Welcome to the ultimate comfort food transformation! If you love the classic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu but crave a simpler, weeknight-friendly version, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is your new go-to recipe. We’ve deconstructed the elegant original into an incredibly easy and satisfying bake. Imagine tender chicken and savory ham enveloped in a rich, creamy Dijon sauce, all topped with a golden, crunchy layer of breadcrumbs. It’s a dish that brings the whole family to the table.
This recipe is designed for the enthusiastic home cook who wants maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Forget the rolling, stuffing, and frying. Here, we layer all the beloved components into a single dish that bakes to bubbly perfection in under 30 minutes. Let’s get cooking!
Why This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a Weeknight Winner
There are so many reasons to love this easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. It captures the essence of the traditional dish without the complicated steps, making it perfect for busy evenings. It’s a complete meal in one pan that delivers on every level of flavor and texture.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of savory ham, nutty Swiss cheese, and the tangy, creamy Dijon sauce is simply irresistible.
- Simple to Prepare: With straightforward layering and no complex techniques, you can have this casserole in the oven in about 20 minutes.
- Family-Approved: It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will devour.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Assemble it ahead of time for an even faster dinner solution.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Casserole
The magic of this dish lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the signature flavor profile.
For the Casserole Base
- Chicken: Use cooked, shredded or diced chicken. A rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver here.
- Ham: Diced cooked ham adds a smoky, salty depth. Deli ham or leftover holiday ham works perfectly.
- Swiss Cheese: Freshly shredded Swiss cheese melts beautifully and provides that essential nutty flavor.
For the Creamy Dijon Sauce
- Butter & Flour: These create a simple roux to thicken our sauce.
- Milk: Use whole milk for the richest, creamiest texture.
- Dijon Mustard: This is the star of the sauce, providing a tangy, sharp flavor that cuts through the richness.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: For a savory backbone of flavor.
- Cream Cheese: The secret ingredient for an ultra-creamy, luxurious sauce.
For the Crispy Topping
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko provides a lighter, crispier crunch than traditional breadcrumbs.
- Melted Butter: This helps the breadcrumbs toast to a perfect golden brown.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, cheesy bite to the topping.
For a quick and delicious side, try serving this casserole with some Healthy Sautéed Vegetables to round out the meal.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping dinner. This layered approach ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
- Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Create the Base Layer: Spread the cooked, shredded chicken evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish. Top with the diced ham. Sprinkle half of the shredded Swiss cheese over the ham.
- Make the Creamy Dijon Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute to form a roux. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Finish the Sauce: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the cream cheese until smooth, followed by the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the remaining Swiss cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken and ham in the baking dish.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
A few simple tricks can elevate your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole from great to unforgettable. These tips ensure perfect texture and flavor every time.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is often coated with anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best, creamiest sauce, buy a block of Swiss cheese and shred it yourself.
- Don’t Overbake: Since all the ingredients are already cooked, you’re just heating everything through and crisping the topping. Overbaking can dry out the chicken.
- Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the sauce set up, making it easier to serve.
If you’re a fan of comforting casseroles, you might also love this Doritos Chicken Casserole for another fun weeknight option.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Keep it simple to let the main dish shine. Consider serving it alongside steamed green beans, a simple garden salad with a vinaigrette, or fluffy rice. For another comforting side, this Classic Macaroni Salad is always a hit.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions
This casserole is just as delicious the next day! Follow these simple instructions for storing and reheating.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing (Unbaked): To make ahead, assemble the casserole completely but do not bake. Cover tightly with both plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, remove the plastic wrap, and bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the entire casserole back in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole without the breadcrumb topping up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, add the topping and increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes.
Yes! While Swiss cheese provides the classic flavor, you could substitute it with Gruyère for a similar nutty taste, or use a combination of provolone and mozzarella for a milder, extra-cheesy melt.
For best results, freeze the casserole unbaked. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
If you don’t have Panko, you can use regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers (like Ritz), or even crushed cornflakes mixed with melted butter for a crunchy topping.
This casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed asparagus or green beans, a fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette, or a side of egg noodles or rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
More Delicious Recipes to Try
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole (The Easiest, Creamiest Recipe!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Spread the cooked, shredded chicken evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish. Top with the diced ham. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded Swiss cheese over the ham.
- In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute to form a roux.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly. Cook until the sauce begins to thicken. Remove from heat. Stir in the cream cheese until smooth, then add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the remaining 1 cup of Swiss cheese until melted.
- Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken and ham in the baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crispy. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
A rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for the cooked chicken.
Let the casserole rest before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Share Your Creation!
We are thrilled for you to try this creamy and delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole! It’s a recipe that proves elegant flavors can be easy and accessible for any night of the week. If you make this dish, we would love to see it! Share a photo on Pinterest and tag us. Your feedback and creations make our day!
