tastes way more complex than it looks. Every component adds something vital, from creaminess to crunch, color to aroma — don’t be tempted to skip a thing!
- Cooked chicken: The star of the show, perfectly shredded or diced to soak up all those creamy, cheesy flavors.
- Cooked ham: Adds irresistible savory depth and that signature cordon bleu taste.
- Swiss cheese: Offers classic nutty-melty goodness — try to get it freshly shredded for the dreamiest texture.
- Cream of chicken soup: The secret shortcut for luscious, flavorful sauce that binds everything together.
- Sour cream: Brings a gentle tang and smooth richness, balancing the flavors perfectly.
- Dijon mustard: Just a spoonful sharpens things up and pays homage to the French original.
- Garlic powder: A little aromatic boost that melds beautifully with the chicken and ham.
- Onion powder: For that subtle allium warmth you expect in a classic casserole.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer just right.
- Panko breadcrumbs: The crisp topping that brings delightful texture to every forkful.
- Butter: Melted and mixed into the panko for a rich, golden finish.
- Parmesan cheese: Amps up the savory, nutty crust you’ll want to devour by itself.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a light grease with cooking spray or a swipe of butter so nothing sticks, ensuring perfect slices every time.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Base
In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well-blended. This is your flavor-packed foundation that’s going to keep the casserole moist and luscious.
Step 3: Add the Meats and Cheese
Fold in the shredded chicken, diced ham, and 1½ cups of your shredded Swiss cheese. Stir gently but thoroughly so every bit of meat is coated in that creamy sauce. This is where the magic (and the irresistible filling) comes together.
Step 4: Layer in the Baking Dish
Pour the chicken, ham, and cheese mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, pressing down lightly to ensure an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of Swiss cheese over the top for extra gooeyness.
Step 5: Create the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated in butter. Sprinkle this mixture all over the casserole, covering it from edge to edge — this is the golden lid that truly makes Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole special.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the casserole into your preheated oven uncovered. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is bubbly and deep golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before diving in, so you get tidy, sliceable servings.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Garnishes
A dusting of fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of chives brings a pop of color and a hint of freshness to each serving. For a little zip, a light squeeze of fresh lemon right over the top amps up all the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This cozy casserole shines beside simple, green sides that let its richness do the talking. Try it with steamed broccoli or green beans, a crisp green salad, or even buttered peas — the contrast is just perfect.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole in ramekins for stylish individual portions. Or, pile it onto toasted baguette slices as a decadent open-faced sandwich for game day. You can even tuck some into a wrap for a totally unique lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole keeps beautifully. Simply cover tightly or transfer to airtight containers, and refrigerate up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making leftovers downright delicious!
Freezing
If you want to freeze, assemble the casserole (but hold off on the breadcrumb topping), wrap well, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge, add your topping, and bake as directed for a make-ahead miracle.
Reheating
To reheat, pop portions in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbling, tented with foil if you want to keep the topping from overbrowning. The microwave works in a pinch for single servings — just go low and slow so the cheese melts evenly.
FAQs
Can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare everything up to the breadcrumb topping and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake, add the topping and bake as usual, possibly adding a few extra minutes since it’s starting from cold.
What kind of chicken works best in this casserole?
Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut, but any cooked (grilled or poached) chicken breast or thigh meat will do. Shredded or diced, just make sure it’s not overly seasoned so the flavors of the casserole really shine.
Can I substitute the Swiss cheese with another type?
Yes — if you’re not a fan of Swiss, try Gruyère for added richness or mozzarella for extra melt. You can even mix cheeses for your own customized blend, but Swiss brings that classic cordon bleu flavor.
Is Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole gluten-free?
With gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free panko or breadcrumbs, you can absolutely make this recipe work for a gluten-free diet. Just double-check all your ingredients and you’re set.
What’s the best way to keep the topping crispy when reheating?
For the crispiest results, reheat the casserole in the oven uncovered. If you notice the topping getting too brown, tent with foil in the last few minutes to protect while the center heats through.
Final Thoughts
If you love classic comfort food but crave something a bit special, you owe it to yourself to try Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights yet fancy enough for company — and guaranteed to win rave reviews from everyone at the table. Don’t be surprised if this dish quickly becomes your new favorite cozy dinner!
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of classic Chicken Cordon Bleu in casserole form with this easy and delicious recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken and savory ham, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Main Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1½ cups diced cooked ham
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix: In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken, ham, and 1½ cups Swiss cheese; mix well.
- Transfer: Spread mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining Swiss cheese.
- Prepare topping: In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Great for using up leftover rotisserie chicken and ham.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
