Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

The Best Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

My mom’s classic chicken cordon bleu casserole always sparks delightful memories around our dinner table.

Layers of crispy golden chicken, melted swiss cheese, and salty ham create a comforting meal everyone adores.

Creamy sauces blend perfectly with tender meat, making each bite irresistibly rich.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet satisfying recipes like this delectable dish.

Home cooks appreciate straightforward techniques that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Comfort food doesn’t get more delicious than this crowd-pleasing casserole that will have you coming back for seconds.

Why Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Is So Delicious

  • Simplify Dinner Prep: Skip the traditional rolling and stuffing process with this hassle-free casserole version that delivers the same delicious flavors.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with tender chicken, savory ham, melted Swiss cheese, and a creamy sauce that guarantees smiles around the dinner table.
  • Quick Family Meal Solution: Requires minimal ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra spices to match your family's taste preferences without compromising the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu experience.

Ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender protein base that provides the main substance of the casserole.
  • Ham: Classic companion meat that adds rich, salty flavor to the dish.
Cheese Component:
  • Swiss Cheese: Creamy cheese that melts beautifully and creates a smooth, rich texture.
Sauce Base:
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides creamy consistency and adds depth of flavor to the casserole.
  • Milk: Helps thin the sauce and create a smooth, cohesive mixture.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Dijon Mustard, Garlic Powder, Thyme, Salt, Pepper: Aromatic seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile of the casserole.
Topping Layer:
  • Panko Bread Crumbs: Crispy coating that adds textural contrast to the creamy casserole.
  • Melted Butter: Helps bind the bread crumbs and creates a golden, crunchy top.
  • Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and beautiful color to the casserole topping.

Instructions to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Fire up your oven to 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Protein Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, toss together chopped chicken, diced ham, and half of the Swiss cheese. Spread this flavorful mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Craft the Creamy Sauce

Grab another bowl and whisk together:
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Milk
  • Dijon mustard
  • Garlic powder
  • Thyme
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Blend until the mixture is silky smooth and free of lumps.

Step 4: Layer the Sauce

Pour the creamy concoction over the chicken and ham, ensuring every inch is beautifully covered.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle the remaining Swiss cheese across the top, creating a tempting cheesy blanket.

Step 6: Create the Crunchy Topping

In a small bowl, mix together:
  • Melted butter
  • Panko bread crumbs
  • Paprika

Scatter this golden, crispy mixture over the casserole.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden-brown top and bubbling edges.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the layers set and makes serving a breeze.

Pro Tips for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

  • Slice Chicken Carefully: Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Add a splash of white wine or dry sherry to the soup mixture for extra richness and complexity.
  • Prevent Soggy Topping: Toast Panko bread crumbs in a skillet before sprinkling to ensure maximum crispiness and golden-brown color.
  • Low-Carb Modification: Replace Panko bread crumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly version of the casserole.
  • Control Moisture Levels: Let chicken and ham drain excess liquid before mixing to prevent a watery final dish.

Variation Ideas for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

  • Gluten-Free Friendly Cordon Bleu: Replace Panko bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free cream of chicken soup for a celiac-safe version.
  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken and ham with plant-based chicken alternatives like tofu or seitan, and use vegetarian ham or mushrooms for similar texture.
  • Low-Carb Keto Edition: Skip bread crumbs entirely, increase cheese quantity, use heavy cream instead of milk, and add cauliflower rice as a base layer for reduced carbohydrates.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Replace Dijon mustard with sundried tomato paste, swap Swiss cheese for feta, add chopped olives, and sprinkle oregano instead of thyme for a Mediterranean flavor profile.

Pairing Suggestions for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

  • Savor the Perfect Pairings
  • Crisp White Wine Complement: Select a bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the casserole's rich, creamy texture and balance the cheesy flavors.
  • Fresh Green Salad Sidekick: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and toasted almonds to provide a zesty, crunchy contrast to the hearty casserole.
  • Roasted Vegetable Harmony: Prepare garlic-roasted asparagus or honey-glazed carrots to add vibrant color and nutritious side that enhances the main dish's savory profile.

Storage Tips for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain flavor quality.
  • Transfer casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Check internal temperature reaches 165F for food safety.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil during last 5 minutes to crisp bread crumb topping.

FAQs for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

  • Is this casserole suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time by assembling it and refrigerating for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time when baking directly from the refrigerator.

  • Can I use different types of cheese?

While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can substitute with provolone or mild cheddar for a similar creamy texture and flavor profile.

  • How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace the Panko bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to ensure the entire dish is gluten-free.

  • What proteins can I substitute for chicken and ham?

Try using turkey instead of chicken and prosciutto in place of ham for a slightly different but delicious variation of the classic casserole.

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Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe


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4.7 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty chicken cordon bleu casserole brings classic French-inspired comfort to dinner tables with rich, creamy layers of tender chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese. Crispy breadcrumb topping and simple ingredients make this dish a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 cups chicken breast, chopped
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) ham, diced

Dairy and Cheese:

  • 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
  • 1 1/4 cups milk
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Seasonings and Other Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon thyme leaves, fresh or dried
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 can (10.75 ounces/305 grams) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • Cracked black pepper to taste
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray for optimal non-stick performance.
  2. Combine chopped chicken, diced ham, and half of the Swiss cheese in a mixing bowl, ensuring thorough integration of ingredients.
  3. Distribute the chicken-ham mixture evenly across the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform base layer.
  4. Whisk cream of chicken soup, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl until achieving a smooth, well-blended consistency.
  5. Carefully pour the seasoned soup mixture over the chicken and ham layer, guaranteeing complete coverage.
  6. Generously sprinkle the remaining Swiss cheese across the surface, creating a rich, melty topping.
  7. Mix melted butter, Panko bread crumbs, and paprika in a small bowl to create a crispy, flavorful coating.
  8. Evenly distribute the buttery bread crumb mixture over the casserole, ensuring complete top coverage.
  9. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the surface turns golden brown and the casserole develops a bubbling texture.
  10. Let the casserole rest for 5-7 minutes after removing from the oven, allowing ingredients to settle and flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Swap ham for turkey or prosciutto to create delightful variations that suit different taste preferences.
  • Use gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs and cream of chicken soup to make this dish completely gluten-free and accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Add extra herbs like rosemary or parsley to boost the flavor profile and create a more complex taste experience.
  • For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half the milk and use low-fat cheese to reduce overall calorie content without sacrificing deliciousness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 370 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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