Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

If you crave the cozy flavors of a classic comfort dish, look no further than Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Imagine all the best parts of the iconic French dish—juicy chicken, savory ham, creamy sauce, and a golden breadcrumb topping—baked together for maximum ease and cheesy, crowd-pleasing appeal. This casserole brings a nostalgic flavor, but ditches the fuss, making it perfect for family dinners, relaxed weekends, or anytime you want something extra special with minimal effort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity. Each ingredient in Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole not only shines on its own but also contributes to a creamy, satisfying bite—so don’t skimp on the details!

• Cooked chicken (3 cups, shredded): Rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken works perfectly for this recipe.
• Ham (8 slices, chopped): Choose high-quality deli ham or even leftover holiday ham for an extra punch of flavor.
• Swiss cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts beautifully and brings the nutty, creamy tang that makes Chicken Cordon Bleu so iconic.
• Cream of chicken soup (1 cup): Acts as the rich, velvety base for the sauce—don’t worry, it melds perfectly with the other flavors.
• Milk (1/2 cup): Loosens the sauce just enough to create that luscious, creamy consistency.
• Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): For a subtle tang that cuts through the richness and brightens up the dish.
• Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds gentle warmth and a background savory note.
• Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Helps round out the base flavors without any chopping.
• Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A little bite to balance out the creaminess.
• Breadcrumbs (1 cup): For the ultra-crispy golden crust that makes every bite memorable.
• Butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Giving the breadcrumbs that irresistible, toasty crunch.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Just a sprinkle makes everything look (and taste) fresh and lively.

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole will bake evenly and develop that signature bubbly, golden top. While the oven heats up, you’ll have just enough time to prep the remaining steps.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped ham, and Swiss cheese. You’re building the hearty foundation of the casserole here—don’t be shy about mixing thoroughly so every scoop is brimming with all three flavors.

Step 3: Make 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 completely smooth. This sauce is what’ll bind everything together, so whisk until lump-free and fragrant with those classic Cordon Bleu aromas.

Step 4: Combine and Coat

Pour the sauce over the chicken, ham, and cheese mixture. Stir everything together until the decadent sauce coats every bit of meat and cheese—this is where that irresistible, creamy casserole magic starts to happen.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then spread the fully mixed filling into an even layer. Make sure to get the mixture all the way to the edges so every serving is equally delicious.

Step 6: Prepare the Crunchy Topping

In a small bowl, stir the breadcrumbs with the melted butter until all the crumbs are well-coated. This combination is the secret to that show-stopping, golden crust that fans of Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole love.

Step 7: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes—by the end, the top should be a glorious golden brown and the casserole underneath will be bubbling with creamy goodness.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Right out of the oven, finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley. Not only does it add a pop of color, but the bright flavor beautifully balances the rich, savory casserole.

How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is a must, but if you want to get creative, try thinly shaved lemon zest or even a few delicate chives on top. These little touches promise freshness and a restaurant-style finish to your homemade Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole.

Side Dishes

Since Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is so rich and flavorful, pair it with something light and vibrant. Steamed green beans, a crisp garden salad, or roasted asparagus bring balance, color, and freshness to the meal. If you’re hungry for comfort, buttery mashed potatoes or warm dinner rolls hold up beautifully to creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, scoop the casserole into individual ramekins for a fun, personalized touch. For family-style serving, bring the whole baking dish straight to the table with a big serving spoon—there’s something irresistibly homey about everyone digging in together. You can even layer in extra veggies (like baby spinach or mushrooms) for a unique twist on the classic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. The casserole holds up beautifully and can easily be portioned for quick lunches or a second delicious dinner.

Freezing

This casserole is freezer-friendly! Cool the baked dish completely, then wrap tightly with both plastic wrap and foil. It’ll keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly (about 20-25 minutes). For a crispier topping, uncover the casserole for the last five minutes. If you’re reheating a single portion, a quick blast in the microwave works, but the oven will keep that breadcrumb topping at its best.

FAQs

Can I substitute the Swiss cheese in my Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole?

Absolutely! Gruyère cheese is a fantastic substitute for Swiss and brings an even richer, nutty flavor. You could also use mozzarella or provolone for a milder, meltier result.

Is it possible to use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is perfect for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. It’s delicious, already cooked, and saves you plenty of time during prep. Just be sure to shred or chop it before mixing.

How can I make this casserole gluten free?

Simply swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs and check the label on your cream of chicken soup to ensure it’s gluten free. All other ingredients are naturally gluten free, making the adaptation painless!

Can I assemble Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the casserole (up to the breadcrumb topping) a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Add the topping just before baking to keep it crispy and fresh.

What’s the best way to add vegetables?

You can easily stir in sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, or even broccoli florets in step 2 with the chicken and ham. The creamy sauce will coat everything beautifully for a well-rounded casserole.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about sharing a creamy, bubbly casserole that brings everyone together. If you’re looking to treat your friends or family to a tried-and-true comfort dinner, don’t wait to try Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. You’ll love the balance of flavors and how effortlessly it all comes together. Here’s to new favorites and seconds all around!