There’s something truly magical about a hearty, creamy casserole. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, warms the heart, and fills the home with delicious aromas. Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole takes everything you love about the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu—tender chicken, savory ham, and rich Swiss cheese—and transforms it into an easy-to-make, comforting casserole that’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or special gatherings.
Inspired by the timeless French dish, this casserole version adds a twist by incorporating all the flavors into a creamy, baked dish with a crispy topping. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual dinner or a festive occasion, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole will leave your guests asking for seconds. Plus, it’s simple to make and can be prepped ahead of time, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking to enjoy a comforting meal with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole isn’t just about convenience—it’s about flavor and texture. The creamy sauce binds everything together, creating a luscious base that perfectly complements the tender chicken and smoky ham. The shredded Swiss cheese adds a nutty, melty element that is a true crowd-pleaser, while the golden, crispy breadcrumb topping brings that delightful crunch we all crave.
But that’s not all! With easy-to-find ingredients like cooked chicken, ham, and a creamy soup base, this recipe simplifies the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu into a straightforward casserole that you can whip up in just about an hour. It’s comfort food at its best, and it’s also versatile, perfect for busy families, meal prepping, or making ahead for a holiday feast.
Ingredients: Simple, Flavorful, and Easy to Find
The ingredients for this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole come together seamlessly, bringing a perfect balance of savory flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Chicken breast or rotisserie chicken works perfectly here. The cooked chicken adds protein and creates a juicy, tender base for the casserole.
- 8 slices ham, chopped: Thinly sliced deli ham gives that salty, savory flavor we love about traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu.
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded: Swiss cheese melts beautifully and provides a rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with both chicken and ham.
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup: The creamy base adds richness and helps hold everything together, creating that signature casserole texture.
- 1/2 cup milk: This thins out the soup mixture to the perfect consistency, ensuring everything is coated evenly.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Adds a hint of tang and depth, balancing the richness of the cheese and cream.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: For that savory, aromatic punch that enhances the flavor of the chicken and ham.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic powder and adds a subtle, sweet flavor to the base.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A pinch of black pepper for seasoning, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs: For the crispy, golden topping that gives the casserole its crunch.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted: The butter makes the breadcrumbs golden brown and perfectly crisp.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: For a pop of color and freshness to garnish the dish before serving.
With these ingredients, you’re only a few steps away from preparing a delicious, satisfying casserole that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to prevent the casserole from sticking.
Step 2: Combine the Chicken, Ham, and Swiss Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped ham, and Swiss cheese. Toss them together gently to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Soup Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This is the creamy sauce that will bind all the ingredients together, adding richness and flavor to every bite.
Step 4: Combine the Soup Mixture with the Chicken and Ham
Pour the creamy soup mixture over the chicken, ham, and cheese. Stir everything together carefully, ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the soup mixture.
Step 5: Transfer to the Baking Dish
Once everything is combined, transfer the mixture to your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula to make sure the casserole bakes uniformly.
Step 6: Prepare the Crispy Breadcrumb Topping
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Mix them together until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with the butter. This mixture will create the perfect crispy topping for the casserole.
Step 7: Add the Breadcrumbs and Bake
Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb mixture over the top of the casserole. This layer will bake into a golden, crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, tender casserole underneath.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until it’s bubbling and the top is golden brown and crispy.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and a touch of freshness. Then, dig in and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, consider using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. It’s juicy, flavorful, and will cut your prep time significantly.
- Customize the Cheese: While Swiss cheese is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and bake it when you’re ready.
- Add Veggies: For extra nutrition and flavor, add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas to the casserole. These will blend seamlessly with the chicken and ham while adding texture and color.
- Make It Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Nutritional Information: A Comforting Yet Balanced Meal
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a satisfying meal that won’t derail your healthy eating goals. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 29g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
It’s a well-rounded dish with a good balance of protein, fat, and carbs. Plus, it’s incredibly filling, so you’ll feel satisfied with just one serving.
Why This Casserole Is a Must-Try
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole combines the best elements of comfort food with the convenience of a one-pan dish. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu without all the fuss. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a casual dinner party, or prepping meals for the week, this casserole is sure to become a go-to favorite.
It’s also incredibly versatile—you can easily adapt the recipe to suit dietary preferences or add your own personal touch. Want to add some veggies? Go ahead! Need it to be gluten-free? It’s easy to make that substitution. This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a blank canvas, ready for your culinary creativity.
Final Thoughts: A Casserole That’s Sure to Impress
The next time you’re looking for a comforting and satisfying meal, look no further than this creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. It’s rich, flavorful, and easy to make, making it the perfect dish to serve on any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a special holiday dinner or simply craving a cozy meal at home, this casserole is sure to impress.
Try it out today, and experience the magic of Chicken Cordon Bleu in casserole form! Your taste buds—and your family and friends—will thank you.
Feel free to share this recipe with friends and family—it’s the kind of meal that’s too good not to pass along! Enjoy!