Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

There’s something undeniably cozy about digging into a baking dish filled with layers of tender chicken, savory ham, and gooey Swiss cheese. Each forkful delivers that signature blend of textures and flavors—from the creamy Dijon-infused sauce that wraps around every bite to the golden, crispy breadcrumb topping that crackles delightfully under your spoon. A classic French favorite gets a weeknight-friendly makeover in this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, making it perfect for busy nights when you crave something special without spending hours in the kitchen. With every bubbling slice, you’ll taste the nostalgia of hearty family dinners and the excitement of discovering a fuss-free crowd-pleaser.

What I love most is how approachable this recipe is for cooks of any skill level. It’s officially rated as a Beginner dish, yet it delivers that gourmet feeling you’d get at an elegant bistro. You only need about 20 minutes of prep, 35 minutes in the oven, and a brief 5-minute rest before serving—so dinner is essentially ready in under an hour. Clocking in at roughly 450 calories per serving, it’s substantial enough for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re feeding a family of four or looking to impress friends at a potluck, this casserole is a heartwarming, crowd-pleasing masterpiece that elevates humble ingredients into something truly memorable.

KEY INGREDIENTS IN CHICKEN CORDON BLEU CASSEROLE

Before we dive into the step-by-step, let’s meet the cast of characters that make this casserole a showstopper. Each ingredient plays a vital role in flavor, texture, or structure, coming together in harmony to create that irresistible, creamy-crunchy experience.

• Cooked chicken

Provides the tender, protein-packed foundation of the dish. Diced chicken soaks up the sauce and ensures each bite is meaty and satisfying.

• Ham

Brings a smoky, savory depth and a pop of color. Diced ham layers perfectly over the chicken, adding a salty contrast to the creamy elements.

• Swiss cheese

Delivers the classic, nutty flavor of Chicken Cordon Bleu. Thin slices melt into gooey pockets that tie together meat and sauce.

• Milk

Forms the base of the silky sauce. It lightens the richness of heavy cream while helping to thin out the mustard-infused gravy.

• Heavy cream

Adds luscious richness and body, creating that dreamy, velvety texture we all crave in a bake.

• Dijon mustard

Gives a gentle tang and depth of flavor. It cuts through the cream for balance and lends a subtle piquancy to the sauce.

• Cornstarch

Acts as the thickening agent that transforms the milk and cream into a clingy sauce. It ensures the casserole holds together instead of running.

• Breadcrumbs

Create the signature crunchy topping. When combined with butter and Parmesan, they bake up golden and crisp on top.

• Grated Parmesan cheese

Adds an extra layer of savory, umami richness. It browns beautifully in the oven, enhancing the breadcrumb crust.

• Butter

Coats the breadcrumbs to achieve that perfect, crunchy finish and adds a hint of nutty flavor.

• Salt and pepper

Simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors without overpowering the dish.

HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN CORDON BLEU CASSEROLE

Let’s roll up our sleeves and put this comforting casserole together. Follow these detailed steps to achieve those beautiful layers of flavor, ensuring every technique is executed with confidence.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and a nicely browned topping.

2. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and create an easy release when serving.

3. Spread the diced chicken evenly across the bottom of the prepared casserole dish, forming a sturdy, flavorful base.

4. Layer the diced ham over the chicken, ensuring even coverage so each bite has that classic ham-and-chicken duo.

5. Lay the Swiss cheese slices in a single layer on top of the ham, spacing them so they melt evenly and create gooey pockets.

6. In a medium saucepan, combine milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.

7. Heat the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent lumps, until the sauce thickens—about 5–7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.

8. Pour the thickened sauce evenly over the layered ingredients in the casserole dish, ensuring every corner is covered.

9. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter until the crumbs are uniformly coated and aromatic.

10. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole, creating a golden crust that will crisp up in the oven.

11. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly around the edges, signaling that it’s perfectly cooked.

12. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving hot. This short pause allows the sauce to set slightly for cleaner slices.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CHICKEN CORDON BLEU CASSEROLE

Once your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is hot and ready, the serving possibilities are endless. Whether you’re aiming for a balanced weeknight meal or an impressive gathering spread, these ideas will elevate every plate:

• Pair with a vibrant green salad tossed in a light lemon vinaigrette. The acidity cuts through the richness, and fresh greens provide a crisp contrast.
• Serve alongside steamed vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans. Their bright flavors and tender-crisp textures perfectly complement the casserole’s creaminess.
• Offer slices with crusty artisan bread or garlic focaccia. Guests can scoop up extra sauce, making each bite even more indulgent.
• Present a glass of chilled white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. The wine’s acidity and fruit notes accentuate the cheesy tang and create a refined dining experience.

HOW TO STORE CHICKEN CORDON BLEU CASSEROLE

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (or want to prep ahead), proper storage ensures every bite stays delicious for days to come. Follow these tips to maintain freshness, flavor, and texture:

• Refrigerator storage: Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer individual portions or the whole dish to an airtight container. Store for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until warmed through to preserve the crunchy topping.
• Freezer-friendly: For longer storage, cool and cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and foil, or portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Make-ahead assembly: Assemble the casserole up to the breadcrumb-topped stage, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed—just add a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
• Reheating methods: To revive that crisp crust, reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions on medium power, then pop under a broiler for a minute to crisp the crumbs.

CONCLUSION

From the moment you layer tender chicken, savory ham, and melty Swiss cheese to the final golden, crispy breadcrumb topping, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole brings together simple ingredients in an unforgettable way. You’ve learned how a smooth Dijon-cream sauce transforms each bite into a decadent experience, without any complicated cooking techniques. Timing is a breeze—with just 20 minutes of prep, 35 minutes of bake time, and a quick 5-minute rest, you’ll be serving a gourmet-style meal by dinner hour. Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a cozy family gathering, or a casual potluck, this recipe shines every time. Feel free to print and save this article for easy reference, and scroll down to find a helpful FAQ section that answers common questions about substitutions, make-ahead tips, and more.

I hope you feel inspired to whip up this warm, cheesy casserole in your own kitchen. If you give it a whirl, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Share your comments, questions, or any special twists you added. Your feedback helps build our community of home cooks who celebrate comfort, flavor, and kitchen creativity. Happy baking, and here’s to many delicious servings of Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole in your future!

Print Recipe

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Author: Laura Mitchell Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 35 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 1 hr

Calories: 450

Description

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole layers tender chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese, all smothered in a creamy sauce and topped with crispy breadcrumbs for a heartwarming meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 4 cups cooked chicken, diced

• ¹⁄₂ lb ham, diced

• ¹⁄₄ lb Swiss cheese, sliced

• 1 cup milk

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• ¹⁄₄ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tbsp butter, melted

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with a little butter or cooking spray.
3. Spread the diced chicken evenly across the bottom of the casserole dish.
4. Layer the diced ham over the top of the chicken.
5. Lay slices of Swiss cheese evenly on top of the ham.
6. In a separate medium saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
7. Heat the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce has thickened (about 5-7 minutes).
8. Pour the thickened sauce over the layers in the casserole dish.
9. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Mix well.
10. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the casserole.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
12. Remove the casserole from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and then serve hot.

Note

• Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic French dish, and this casserole version is an easy way to enjoy the same flavors without the fuss.
• You can make the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with a green salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal.
• To add a bit of tanginess, consider adding a splash of white wine to the cream sauce as it simmers.
• For a crunchy topping, substitute panko breadcrumbs for regular breadcrumbs.
• The dish can be reheated the next day, making it perfect for leftovers.

Keywords: chicken casserole, cordon bleu, creamy sauce, easy dinner, comforting meal, baked casserole