This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole transforms the classic, elegant dish into an easy, weeknight-friendly meal the whole family will love. We’re taking all the iconic flavors—tender chicken, savory ham, and melty Swiss cheese—and baking them in a rich, creamy Dijon sauce. Topped with buttery, golden-brown breadcrumbs, this is the ultimate comfort food bake that delivers a gourmet taste with minimal effort.
Forget the complicated rolling and frying of traditional Cordon Bleu. This recipe streamlines the process into a simple, one-pan wonder that’s perfect for a satisfying dinner. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor in every single bite.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
- Incredibly Easy: This casserole simplifies the classic dish into a straightforward bake. Just layer the ingredients, pour over the sauce, and let the oven do the work.
- Rich & Creamy Sauce: Our homemade Dijon cream sauce is made from scratch in minutes (no canned soup!) and provides a velvety, tangy flavor that perfectly complements the chicken and ham.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: With its savory meats, nutty Swiss cheese, and satisfying crunch, it’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: You can easily assemble this casserole ahead of time, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or for serving guests.
The Key Ingredients for Success
The magic of this dish comes from simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole to life.
For the Casserole Base
- Chicken: Cooked and cubed or shredded chicken breast works best. This is a great way to use up leftover chicken or a store-bought rotisserie chicken.
- Ham: Diced cooked ham. We recommend a good quality deli ham or using up leftover holiday ham for the best flavor.
- Swiss Cheese: Freshly shredded Swiss cheese is essential for that classic, nutty flavor and perfect melt.
For the Creamy Dijon Sauce
- Butter: The base of our rich sauce, providing flavor and richness.
- All-Purpose Flour: This thickens the sauce into a creamy consistency.
- Milk: Use whole milk for the creamiest, most luxurious texture.
- Dijon Mustard: Provides that signature tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese and cream.
- Spices: A simple combination of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper is all you need.
For the Crispy Topping
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs provide a superior crunch that stays crispy after baking.
- Melted Butter: Tossing the Panko with melted butter ensures a perfectly golden-brown and flavorful topping.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make the Casserole
- Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the cooked chicken in an even layer across the bottom, followed by the diced ham. Sprinkle half of the shredded Swiss cheese over the top.
- Make the Creamy Dijon Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute to create a roux. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the prepared Dijon sauce evenly over the layers of chicken, ham, and cheese in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Swiss cheese over the sauce.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crispy. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set, making it easier to serve.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Casserole
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses are often coated with anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting smoothly. For the best, creamiest results, buy a block of Swiss cheese and shred it yourself.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Since the chicken is already cooked, the baking time is just to heat everything through and melt the cheese. Overbaking can lead to dry chicken.
- Get the Topping Crispy: If your topping isn’t browning as much as you’d like, you can place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking. Watch it closely to prevent burning!
Variations and Substitutions
While the classic combination is fantastic, feel free to make it your own! For a delicious twist, try adding cooked pasta for a complete one-dish meal. Or, for a different flavor profile, consider swapping the Swiss for Gruyère or Provolone cheese. If you’re looking for more comfort food inspiration, you might enjoy this high-protein mac and cheese recipe.
What to Serve with Your Casserole
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a rich and hearty dish that pairs wonderfully with simple sides. A crisp green salad, steamed asparagus, or roasted broccoli provides a fresh contrast. It’s also delicious served over egg noodles or with a side of fluffy white rice to soak up the creamy sauce. For another cheesy, comforting meal, give this cheesy chicken and orzo a try.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
This casserole is perfect for planning ahead. You can assemble the entire dish (without the breadcrumb topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, add the buttered breadcrumbs and bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or a larger portion in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Looking for another great make-ahead meal? These slow cooker French dip sandwiches are always a winner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, without the breadcrumb topping, up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, add the buttered topping and bake for an extra 5-10 minutes.
Of course. While Swiss cheese provides the classic nutty flavor, other great melting cheeses like Gruyère, Provolone, or even a white cheddar would also be delicious in this casserole.
The key is to use pre-cooked chicken and remember that the baking process is primarily to heat everything through and melt the cheese. Stick to the recommended 25-30 minute baking time to ensure the chicken stays tender and juicy.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides that cut through its richness. We recommend a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, or serving it over egg noodles or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
The Best Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
This recipe proves that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create a memorable and delicious meal. This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole brings all the beloved flavors of the original into a simple, accessible format perfect for any night of the week. We hope you enjoy it!
If you tried this recipe, please leave a comment below! We’d love to see your creations on Pinterest!
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole (The Easiest, Creamiest Recipe!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the cooked chicken in an even layer across the bottom, followed by the diced ham. Sprinkle half of the shredded Swiss cheese over the top.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute to create a roux. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the prepared Dijon sauce evenly over the layers of chicken, ham, and cheese in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Swiss cheese over the sauce.
- In a small bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crispy. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Don't Overcook: The chicken is already cooked, so you're just heating everything through. Overbaking can make it dry.
Get it Crispy: Place the casserole under the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end for an extra-golden topping, but watch it closely!
