Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with a Crunchy Topping

The Cozy Casserole That Feels Like a Hug on a Plate

Some dishes just feel like home. Whether it’s a chilly fall evening, a lazy Sunday dinner, or the middle of a busy week when you crave comfort without the effort—Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is your go-to solution.

Inspired by the classic French dish Chicken Cordon Bleu, this casserole takes all the savory, creamy, and cheesy goodness of the original and transforms it into a baked, family-style dinner that’s both approachable and unforgettable. It was born out of a desire to recreate the elegance of cordon bleu without the rolling, stuffing, and breading. Instead, this version offers all the flavor in one easy-to-assemble dish.

Get ready to fall in love with the creamy texture, smoky ham, melty Swiss cheese, and golden breadcrumb topping. One bite, and you’ll see why this casserole deserves a regular spot in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

  • ✅ Quick to Prepare: Uses pre-cooked chicken and pantry staples
  • ✅ Family-Friendly: Mild yet flavorful—perfect for picky eaters
  • ✅ Make-Ahead Friendly: Great for meal prep or freezing
  • ✅ One Dish Meal: Easy cleanup and even easier serving

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, prepping ahead for the weekend, or feeding a hungry crowd, this casserole is a guaranteed win.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this creamy, crunchy comfort dish to life. These are straightforward, accessible ingredients that you may already have in your fridge and pantry.

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded – Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here
  • 8 slices ham, chopped – Adds savory depth and pairs beautifully with Swiss
  • 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded – Traditional and tangy, this is a must for cordon bleu
  • 1 cup cream of chicken soup – Acts as the creamy binder for the casserole
  • 1/2 cup milk – Thins the sauce to the perfect consistency
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – Adds a subtle tang and layers of flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Infuses warmth and depth
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder – Rounds out the flavor profile
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – For a little seasoning kick
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs – Gives the casserole its signature crunch
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted – Helps crisp up the breadcrumb topping
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – Optional, but adds color and freshness

Tip: You can substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup if desired. For a gluten-free version, use GF breadcrumbs and soup.

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

This casserole is as easy to make as it is to devour. Here’s a step-by-step guide that takes the stress out of dinnertime.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray and set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Meats and Cheese

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped ham, and Swiss cheese. This forms the hearty base of your casserole.

Quick Tip: Shred your own cheese for better meltability and a creamier texture.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth.

Pour this mixture over the chicken and ham, then stir until everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.

Step 5: Make the Crunchy Topping

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter until the crumbs are fully coated. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the casserole.

Want extra crunch? Use Panko breadcrumbs or crush up buttery crackers like Ritz for a twist.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the top is golden brown.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Serving Suggestions

While this casserole is plenty satisfying on its own, here are some perfect pairings to round out your meal:

  • 🥗 Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness.
  • 🥦 Steamed Veggies: Try green beans, broccoli, or carrots for a healthy side.
  • 🥖 Crusty Bread or Rolls: Great for scooping up every last creamy bite.
  • 🍷 Wine Pairing: A dry white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio matches beautifully.

Dinner party tip: Serve this casserole in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.

Tips for Success

Make the most of your casserole with these tried-and-true kitchen tips:

1. Use Rotisserie Chicken

Save time and effort by using store-bought rotisserie chicken—juicy, flavorful, and ready to go.

2. Don’t Skip the Dijon

It might seem like a small ingredient, but Dijon mustard adds that authentic cordon bleu tang and enhances the sauce.

3. Go Fresh with the Topping

Use fresh breadcrumbs (just pulse bread in a food processor) for an elevated, artisanal touch.

4. Customize the Cheese

If you’re not a fan of Swiss, try Gruyère, provolone, or mozzarella. Mixing cheeses can also add complexity.

Make-Ahead, Storing, and Freezing

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is perfect for meal planning, leftovers, and freezing.

To Make Ahead:

  • Assemble the casserole and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
  • Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

To Store Leftovers:

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To Freeze:

  • Wrap the assembled (unbaked) casserole tightly with plastic wrap and foil.
  • Freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed, adding 5–10 extra minutes.

To Reheat:

  • Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes.
  • Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes for the best texture.

Nutrition Facts (Estimated Per Serving)

Based on 6 servings per casserole:

  • Calories: ~430
  • Protein: 32g
  • Carbs: 18g
  • Fat: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 2g

These values are estimates and will vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Turkey is a great substitute, especially around the holidays.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can make it gluten-free by using GF soup, GF breadcrumbs, and verifying your ham and cheese are gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes! Steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach make great additions to this dish.

Can I use deli ham?

Yes, deli-style sliced ham works fine—just chop it into bite-sized pieces.

What Makes This Casserole “Cordon Bleu”?

The term “Cordon Bleu” refers to a traditional French dish where chicken is rolled with ham and Swiss cheese, then breaded and fried. In this casserole version, we deconstruct those flavors and present them in an easy-to-make, no-fuss format.

It’s the perfect solution when you want the essence of the original without all the prep and cleanup.

Delicious Variations to Try

Love this recipe? Here are some easy ways to give it a new twist every time:

  • Bacon Lovers’ Version: Add crispy bacon bits to the filling or the breadcrumb topping.
  • Spicy Cordon Bleu: Stir in crushed red pepper or jalapeños for heat.
  • Keto-Friendly: Skip the breadcrumbs and serve over steamed cauliflower.
  • Mini Casseroles: Bake in muffin tins or ramekins for portion-controlled servings.

Perfect for Every Occasion

This casserole isn’t just a weeknight lifesaver. It’s also a crowd-pleaser at:

  • 🎄 Holiday dinners
  • 🧺 Potlucks
  • 🎉 Family gatherings
  • 🍂 Sunday meal prep
  • 🏫 Back-to-school nights

One casserole, endless possibilities. It’s elegant enough for guests but easy

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