​​​​​​​​​​​​​Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

There’s something irresistibly comforting about transforming an elegant restaurant dish into an easy weeknight casserole. Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole takes all the luxurious flavors of the classic French-inspired entrée—tender chicken, smoky ham, and melted Swiss cheese—and transforms them into a family-friendly baked dish that doesn’t require any rolling, breading, or frying. This casserole delivers the same rich, savory flavors with a fraction of the effort, making it perfect for busy evenings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy sauce brings everything together, creating layers of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients List

For the Casserole Base:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded (rotisserie chicken works beautifully)
• 2 cups diced ham (about 8 ounces)
• 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (Gruyère adds wonderful depth)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Substitution Suggestions:

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs
• Dairy-sensitive: Try lactose-free milk and cheese alternatives
• Lower sodium: Opt for low-sodium ham and broth
• Different cheese: Mozzarella or white cheddar work nicely

Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Time-Saving Tips:

• Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to cut prep time significantly
• Prepare the casserole mixture the night before and refrigerate; add topping just before baking
• While the casserole bakes, prepare your side dishes or set the table
• The sauce comes together quickly—have all ingredients measured beforehand for smooth cooking

How to Make It

1. Prepare Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This size works perfectly for family-style servings, though you could use individual ramekins for an elegant presentation.

2. Create the Creamy Sauce

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it’s bubbling gently. Whisk in the flour and cook for about one minute, stirring constantly—this creates a roux that will thicken your sauce beautifully. You’ll notice it smells slightly nutty when it’s ready. Gradually pour in the milk and chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Keep whisking as the mixture comes to a gentle simmer and thickens, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon nicely.

3. Assemble the Casserole Layers

In your prepared baking dish, spread the diced chicken evenly across the bottom. Layer the ham pieces over the chicken, then sprinkle 1½ cups of the Swiss cheese on top. Pour your warm, creamy sauce over everything, making sure it reaches all the corners. Use a spoon to gently press down any ingredients that aren’t coated. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup Swiss cheese over the surface for extra melty goodness.

4. Prepare the Golden Topping

In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Mix with a fork until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with butter—this ensures a beautifully golden, crispy top. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the entire casserole, creating an even layer that will crisp up beautifully in the oven.

5. Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and crispy, the edges are bubbling, and your kitchen smells absolutely amazing. If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving—this allows the sauce to settle and makes serving much easier.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: approximately 420
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 23g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 780mg

This casserole provides substantial protein from both chicken and ham, making it quite satisfying. The calcium from cheese and milk contributes to bone health, while the moderate carbohydrate content from breadcrumbs keeps the dish balanced. Keep in mind that nutritional values vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. Using leaner ham and reduced-fat cheese can lower the overall calorie and fat content without sacrificing much flavor.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Lower Calorie Options:

• Use reduced-fat Swiss cheese and 2% milk instead of whole
• Replace half the breadcrumb topping with crushed cornflakes for less butter
• Increase chicken and reduce ham for lower sodium and fat

Gluten-Free Adaptation:

• Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend (1:1 ratio)
• Use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers
• Ensure your chicken broth and Dijon mustard are gluten-free certified

Lighter Sauce Version:

• Make the sauce with unsweetened almond milk and Greek yogurt
• Use cornstarch instead of a butter-flour roux (mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with cold milk)
• This reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

Vegetarian Twist:

• Replace chicken with cauliflower florets and mushrooms
• Swap ham for smoked tempeh or plant-based deli slices
• The creamy sauce and cheese still deliver that classic cordon bleu experience

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole shines as a complete main course that pairs beautifully with lighter sides. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness, or roasted asparagus and green beans for added vegetables. Garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls are wonderful for soaking up the creamy sauce.

For a more substantial meal, consider serving over rice, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes. A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy, savory flavors perfectly, while sparkling water with lemon works for non-alcoholic options.

