If you’re craving pure comfort in casserole form, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole will have your family running to the dinner table! It pulls together all the irresistible flavors of the classic dish—tender chicken, savory ham, creamy Swiss sauce, and a golden, ultra-crispy topping—in a way that’s weeknight-friendly and absolutely memorable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Maximum Comfort with Minimal Effort: Get all the iconic flavors and textures of Chicken Cordon Bleu—no fancy rolling or breading required!
- Family Friendly and Crowd Pleasing: It’s kid-approved, impressive enough for guests, and hearty enough to keep everyone satisfied.
- Make-Ahead Marvel: Prep the night before and bake when you’re ready, making weeknights (or get-togethers) stress-free.
- Cheesy, Crispy, Creamy Perfection: That homemade cheese sauce and buttery panko topping create irresistible layers in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the magic behind this casserole—a handful of simple ingredients work together to deliver bold, classic Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole flavor without fuss. Each one plays its part, from the tender chicken to the melty cheeses and the golden crunch on top!
- Shredded rotisserie chicken: Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves time and adds juicy, flavorful protein.
- Cubed ham: Choose good-quality deli ham or leftover ham—you want salty, meaty bites in every forkful.
- Unsalted butter: Used for the rich cheese sauce and the golden Panko topping—it gives everything that homemade touch.
- All-purpose flour: This thickens your cheese sauce, making it luscious and irresistible.
- Milk: Whole or 2% milk will give a silky texture to the cheese sauce.
- Dijon mustard: Gives the casserole a hint of sharpness and that classic Cordon Bleu zing.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the sauce and balances richness—just a tablespoon transforms the flavor.
- Garlic powder: Adds savory depth without overpowering the delicate cheeses.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning both the sauce and the entire casserole—taste as you go.
- Shredded Swiss cheese: The perfect melty, nutty cheese for classic Cordon Bleu flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds extra sharpness and a little sophisticated depth to the cheese sauce.
- Panko bread crumbs: For the ultimate crispy, airy topping—way crunchier than regular breadcrumbs.
- Melted butter (for topping): Helps the Panko brown beautifully and stay crisp.
- Cooking spray: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up easier so you can focus on enjoying your meal.
Variations
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is endlessly adaptable, letting you swap, tweak, or add to suit your mood or what’s in your fridge. It’s the perfect playground for creativity—don’t be afraid to try something new!
- Crispy Topping Swap: Try crushed Ritz crackers, buttery breadcrumbs, or even cornflakes instead of Panko for a different crunch.
- Cheese Choices: Substitute Gruyère or provolone for Swiss, or add sharp cheddar for an extra gooey twist.
- Veggie Boost: Add a layer of wilted spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or steamed broccoli right under the cheese sauce for extra color and nutrition.
- Low-Carb Version: Replace Panko with pork rind “breadcrumbs” or skip the topping altogether and serve over cauliflower rice.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Casserole Base
Preheat your oven to 350°F and give a 9×13-inch baking dish a quick spray with cooking spray. Scatter the shredded rotisserie chicken evenly across the bottom, then layer the cubed ham on top. This guarantees you get a perfect bite of both in every forkful.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and let it cook for about 1–2 minutes—a little patience here helps get rid of any raw flour taste and creates a perfect base for the sauce. Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt, then simmer the sauce, whisking constantly, until it thickens (3–5 minutes). Off the heat, stir in Swiss and Parmesan cheese until smooth and melty. Give it a taste—add a pinch more salt if it needs it!
Step 3: Assemble and Add Topping
Pour the warm cheese sauce evenly over the ham and chicken layers in your casserole dish, using a spatula to coax it into the corners. In a separate bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until every crumb glistens. Sprinkle the Panko mixture generously over the cheese sauce, covering the entire surface for maximum crunch.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
Bake the casserole—uncovered!—for 30–35 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden and the sides are bubbly. Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving so everything sets up nicely. Serve it solo, or scoop over hot rice or buttered noodles for the ultimate comfort meal.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
- Shred It Right: Hand-shred your rotisserie chicken rather than chopping for the juiciest, best-textured pieces throughout the casserole.
- Sauce Consistency Matters: Let the cheese sauce bubble gently until it’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon—runny sauce means a soggy casserole!
- Bread Crumb Bliss: Toss Panko with melted butter thoroughly for an even, golden crunch—don’t skimp on this step, it keeps things extra crispy.
- Cheese Freshness: For ultra-smooth melting and flavor, grate Swiss and Parmesan from the block rather than buying pre-shredded.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Garnishes
Finish your casserole with a shower of freshly chopped parsley, a dusting of extra Parmesan, or even a light sprinkle of paprika for color. These little touches add a pop of freshness and make the dish look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is filling, but it pairs beautifully with roasted veggies, a crisp green salad, or bright steamed asparagus. If you’re feeling extra cozy, try serving it over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or egg noodles to soak up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Scoop individual servings into ramekins for a dinner-party-worthy touch, or top with edible flowers for a spring feel. For fun family dinners, let everyone garnish their own with extra toppings or sides to make it feel special!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let extra Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole cool completely before covering tightly with foil or transferring to airtight containers. It keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days and tastes just as fabulous reheated!
Freezing
This casserole is freezer-friendly! Assemble it (but don’t bake), cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual until bubbly and golden.
Reheating
To revive leftovers, reheat covered in a 350°F oven until warmed through, then uncover for a few minutes to re-crisp the topping. Single servings can be warmed in the microwave, though a quick broil in the oven brings back the crunch.
FAQs
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Can I use pre-cooked chicken breast instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Any cooked chicken works well in Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Rotisserie adds extra flavor and juiciness, but leftover baked or poached chicken is a great substitute—just be sure to shred it for the best texture.
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Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend in the sauce, and use gluten-free Panko or crushed rice crackers for the topping. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s a simple adjustment.
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Can I assemble Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole ahead?
You sure can. Assemble the casserole (including the topping), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before putting it in the oven to ensure even baking.
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What can I use instead of ham?
If you prefer, you can swap diced turkey, smoked sausage, or even cooked bacon for the ham. Each will add a unique twist while keeping the spirit of the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole alive!
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is one of those recipes you’ll turn to again and again for comfort, celebration, or sharing with friends. It’s everything you love about a French classic, made easy enough for any night of the week. I hope it finds a happy place at your table soon—don’t forget to grab an extra spoonful of that crispy, cheesy topping!
Print
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu in casserole form with this easy and delicious recipe. Layers of shredded rotisserie chicken and cubed ham are smothered in a creamy Swiss cheese sauce, topped with buttery Panko breadcrumbs, and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 5 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 2 cups cubed ham
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 1/4 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Panko Topping:
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13 casserole dish.
- Layer Meat: Place the shredded chicken in an even layer at the bottom of the casserole dish. Top with the cubed ham.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook until it forms a clumpy mixture. Slowly whisk in milk, then add mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt. Simmer, whisking constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in Swiss and Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Add Cheese Sauce: Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the ham and chicken in the casserole dish.
- Prepare Panko Topping: Combine Panko breadcrumbs and melted butter in a bowl. Sprinkle the mixture over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden and the casserole is bubbly.
- Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy on its own or over pasta or rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
