Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a rich and creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. This easy-to-make dish combines tender chicken, savory ham, and gooey melted cheese, all wrapped up in a creamy sauce and topped with a crispy crust. If you're a busy home cook looking for a quick, family-approved dinner recipe, this casserole is just what your kitchen needs.
Keep reading to learn how to make this classic comfort dish from scratch—with tips to ensure every bite is perfect.
What Is Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole?
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a simplified version of the traditional French classic, Chicken Cordon Bleu. Traditionally, this dish involves chicken breasts stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, then breaded and fried or baked. While traditional cordon bleu is delicious, it can be time-consuming to prepare.
This casserole version takes all the delicious flavors of the classic dish but delivers them with less prep, fewer dirty dishes, and significantly less effort. The result? A weeknight comfort-food champion that's guaranteed to please.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for a busy weeknight or meal prep.
- Kid-Friendly: Packed with familiar flavors that even picky eaters will enjoy.
- Customizable: Easily swap out ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble it in advance, and bake it later!
Now, let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this decadent casserole to life:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 ½ cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko works best)
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
These ingredients come together beautifully to create a casserole that’s cheesy, hearty, and full of the familiar Chicken Cordon Bleu flavor we all love.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Follow these steps to whip up this casserole quickly and easily:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Base
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix the softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard. Stir until smooth.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Continue stirring until the mixture is creamy and heated through.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the cooked chicken evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Layer the diced ham over the chicken.
- Sprinkle Swiss cheese and mozzarella on top.
- Pour the creamy mixture evenly over the chicken, ham, and cheese layers.
Step 4: Add the Topping
- In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter until they’re fully coated.
- Add a sprinkle of paprika (optional) for a flavorful and colorful topping.
- Evenly distribute the breadcrumb mixture over the casserole for a perfect, golden crust.
Step 5: Bake
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Allow it to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Here are some pro tips to make sure your casserole is a hit:
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For ultimate convenience, grab a rotisserie chicken from the store and shred it to save time.
- Try Other Cheeses: While Swiss is traditional, you can experiment with Gruyère, cheddar, or Provolone for a twist.
- Add Veggies: Add steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas to the casserole to sneak in some greens.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Swap out breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds.
Why Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is Perfect for Busy Home Cooks
This recipe was designed with busy home cooks in mind. It’s easy to prepare, requires just one baking dish, and is ready in under an hour. It’s also an excellent recipe for using up leftover chicken or ham from a previous meal. Plus, it freezes well, so you can make it ahead of time and enjoy it later.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole pairs perfectly with a side of:
- Green Salad: A fresh garden salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
- Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or sautéed spinach make great sides.
- Bread: A warm baguette or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storing:
- Place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating:
- Oven Method (Best): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for 15–20 minutes, or until heated through.
- Microwave Method (Quick): Heat individual portions in the microwave for about 2–3 minutes.
Freezing:
- Cool the casserole completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a slightly richer flavor and work just as well as breasts in this casserole.
Is this casserole keto-friendly?
Yes, with some tweaks! Replace the breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds to make this casserole keto-compliant.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole and store it in the fridge (uncooked) for up to 24 hours. Bake it fresh before serving.
A Must-Try Comfort Food for All
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combines ease, flavor, and comfort into one dish. Ideal for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or meal prep, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and treat yourself and your family to this hearty, cheesy dish.
