Best Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole takes all the delicious components of the original dish — juicy chicken, savory ham, melty Swiss cheese, and crisp breadcrumbs — and turns them into a rich, creamy, and utterly comforting baked casserole. This dish has the elegance of classic French cuisine with the ease and heartiness of a crowd-pleasing American bake.

Kitchen Equipment Needed:

• Large mixing bowl

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• 9×13-inch casserole dish

• Skillet (optional, for toasting breadcrumbs)

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• Oven

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook and Prepare the Chicken

If you don’t have leftover or pre-cooked chicken on hand, cook it fresh:

• Option 1: Poach – Simmer chicken breasts in salted water or broth for 15–20 minutes until fully cooked.

• Option 2: Bake – Season and roast at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes.

• Option 3: Rotisserie – Use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time and add flavor.

Once cooked, let the chicken cool slightly, then chop or shred into bite-sized pieces. You’ll need about 3 to 4 cups.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened to room temp)

• 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Whisk or stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Then, stir in:

• 2 cups Swiss cheese

• 1 cup mozzarella

• Cooked chicken

• Diced ham

Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly coated in the creamy mixture.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray.

Pour the chicken-ham-cheese mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula. The surface should be level and well-packed.

Step 4: Prepare the Crunchy Topping

In a small bowl, combine:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or parsley

• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until:

• The sauce is bubbling around the edges.

• The top is golden brown and crisp.

• The internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).

If the topping starts to brown too quickly, tent with foil for the last 10 minutes.

Step 6: Rest, Garnish, and Serve

Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes. This helps the sauce set slightly and makes it easier to serve.

Garnish with chopped parsley, chives, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Pairings:

• Rice: Serve over buttered rice or herbed brown rice to soak up the creamy sauce.

• Mashed Potatoes: Perfect for comfort food lovers.

• Pasta: Ladle over egg noodles or penne for a cordon bleu pasta bake vibe.

• Steamed or Roasted Veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or Brussels sprouts balance the richness.

Fresh Salads:

Pair with a light arugula or mixed greens salad with vinaigrette to contrast the creamy, cheesy main dish.

Tips for Success

• Room Temp Ingredients: Let cream cheese and sour cream come to room temperature before mixing — they’ll blend more smoothly.

• Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents and won’t melt as smoothly.

• Add Crunch: Don’t skip the topping! It adds contrast to the soft, rich interior.

• Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate. Add the topping just before baking.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

Make-Ahead:

• You can fully assemble (without topping) and refrigerate the casserole up to 24 hours in advance.

• When ready to bake, add the breadcrumb topping and bake as directed.

Storage:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze fully cooked portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power to avoid overcooking.

• Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 325°F for 15–20 minutes or until heated through.

Flavor Variations

1. Keto or Low-Carb Version:

• Skip the breadcrumbs or use crushed pork rinds.

• Use full-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese.

• Serve with cauliflower rice or roasted veggies.

2. Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake:

• Mix the creamy chicken mixture with cooked pasta before baking.

• Top with cheese and bake until bubbly.

3. Broccoli Cordon Bleu:

• Stir in 1–2 cups of steamed broccoli florets for extra nutrition and texture.

4. Spicy Twist:

• Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños for heat.

• Swap Dijon mustard with whole grain or horseradish mustard.

Why This Recipe Works

• Flavor Balance: The sharpness of Dijon mustard and Swiss cheese balances the richness of cream and ham.

• Texture Play: Creamy interior + crunchy topping = mouthwatering.

• Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.

• Make-Ahead Ease: Ideal for prepping the night before or freezing for later.

• Versatile: Easily adapted for low-carb, gluten-free, or spiced-up versions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken is flavorful and a major time-saver.

What cheese works best?

Swiss is traditional for cordon bleu, but you can use Gruyère, provolone, or even sharp cheddar for a twist.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes—use gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip the topping. Also ensure your ham and condiments are certified gluten-free.

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely. Leftover turkey works great, especially around the holidays.

Conclusion

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole has everything you want in a comfort food dinner: juicy chicken, smoky ham, gooey melted cheese, and a velvety sauce, all crowned with a crunchy topping. It captures the essence of the classic French dish while offering the ease and heartiness of a baked casserole.