If you love the classic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu, but prefer an easier, one-pan dinner, you’re in for a treat with this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. This comforting casserole takes all the elements you love about the traditional dish—juicy chicken, savory ham, gooey cheese, and a crispy breadcrumb topping—and combines them into a family-friendly, fuss-free casserole. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner or a special dish for a cozy dinner gathering. Best of all, it comes together in under an hour!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a timeless classic, but let’s face it—stuffing and breading chicken breasts can be a bit time-consuming. This casserole version simplifies the process without sacrificing any of the delicious flavor! The tender chicken and ham are layered with creamy cheese sauce, all topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust. It’s everything you love about the original dish in a quicker, easier form that’s perfect for busy nights or when you’re craving comfort food. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in a bit of extra protein and flavor into your dinner.
Ingredients
Here’s a preview of what you’ll need to make this comforting casserole. You can find the full list of ingredients and measurements below:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
- Deli ham (thinly sliced or cubed)
- Swiss cheese (or Gruyere for extra richness)
- Cream of chicken soup (or homemade white sauce)
- Milk
- Dijon mustard (adds a nice tang)
- Garlic powder
- Breadcrumbs (Panko breadcrumbs work best for crunch)
- Butter (for that golden, crispy topping)
- Salt and pepper
For the full ingredient list with measurements, check the recipe card below.
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Cook and Shred the Chicken
If you haven’t already cooked the chicken, do so by baking or pan-frying until fully cooked through. You can also use rotisserie chicken to save time. Once the chicken is cooked, shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk it all together until smooth and well combined. This creamy sauce will bind everything together and provide that rich, comforting texture.
4. Layer the Casserole
In your greased baking dish, layer the shredded chicken on the bottom. Top it with slices of deli ham, then pour the creamy sauce mixture evenly over the top. Finally, layer the shredded Swiss cheese over the casserole. This cheese will melt and create a gooey, flavorful layer.
5. Make the Topping
In a small bowl, melt the butter and mix it with the breadcrumbs. Then, sprinkle this buttery breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. The breadcrumbs will crisp up nicely, giving the casserole that signature crunch that you love from Chicken Cordon Bleu.
6. Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. You may want to check it halfway through and cover the dish with foil if the breadcrumbs are browning too quickly.
7. Cool and Serve
Once the casserole is done, allow it to cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This gives it time to firm up and makes it easier to slice into portions. Serve with a side of vegetables or a simple salad for a complete meal!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken makes this casserole even quicker and adds an extra depth of flavor. Just shred the chicken and you’re ready to go!
- Add Some Veggies: You can sneak in some extra veggies to the casserole—peas, spinach, or mushrooms would all be great additions.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed rice cereal for a crunchy topping. Be sure to use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup as well.
- Cheese Options: While Swiss cheese is classic for Chicken Cordon Bleu, you can substitute Gruyère, mozzarella, or even cheddar for a different flavor profile.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Different Meats: While ham is traditional in Chicken Cordon Bleu, you could easily substitute it with turkey or even bacon for a different twist. Just make sure the meat is cooked before adding it to the casserole.
- Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. This will add a zesty kick to the casserole!
- Dairy-Free Version: For a dairy-free casserole, use a dairy-free cream soup or homemade white sauce made with almond milk and dairy-free cheese. Replace the Swiss cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative for a similar taste.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is hearty and filling on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
- Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the casserole.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted broccoli, carrots, or green beans for a healthy and colorful side.
- Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with garlic bread on the side for an extra touch of indulgence.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This casserole stores well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, but the oven will help preserve the crispy breadcrumb topping.
4 FAQs
1. Can I use cooked chicken from leftovers?
Absolutely! Leftover chicken works perfectly for this casserole. Just shred it and layer it in the casserole dish as usual.
2. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can! Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
3. Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup with something else?
Yes! You can use cream of mushroom soup or even a homemade white sauce (made with butter, flour, and milk) for a different flavor.
4. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it overnight. Then, just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
Conclusion
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is the perfect blend of comfort, flavor, and simplicity. It’s a deliciously cheesy, savory, and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this casserole is a quick, easy, and irresistible option that everyone will love. Enjoy all the flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu without all the fuss!
Print
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: A Cozy Twist on a Classic Dish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting, one-pan casserole with juicy chicken, savory ham, gooey Swiss cheese, and a crispy breadcrumb topping. This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a quick and family-friendly version of the classic dish, perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked and shredded boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup deli ham (thinly sliced or cubed)
- 1 1/2 cups Swiss cheese (or Gruyere for extra richness), shredded
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or homemade white sauce)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko breadcrumbs work best)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook and shred the chicken: If not using rotisserie chicken, bake or pan-fry the chicken breasts, then shred into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the creamy sauce: In a medium bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
- Layer the casserole: In the prepared baking dish, layer the shredded chicken on the bottom. Add a layer of ham, then pour the creamy sauce mixture over the top. Top with shredded Swiss cheese.
- Make the topping: Combine the melted butter with the breadcrumbs and sprinkle the mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake the casserole: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use rotisserie chicken for convenience and added taste.
- Add vegetables like peas, spinach, or mushrooms for a boost of nutrients.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free cream of chicken soup.
- Try different cheese options like Gruyère or mozzarella if you prefer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of casserole
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg