Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

The tantalizing aroma of melted Swiss cheese and savory ham enveloped in creamy sauce will fill your kitchen when you prepare this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. This comforting dish transforms the classic French-inspired chicken cordon bleu into an approachable, family-style meal that delivers all the flavor without the fuss of pounding and rolling chicken breasts. The crispy panko topping provides the perfect textural contrast to the creamy, cheesy layers beneath. You’ll learn how to create this crowd-pleasing casserole that combines tender chicken, smoky ham, and Swiss cheese in a velvety sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole brilliantly captures all the flavors of the traditional rolled chicken dish but in a fraction of the time. The combination of juicy chicken pieces nestled alongside premium ham slices creates pockets of savory delight in every bite. Meanwhile, the Swiss cheese melts into a gooey layer that binds everything together with its nutty, mild flavor.

What makes this casserole truly special is the contrast between the creamy sauce-soaked base and the golden, buttery crunch of the toasted breadcrumb topping. Each forkful delivers that satisfying textural experience that makes comfort food so irresistible.

For busy weeknights, this baked chicken cordon bleu dish is a lifesaver—prep is straightforward, most of the cooking happens hands-off in the oven, and it reheats beautifully for leftovers. Plus, it’s easily adaptable to what you have on hand, making it a flexible option for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Ingredients

For this delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, you’ll need:

• 4 cups cooked chicken, diced (about 1½ pounds or 680g)
• 8 oz (225g) ham, thinly sliced
• 8 oz (225g) Swiss cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
• 3 tablespoons (45g) butter
• 3 tablespoons (25g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (480ml) milk
• 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the crispy topping:
• 1 cup (90g) panko breadcrumbs
• 3 tablespoons (45g) butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

The chicken forms the foundation of this casserole—rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for convenience and flavor. The Swiss cheese is traditional for cordon bleu dishes, offering that distinctive nutty taste that melts beautifully. For the ham, choose a good quality variety like Black Forest or Virginia ham for the best flavor profile in your casserole.

Pro Tips

Perfect Béchamel Base: The key to a velvety smooth sauce is to cook the roux (butter and flour mixture) for at least 1-2 minutes before slowly whisking in the liquids. This eliminates the raw flour taste and helps prevent lumps. Whisk continuously as you add the milk and broth in a steady stream, and be patient—rushing this step can result in a grainy sauce.

Layering Strategy: For the ultimate Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole experience, think strategically about your layers. Start by spreading half the chicken on the bottom, followed by all the ham, then half the cheese. Pour half the sauce over these layers before adding the remaining chicken, the rest of the sauce, and finally the remaining cheese. This method ensures that every serving has the perfect balance of ingredients and that the ham flavor infuses throughout.

Topping Technique: To achieve that restaurant-quality crispy topping, toss the panko with melted butter thoroughly before sprinkling over the casserole. Wait until the last 15 minutes of baking to add the topping—this prevents it from becoming too dark or burning. For an extra golden finish, place the casserole under the broiler for the final 1-2 minutes, watching carefully.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Begin by preparing all your ingredients—dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, slice the ham if needed, and shred the Swiss cheese if you didn’t purchase it pre-shredded.

Step 2: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste and smells slightly nutty. This roux will thicken your sauce beautifully.

Step 3: Gradually pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking for 4-5 minutes until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Your patience here will be rewarded with a silky-smooth sauce!

Step 4: Whisk in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. The mustard adds that classic tangy note that complements the Chicken Cordon Bleu flavors perfectly. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5: Assemble your casserole by spreading half of the diced chicken across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer all of the ham slices evenly over the chicken, then sprinkle half of the shredded Swiss cheese on top.

Step 6: Pour half of your creamy sauce over these layers, making sure to distribute it evenly. Top with the remaining chicken, then pour the rest of the sauce over everything. Finish with the remaining Swiss cheese.

Step 7: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and paprika, mixing well to ensure all crumbs are coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 8: Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the topping is golden brown. If needed, broil for the final 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness, but watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 9: Remove from the oven and let stand for 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to portion. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before bringing to the table.

Variations

Turkey Cordon Bleu Casserole: Easily transform this dish by substituting diced cooked turkey for the chicken. This variation is particularly wonderful after Thanksgiving or Christmas when you might have leftover turkey to use up. The turkey’s slightly stronger flavor pairs beautifully with the ham and Swiss cheese for a delicious twist on the original Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole.

Lightened-Up Version: For a healthier take, use reduced-fat Swiss cheese and lean ham, and replace half the milk with additional chicken broth. Create the creamy sauce with 2 tablespoons of flour and 2 tablespoons of olive oil instead of butter. The topping can be made lighter by using less butter and mixing the panko with a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese for flavor.

Mushroom and Spinach Addition: Enhance the nutritional profile and flavor complexity by adding 8 oz of sautéed mushrooms and 2 cups of fresh spinach (wilted and excess moisture squeezed out) to the layers. This not only introduces more vegetables to the dish but also creates interesting texture variations and earthy notes that complement the classic cordon bleu flavors.

Storage and Serving

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when kept in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions for up to 2 months—just be aware that the breadcrumb topping may lose some of its crispness upon thawing and reheating. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until the center reaches 165°F.

For serving, pair this rich casserole with light, fresh accompaniments. A simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette cuts through the creamy richness perfectly. Steamed asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts add color and nutritional balance to the plate. For a more substantial meal, consider serving with buttered egg noodles or a crusty baguette to soak up the delicious sauce.

For an elegant presentation, portion the casserole using a sharp knife and a spatula, then garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a twist of cracked black pepper.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, except for the breadcrumb topping. Keep refrigerated, covered with plastic wrap. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking, add the breadcrumb mixture, and bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

What if I don’t have Swiss cheese?
Gruyère makes an excellent substitute with a similar nutty flavor. In a pinch, provolone or even mozzarella can work, though the flavor profile will be milder.

Is rotisserie chicken best for this recipe?
Rotisserie chicken is convenient and flavorful, but you can also use poached or baked chicken breasts, or even leftover roasted chicken. The key is to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and not overly dry.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping. Just verify that your Dijon mustard is also gluten-free.

What if my sauce is too thick or thin?
If your sauce is too thick, gradually whisk in additional milk or chicken broth until reaching the desired consistency. If too thin, simmer for a few more minutes to reduce, or create a slurry with 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon cold water and whisk it into the simmering sauce.

Conclusion

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is comfort food at its finest — a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that transforms a traditionally fussy French dish into an accessible family meal without sacrificing flavor. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with anticipation and leaves them fully satisfied, yet somehow still craving more. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this casserole delivers all the beloved flavors of chicken cordon bleu with the heartwarming appeal that only a home-cooked casserole can provide.

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