Easy and Tasty Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
Hey there, friend! Let’s talk about comfort food today—because if you’re anything like me, you want something that’s warm, cheesy, and ridiculously good after a long day.
That’s exactly why I’m obsessed with this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. It’s got everything you love about the classic dish—tender chicken, smoky ham, gooey cheese—but without all the hassle of rolling and breading.
I know life gets busy, and the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen.
That’s why this recipe is perfect. You throw it all together in one dish, pop it in the oven, and boom—you’ve got a creamy, cheesy, perfectly baked meal that tastes like you spent way more time on it than you actually did. (But don’t worry, your secret is safe with me.)
And let’s just be honest here—who doesn’t love a good casserole? It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel cozy from the inside out.
Besides, it’s picky-eater approved, so if you’ve got kids, a spouse, or even a friend who turns their nose up at everything, they’re about to be hooked.
So grab your ingredients, and let’s make this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole together. Trust me, once you try it out, it’s going straight into your dinner rotation!
Why You Need to Make This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole—Like, Tonight.
First, let’s talk about flavor. You’ve got juicy chicken, smoky ham, and melty Swiss cheese, all covered in a creamy, buttery sauce with just the right amount of crunch on top.
Every bite is rich, cheesy, and packed with that classic Chicken Cordon Bleu taste—but without all the extra work.
And speaking of easy, this recipe is a total lifesaver. No pounding, stuffing, or rolling chicken.
Just layer everything in a dish, bake for 30 minutes, and dinner is ready! Perfect for busy nights when you still want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.
Now, if you’re cooking for family or friends, get ready for major compliments.
This dish looks and tastes like something from a fancy restaurant, but only you’ll know how simple it was to make.
Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this casserole always impresses.
So if you’re craving (oops, I mean really want) something warm, cheesy, and satisfying, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is calling your name.
Ready to make it? Let’s go!
Ingredients List for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 ½ cups diced ham (deli or leftover ham)
- 2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded (can substitute with mozzarella or provolone)
For the Sauce:
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or whole milk for a lighter option)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard (adds that classic Cordon Bleu flavor)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds extra flavor and crispiness)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 tsp smoked paprika for a deeper flavor
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning for a little extra kick
Now that you’ve got everything, let’s put it all together!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C)—give it a minute to warm up while you get everything ready.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. No one likes a casserole stuck to the pan!
Step 2: Layer the Good Stuff
- Spread the chicken evenly in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the ham over the chicken—don’t be shy, pile it on!
- Cover everything with shredded Swiss cheese. (More cheese = more happiness.)
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the cream, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Keep whisking until the cream cheese melts and everything looks smooth and creamy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, ham, and cheese. Try not to taste-test too much—save some for the casserole!
Step 4: Make the Crunchy Topping
- In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle this golden goodness all over the top of the casserole.
Step 5: Bake & Enjoy
- Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
- Let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving (I know, waiting is hard, but trust me—it’s worth it!).
How to Cook Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start, make sure you have everything measured and ready to go. This makes the whole process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot by the time your casserole is ready to bake.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or nonstick spray. This keeps everything from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients
- Spread the cooked, shredded chicken evenly in the dish.
- Sprinkle the diced ham over the chicken.
- Top everything with shredded Swiss cheese—make sure it’s spread out evenly for that perfect melty goodness.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir constantly for about 3-4 minutes until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken, ham, and cheese layers.
Step 6: Prepare the Crispy Topping
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the casserole for that perfect crunch.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Step 8: Let It Rest & Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes to set.
- Scoop out a generous portion, serve it up, and enjoy every creamy, cheesy, crispy bite!
And just like that, dinner is served! 🍽️
Calories & Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
(Serves 6 people)
- Calories: ~450-500 per serving
- Protein: ~35g (Thanks to all that chicken, ham, and cheese!)
- Fat: ~30g (Mostly from the cheese, cream, and butter—aka flavor town!)
