Description
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
Ingredients
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
Instructions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nutrition
- Calories: 420
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g