Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a heartwarming, creamy, and cheesy oven-baked dish that transforms the classic French-inspired chicken cordon bleu into an easy-to-make weeknight casserole. This dish features layers of tender shredded chicken, savory ham, Swiss cheese, and a creamy Dijon sauce, all topped with a buttery breadcrumb crust that adds irresistible crunch to every bite.

While traditional cordon bleu involves pounding, stuffing, and breading chicken breasts, this casserole simplifies the process, offering all the beloved flavors in a fuss-free format. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or comfort food cravings, Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a modern comfort dish that satisfies both nostalgia and taste.

This casserole captures the soul of the original dish but makes it accessible for busy households. It’s a meal that impresses without requiring the time and labor of the classic version, yet still delivers rich, layered flavors that make every forkful memorable.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ?

There are so many reasons to fall in love with Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole:

• Effortless Comfort: All the flavor of traditional cordon bleu without the meticulous preparation.
• Family Favorite: Loved by both kids and adults for its creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness.
• Great for Leftovers: Perfect for using up cooked chicken or leftover ham.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble in advance and bake when ready for a stress-free dinner.
• Perfectly Balanced: Creamy sauce, melted cheese, savory meats, and a crispy topping – every bite is perfect.

This dish will become a staple in your dinner rotation, offering elegance and comfort in one dish.

🧂 What You’ll Need to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole ?

Here’s a list of everything you need to whip up this decadent dish:

Main Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
• 1 ½ cups diced cooked ham
• 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (or a blend of Swiss and mozzarella for extra melt)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Topping:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional, for garnish)

👩‍🍳 How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Step-by-Step ?

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

🥄 Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a thin coating of butter.

🧈 Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, whisking constantly for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly add in the milk and cream, whisking until smooth and thickened. Then stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for another minute, then remove from heat.

🍗 Step 3: Assemble the Layers

Spread the shredded chicken evenly in the prepared baking dish. Layer diced ham over the chicken. Pour the warm Dijon cream sauce over the meat layer. Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese evenly across the top.

🍞 Step 4: Add the Crunchy Topping

In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly on top of the casserole for a golden, crunchy finish.

🔥 Step 5: Bake and Serve

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

🌀 Variations

There are plenty of ways to customize Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole:

• Low-Carb Option: Skip the breadcrumb topping or use crushed pork rinds instead for a keto-friendly crunch.

• Cheese Alternatives: Try Gruyère for a more authentic French flavor, or use cheddar for a sharper bite.

• Add Veggies: Stir in steamed broccoli or spinach between layers for added nutrients.

• Mustard Switch: Replace Dijon with whole grain or honey mustard for different flavor notes.

• Use Turkey: Substitute turkey for chicken to switch things up post-Thanksgiving or holiday meals.

These variations ensure that you can make this dish your own and adjust it based on dietary needs or available ingredients.

🔥 Cooking Notes

Cooking this casserole is straightforward, but there are some things to keep in mind:

• Shredded vs. Cubed Chicken: Shredded chicken blends better with the creamy sauce and layers more evenly.

• Don’t Skip the Roux: Creating the flour-butter base is key to achieving the perfect sauce consistency.

• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.

• Watch the Bake Time: Ovens vary – check the casserole at the 25-minute mark. The topping should be golden brown.

• Let it Set: Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes after baking so it firms up and serves neatly.

Proper layering, a flavorful sauce, and careful baking are the secret to a delicious and cohesive dish.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This casserole is rich and flavorful on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:

• Steamed green beans or asparagus for a crisp, fresh side

• A green salad with vinaigrette to balance the creamy richness

• Garlic mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes for a hearty plate

• Buttery dinner rolls or crusty French bread to mop up the sauce

It also stands alone as a one-dish wonder for a quick weeknight dinner.

💡 Helpful Tips

• Rotisserie Shortcut: Save time by using rotisserie chicken – just remove skin and shred.

• Toast Breadcrumbs First: For extra crunch, toast the breadcrumbs in butter before layering.

• Freeze-Friendly: Assemble and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight and bake fresh.

• Individual Portions: Bake in ramekins for fancy, portion-controlled servings.

• Add Bacon: Crumbled bacon on top of the breadcrumb layer takes it over the top.

These tips make prep faster, ensure great texture, and offer fun upgrades to the original idea.

⭐ Tips for the Best Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

To make your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole absolutely perfect:

• Balance Sauce Thickness: Not too thin, not too thick – it should coat the spoon.

• Layer Evenly: Spread each layer uniformly to ensure even flavor distribution.

• Use Real Cheese: Swiss or Gruyère adds authentic taste; avoid processed slices.

• Golden Topping: Don’t overbake – you want the top golden, not burnt.

• Let it Rest: Always rest the casserole after baking for clean slicing.

These small details result in a creamy, flavorful, and cohesive casserole that impresses.

⏱️ Timing Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

🔢 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 6 servings)

• Calories: 460
• Protein: 38g
• Sodium: 910mg
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

Note: Nutrition varies based on ingredients used.

❓ FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the fridge and bake just before serving.

Can I freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole?
Absolutely. Assemble and wrap tightly. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and bake until bubbly.

What’s the best chicken to use?
Cooked rotisserie chicken is ideal for convenience, but grilled or poached chicken breasts work too.

Can I add vegetables?
Yes! Broccoli, spinach, or even peas blend well with the flavors and textures.

Can I use a different cheese?
Definitely – try Gruyère, provolone, mozzarella, or cheddar depending on your flavor preference.

✅ Conclusion

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is the ultimate answer to easy comfort food. It brings all the gourmet flavor of traditional cordon bleu into a single, family-friendly baking dish. With layers of tender chicken, smoky ham, melty cheese, and creamy Dijon sauce topped with a crispy breadcrumb layer, it’s a dish that looks impressive and tastes even better.

Whether you're feeding a crowd, prepping ahead for a busy night, or just craving something creamy and indulgent, this casserole fits the bill. It’s flexible, make-ahead friendly, and always delicious.

Once you try it, you’ll be coming back to this recipe again and again.

Let me know when you're ready for the next recipe!