Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a delightful twist on the classic dish that brings all the flavors into one easy-to-make meal. Imagine tender chicken pieces, slices of ham, creamy cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping baked together to create a comforting and familiar dish. It’s like all the best parts of Chicken Cordon Bleu without the fuss of frying or rolling.
I love making this casserole when I need something that feels special but still easy to prepare. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when friends come over because it doesn’t take too long and everyone seems to enjoy it. What makes it even better is that you can tweak it by adding your favorite cheese or some herbs to make it your own. I usually sprinkle a little extra parmesan on top for that golden crust I can’t resist.
Serving it with a simple side salad or steamed veggies makes a great meal that feels balanced and tasty. Plus, the leftovers heat up nicely, so it’s one of those recipes I’m happy to have again the next day. Whenever I make this casserole, it brings back memories of family dinners and easy weekend meals that everyone looks forward to.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast works best because it’s mild and tender. Rotisserie chicken is a quick option that adds extra flavor if you’re short on time. You can also use shredded leftover chicken.
Ham: Diced ham adds the smoky, salty bite typical of chicken cordon bleu. If you’re avoiding pork, try turkey ham or cooked bacon for a different but tasty twist.
Swiss Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully and has a mild nutty flavor. If Swiss isn’t your favorite, Gruyère or mozzarella make great substitutes for gooey, creamy texture.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This helps create the creamy sauce. If you want a lighter option, try using plain Greek yogurt or a homemade white sauce with milk and a bit of flour.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give a crunchy and golden topping. For a gluten-free option, use crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal.
How Do You Get the Perfectly Crispy Topping on Your Casserole?
The crispy topping is a highlight of this dish and it’s easy to achieve with a few tips:
- Mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter before sprinkling. This helps them brown evenly and stay crisp instead of getting soggy.
- Make sure to spread the topping evenly over the entire casserole surface so it bakes uniformly.
- For extra crunch, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes—watch closely to prevent burning.
- Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This lets the topping set, so it stays crunchy when you scoop.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish – I use this size because it holds everything evenly without spilling.
- Mixing bowls – for combining the sauce ingredients and mixing the casserole components.
- Whisk or spoon – makes it easy to blend the sauce smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient portions.
- Oven mitts – essential for safely removing the hot casserole from the oven.
- Small bowl – for mixing the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cooked turkey or chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for extra flavor and moisture.
- Add chopped cooked bacon or diced cooked ham for a smoky boost.
- Stir in sautéed onions or mushrooms for more savory richness.
- Sprinkle with cracked black pepper or paprika before baking for extra flavor and color.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or similar)
- 1 1/2 cups diced ham
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup mayonnaise or sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 30-35 minutes baking time. After baking, it’s good to let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. So, plan for about 50 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish so the casserole doesn’t stick.
2. Mix the Main Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, pasta, diced ham, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese. Stir them together gently so everything is mixed well.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In another bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise (or sour cream), milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. This sauce will add creamy flavor to the casserole.
4. Combine and Transfer:
Pour the sauce over the chicken and pasta mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Then, spread this mixture into your prepared baking dish.
5. Add Cheese and Topping:
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Swiss cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter until the crumbs are coated. Sprinkle this buttery breadcrumb mixture evenly on top of the casserole for a crunchy, golden crust.
6. Bake and Serve:
Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the topping looks golden. After baking, let it sit for a few minutes, then sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a bright finish. Serve warm and enjoy your cozy, cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Casserole?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Pat it dry to avoid extra moisture in the casserole.
Can I Substitute the Mayonnaise with Sour Cream?
Absolutely! Both work well in this recipe. Sour cream will add a slight tang, while mayonnaise lends a creamier, richer texture. Use whichever you prefer or have on hand.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of milk can help keep it creamy.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
