Chicken cordon bleu casserole takes everything you love about the classic dish—juicy chicken, smoky ham, creamy sauce, and gooey Swiss cheese—and turns it into a comforting, family-friendly bake. Instead of rolling chicken breasts with ham and cheese, this recipe layers all the flavors in a casserole dish, making it easier to prepare while still delivering the same indulgent taste.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings, chicken cordon bleu casserole is creamy, cheesy, and finished with a golden breadcrumb topping. It’s a one-pan dish that’s hearty and satisfying, bringing restaurant-style flavor to your kitchen with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed; rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 ½ cups diced ham (cooked)
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (or mozzarella as a substitute)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and paprika until smooth.
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
- Spread half of the cooked chicken into the prepared dish.
- Top with diced ham and half of the Swiss cheese.
- Spread remaining chicken over the top, then pour sauce evenly over everything.
- Sprinkle remaining Swiss cheese and cheddar cheese over the sauce.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs (or Ritz cracker crumbs) with melted butter until coated.
- Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and topping is golden brown.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Variations
- Low-Carb Version: Use steamed cauliflower florets instead of rice or pasta sides.
- Extra Cheesy: Add a layer of provolone or Gruyère for richness.
- Herb Topping: Mix Italian seasoning or parsley into breadcrumbs for added flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Cooking Notes
- Swiss cheese gives the most authentic flavor, but mozzarella or provolone are good substitutes.
- Use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
- Sauce should be creamy but not too thin—add more sour cream if needed.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with rice, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.
- Add roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans on the side for balance.
- Pair with garlic bread or dinner rolls for a complete meal.
💡 Tips
- Always shred your own cheese for best melting results.
- Don’t skip the Dijon mustard—it gives the dish its signature cordon bleu flavor.
- Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving so it sets.
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days and reheat in the oven for best texture.
Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, 8 servings)
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 29g
- Sodium: 720mg
❓ FAQs
Q1: Can I make chicken cordon bleu casserole ahead of time?
- Yes! Assemble it (without topping), refrigerate up to 24 hours, then add topping and bake when ready.
Q2: Can I freeze this casserole?
- Yes. Freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight, then bake as directed.
Q3: What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
- You can substitute with cream of mushroom or homemade white sauce.
Q4: Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
- Absolutely! Leftover turkey works well, especially after the holidays.
Q5: How do I keep the topping crispy?
- Bake uncovered and avoid adding too much butter to the crumbs.
Conclusion
Chicken cordon bleu casserole is a rich, creamy, and cheesy dish that takes the flavors of the classic recipe and transforms them into an easy, family-friendly bake. With layers of chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, and a crunchy topping, it’s hearty, flavorful, and sure to impress at the dinner table. Whether for weeknights, potlucks, or special occasions, this casserole is a delicious way to enjoy comfort food with a gourmet twist.