Portion Guidance: This recipe serves 6-8 people generously. For larger appetites or if serving without hearty sides, plan for 6 servings. For a dinner party with multiple courses, it easily stretches to 8-10 servings.

Presentation Ideas: Garnish with fresh parsley or chives just before serving for a pop of color. Individual portions in ramekins create an elegant restaurant-style presentation for special occasions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Lumpy Sauce:
The most common issue is adding liquid too quickly to the roux. Always whisk continuously and add milk gradually to maintain a smooth, velvety texture. If lumps do form, use an immersion blender to smooth things out.

Soggy Topping:
If your breadcrumb topping isn’t crispy, you likely didn’t use enough butter to coat the crumbs. Make sure each breadcrumb glistens with butter before sprinkling. Also, avoid covering the casserole while baking unless the top browns too quickly.

Dry Casserole:
This happens when there’s not enough sauce or when the casserole bakes too long. Ensure your sauce fully coats all ingredients, and check the casserole at 25 minutes. It should be bubbly but not dried out at the edges.

Bland Flavor:
Don’t skip the Dijon mustard—it adds essential tangy depth. Also, season each layer (chicken, sauce, topping) rather than relying on one component for all the flavor. Taste your sauce before assembling and adjust seasoning.

Watery Results:
If your casserole seems watery after baking, your sauce wasn’t thick enough initially. It should coat a spoon before pouring. Also, let the casserole rest 5-10 minutes before serving so the sauce can set properly.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Refrigerator Storage:
Cover leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole tightly with aluminum foil or transfer to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The topping may soften when stored, but it still tastes delicious.

Freezer Storage:
This casserole freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze before adding the breadcrumb topping. Wrap the assembled casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, or use a freezer-safe container. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add fresh topping, and bake as directed (add 10-15 minutes to baking time if starting cold).

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, covered with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. For larger portions, reheat in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil. To re-crisp the topping, uncover for the last 5 minutes of reheating.

Make-Ahead Preparation:
Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours ahead, but wait to add the breadcrumb topping until just before baking. Cover tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the topping and increase baking time by about 10 minutes since it’s starting cold.

Conclusion

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole proves that elegant flavors don’t require complicated techniques. By combining tender chicken, savory ham, melted Swiss cheese, and a creamy sauce under a golden, crispy topping, you get all the satisfaction of the classic dish with none of the fussy preparation. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a Tuesday night or hosting friends for a casual dinner, this casserole delivers impressive results with minimal stress. Give it a try this week—you might just find your new go-to comfort food recipe. Don’t forget to share your results and any creative variations you discover along the way!

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the method. Cut raw chicken into bite-sized pieces, season well, and sauté until fully cooked before assembling the casserole. This adds about 10 minutes to prep time but works perfectly. Make sure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

What’s the best way to prevent the cheese from becoming oily?
Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties, which contain anti-caking agents that can cause separation. Also, avoid overbaking, which can cause cheese to release oils. Baking at 350°F rather than higher temperatures helps maintain creamy texture.

Can I make this without breadcrumbs?
Absolutely! Try crushed butter crackers, cornflakes, or even crispy fried onions for the topping. You could also skip the topping entirely and just add extra cheese for a smooth, creamy top. Each variation offers its own delicious texture.

How do I know when the casserole is fully heated through?
The casserole is ready when the edges are bubbling vigorously, the top is golden brown, and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center reads 165°F. Visual cues include melted, bubbly cheese and a crispy, golden topping.

What ham works best for this recipe?
Deli-sliced ham, leftover holiday ham, or ham steak all work beautifully. Black Forest ham adds wonderful smoky flavor, while honey ham brings subtle sweetness. Avoid very salty varieties like country ham, which can overpower the dish. Dice into approximately ½-inch cubes for even distribution.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Use two 9×13-inch baking dishes or one large roasting pan. Keep baking temperature the same but check at 30 minutes—larger quantities may need 35-40 minutes total. This recipe doubles beautifully for potlucks, family gatherings, or meal prep for the week.

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