- Carbohydrates: ~10g (Mainly from the breadcrumb topping)
- Fiber: ~1g (Not a salad, but hey, there’s a little!)
- Sodium: ~800mg (Ham and cheese bring the salt, so adjust if needed)
Nutritional Notes:
✅ High in protein – Great for keeping you full and satisfied.
✅ Low in carbs – A solid option if you’re watching your carb intake.
✅ Rich & creamy – Not exactly “light,” but oh-so-worth it.
✅ Easily adjustable – Swap the heavy cream for whole milk or use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
This dish is pure comfort food, so enjoy every bite—guilt-free! 😉
Common Mistakes to Avoid
🔴 Using Raw Chicken – This casserole is not a “cook-it-all-at-once” situation. Use fully cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great). Raw chicken will not cook properly and, well… let’s not turn dinner into a science experiment.
🔴 Skipping the Sauce Stirring – That creamy sauce needs love! Whisk constantly while heating so it turns out smooth and velvety. Nobody wants clumps of cream cheese floating around like tiny islands.
🔴 Drowning the Casserole – More sauce = more flavor, right? Not always. Too much sauce can make your casserole soupy instead of creamy. Stick to the measurements unless you like your dinner to double as a soup.
🔴 Overloading the Breadcrumbs – A crunchy topping is great, but if you go overboard, it can turn dry and overwhelming. A light, even layer is all you need.
🔴 Not Letting It Rest – I know, I know. You’re hungry. But give it 5 minutes to set after baking, or you’ll end up with a cheesy avalanche on your plate (still delicious, but less pretty).
🔴 Forgetting to Taste-Test the Sauce – A little extra salt or Dijon might be needed depending on your taste. Give it a quick taste before pouring it over—no surprises later!
🔴 Baking Too Long – 25-30 minutes is the sweet spot. Overbaking dries it out and makes the topping too hard. We want golden and crispy, not “could-break-a-tooth” crunchy.
Follow these tips, and your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole will be a creamy, cheesy, crispy masterpiece every single time! 🎉
Variations & Customizations
🔹 Keto-Friendly Version – Skip the breadcrumbs and use crushed pork rinds or almond flour mixed with Parmesan for the topping. Also, use heavy cream instead of milk to keep the carbs low and the creaminess high!
🔹 Spicy Kick Version – Love a little heat? Add diced jalapeños to the sauce, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes, or swap Swiss cheese for pepper jack. A drizzle of hot honey on top after baking? Game changer.
🔹 Vegetarian Swap – Replace the chicken and ham with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and roasted cauliflower. Use smoked gouda instead of Swiss to keep that rich, smoky flavor without the meat.
🔹 Buffalo-Style Cordon Bleu – Mix buffalo sauce into the cream sauce and use blue cheese crumbles instead of Swiss. It’s like a mashup of Chicken Cordon Bleu and Buffalo Chicken Dip—aka heaven.
🔹 Extra-Crunchy Topping – Want even more texture? Mix crushed Ritz crackers with your breadcrumbs for a buttery, golden crust that melts in your mouth.
No matter how you customize it, this casserole is ready to impress!
Serving & Presentation Tips
You’ve just pulled a golden, bubbling masterpiece out of the oven—now let’s make it look as good as it tastes! Here’s how to serve it up like a pro:
Step 1: Let It Rest (Yes, Really!)
- Give your casserole 5 minutes to set before serving. This helps the sauce thicken up and makes scooping easier (plus, it saves you from a lava-hot cheese burn).
Step 2: Slice and Serve
- Use a large spoon or spatula to scoop out portions. Want clean, neat slices? Let it cool a little longer, then cut into squares like a lasagna.
Step 3: Pair It with the Right Sides
- This dish is rich and creamy, so balance it with something fresh!
✅ Side Salad – A crisp Caesar or mixed greens with a light vinaigrette.
✅ Steamed Veggies – Green beans, asparagus, or roasted Brussels sprouts.
✅ Garlic Bread – Because extra carbs are always a good idea. 😉
Step 4: Garnish Like a Pro
- Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for color and a little fancy touch.
- Add a light dusting of extra Parmesan right before serving—because more cheese is always a win!
Step 5: Plate It Beautifully
- Serve on a white or neutral-colored plate to let the golden, cheesy goodness shine.
- If you’re going for that restaurant feel, drizzle a little Dijon mustard or a touch of hot honey around the plate for an elegant (and tasty) touch.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store them so every bite stays just as delicious:
Refrigerator Storage (Up to 4 Days)
- Let the casserole cool completely before storing. No one wants condensation making it soggy!
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating Tip:
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Cover with foil to keep it from drying out.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. (The sauce will thicken, so you can add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up.)
Freezing (Up to 3 Months)
Want to save some for later? Freezing works like a charm!
To Freeze (Unbaked or Baked):
- Cool it completely.
- Wrap the entire dish in two layers of plastic wrap and then foil (prevents freezer burn). Or, portion it into airtight containers.
- Label it with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To Reheat from Frozen:
- Thaw Overnight: Let it defrost in the fridge for 12-24 hours before reheating.
- Bake Directly from Frozen: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes. Remove foil for the last 10 minutes to crisp up the top.
Now you’ve got a meal ready whenever you need it!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just shred or chop it up before adding it to the casserole.
2. What’s the best cheese to use?
Swiss is the classic choice, but you can mix it up! Try Gruyère for extra richness, mozzarella for a gooey texture, or even sharp cheddar for a bold twist.
3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything, cover, and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
4. How do I make it gluten-free?
Easy! Swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko or crushed pork rinds, and use a gluten-free flour blend for thickening the sauce.
5. What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
No worries! You can use yellow mustard, spicy brown mustard, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a little tang.
6. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm.
7. How do I prevent my casserole from getting watery?
Make sure your chicken is not too juicy (pat it dry if needed), and don’t go overboard with the sauce. Also, let the casserole rest before serving—it helps the sauce thicken up!
Got more questions? Drop them in the comments, and I’ve got you covered!
Conclusion
And just like that— you made your very own homemade Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole! Creamy, cheesy, and packed with that classic flavor we all love, but without the hassle of rolling and frying.
Once you taste this, I guarantee you’ll never look at a frozen store-bought version the same way again. (Seriously, why do they always taste like cardboard?)
Now, it’s your turn! Make this dish, put your own spin on it, and let me know how it turns out. Did you add extra cheese? Go full-on spicy? Drop a comment or snap a pic—I’d love to see your masterpiece!
Happy cooking, my friend! 🍽️💕
Now you may want to try these similar DELICIOUS:
Parmesan Crusted Chicken With Creamy Garlic Sauce
Chinese Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Ingredients
Ingredients List for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 1 ½ cups diced ham deli or leftover ham
- 2 cups Swiss cheese shredded (can substitute with mozzarella or provolone)
For the Sauce:
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream or whole milk for a lighter option
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard adds that classic Cordon Bleu flavor
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs regular or gluten-free
- 2 tbsp butter melted
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese adds extra flavor and crispiness
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 tsp smoked paprika for a deeper flavor
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning for a little extra kick
Instructions
How to Cook Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
- Before you start, make sure you have everything measured and ready to go. This makes the whole process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot by the time your casserole is ready to bake.
Step 3: Prepare the Baking Dish
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a little butter or nonstick spray. This keeps everything from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients
- Spread the cooked, shredded chicken evenly in the dish.
- Sprinkle the diced ham over the chicken.
- Top everything with shredded Swiss cheese—make sure it’s spread out evenly for that perfect melty goodness.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir constantly for about 3-4 minutes until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken, ham, and cheese layers.
Step 6: Prepare the Crispy Topping
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the casserole for that perfect crunch.
Step 7: Bake the Casserole
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Step 8: Let It Rest & Serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes to set.
- Scoop out a generous portion, serve it up, and enjoy every creamy, cheesy, crispy bite!
- And just like that, dinner is served! 🍽️
