Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating a truly sensational Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. This dish reimagines the classic French culinary masterpiece into an approachable, incredibly flavorful, and comforting casserole that’s perfect for any weeknight or special occasion. Forget the fuss of stuffing and rolling individual chicken breasts; with this recipe, you’ll experience all the beloved savory flavors of chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese bathed in a rich, creamy sauce and crowned with a golden, buttery breadcrumb topping. It’s an ideal solution for home cooks seeking impressive results with minimal effort.
Effortless Elegance: A Flavorful Casserole in Under an Hour
The traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu is often admired for its sophisticated flavors but can be intimidating to prepare for many home cooks. This casserole version liberates you from that complexity, delivering the same satisfying, comforting experience in a much simpler form. Imagine tender shredded chicken, savory deli ham, and melted Swiss cheese, all brought together by a homemade, luscious cream sauce, and finished with a crispy, golden brown panko topping. This is not just a meal; it’s a culinary hug that warms the soul and satisfies even the pickiest eaters. Best of all, it comes together swiftly, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet-quality dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Unpacking the Perfection: Why This Casserole Stands Out
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is more than just a convenient adaptation; it’s a thoughtful culinary creation designed for maximum flavor and minimum stress. The layers are carefully constructed to ensure every bite delivers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The shredded chicken provides a hearty base, soaking up the incredible sauce. The savory ham adds a delightful saltiness and depth, perfectly complementing the creamy elements. And the Swiss cheese, known for its nutty, mild flavor and excellent melting properties, creates a gooey, irresistible blanket over the chicken and ham. But the true star is often the sauce – a rich, velvety concoction infused with classic Dijon mustard, a hint of garlic, and a touch of lemon, transforming simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary. The crowning glory, a crisp panko breadcrumb topping, adds that essential crunch that elevates the entire dish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic French-inspired dish featuring chicken breasts pounded thin, wrapped around ham and Swiss cheese, then breaded and typically fried or baked until golden. It’s often served with a creamy sauce, frequently featuring lemon and Dijon. This casserole version captures all those beloved flavors – the tender chicken, savory ham, melty Swiss, and a rich Dijon-infused cream sauce – but simplifies the preparation dramatically, making it accessible for any home cook.
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is traditional, if its flavor isn’t to your liking, you can easily swap it for a milder alternative. Provolone, Gouda, or mozzarella are excellent choices that melt beautifully and offer a more subdued flavor profile, allowing the other elements of the casserole to shine through. Feel free to experiment with what your family enjoys most!
Given the rich and hearty nature of this casserole, lighter sides are generally recommended to create a balanced meal. A fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is always a fantastic choice. Steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, green beans, or a medley of mixed vegetables complement the dish wonderfully without overwhelming it. You could also serve it with a light rice pilaf or roasted potatoes for a more substantial meal, but be mindful of the overall richness.
It’s a common issue with casseroles that have a breadcrumb topping. Keep an eye on your casserole, especially around the 20-minute mark of baking. If you notice the topping is getting too dark before the casserole is fully heated through and bubbly, simply cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time. This will protect the topping from burning while allowing the casserole to cook thoroughly.
This casserole is quite versatile! For an added boost of nutrition and color, consider folding in a bag of frozen broccoli florets (thawed and drained) with the shredded chicken layer before assembling. For an extra layer of cheesy goodness in your topping, mix 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese into the Panko breadcrumbs. You could also experiment with different types of ham, such as honey ham or smoked ham, for subtle flavor variations.
Yes, this casserole is excellent for make-ahead meal prep! Assemble the casserole entirely as directed, right up to adding the breadcrumb topping. Instead of baking, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come closer to room temperature, then bake as usual, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the bake time if needed.
Certainly! If you’re serving fewer people, halving the recipe is straightforward. Use a smaller baking dish, such as an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square pan. Be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly; start checking for doneness sooner, around 20-25 minutes, and be prepared to tent it with foil if the topping browns too quickly.
Leftovers of this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole are delicious and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can either microwave individual portions or warm the entire dish in an oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, covering with foil to prevent the topping from over-browning.
Essential Ingredients for Your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Creating this delicious casserole begins with selecting quality ingredients that contribute to its rich flavor profile. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and some tips for each:
- Shredded Chicken: For ultimate convenience, a store-bought rotisserie chicken is your best friend here. Opt for a larger, family-sized bird to ensure you have enough. Alternatively, you can boil, roast, or use an air fryer to prepare your own chicken breasts.
- Sliced Deli-Style Black Forest Ham: Black Forest ham offers a wonderfully smoky and slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. Many brands, like Hillshire Farms, offer thinly sliced options in 9-ounce tubs, which are ideal for cutting into strips for easy layering.
- Sliced Swiss Cheese: Twelve thin slices, roughly 8 ounces, will create a luscious, melty layer. Refer to our FAQ section if you prefer a milder cheese alternative.
- Unsalted Butter: Used for both the sauce and the breadcrumb topping. Unsalted butter gives you complete control over the saltiness of the dish, allowing you to season to your preference.
- Dijon Mustard: This is a crucial ingredient for replicating the classic Cordon Bleu flavor. Its sharp, tangy, and slightly spicy notes are irreplaceable. Avoid substituting with regular yellow mustard, as its flavor profile is significantly different and much stronger.
- Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice (Optional): While optional, a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice adds a bright, essential “pop” that truly enhances the traditional Cordon Bleu taste. Only use freshly squeezed juice; bottled lemon juice doesn’t deliver the same vibrant flavor. If fresh lemons aren’t available, it’s better to omit it entirely.
- Garlic Powder: A staple in savory cooking, garlic powder adds a foundational aromatic depth to the cream sauce.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning the sauce. Start with a touch and adjust to your taste, remembering that the ham and cheese also contribute saltiness.
- Nutmeg (Optional): This often-overlooked spice is a secret weapon in classic French cream sauces. A small dash of nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and aromatic complexity that elevates the overall flavor of the sauce, truly bringing out that authentic Cordon Bleu essence. If you’re aiming for traditional flavor, don’t skip it.
- Cayenne Pepper (Optional): A tiny pinch of cayenne pepper won’t make the casserole spicy, but it adds a lovely, subtle kick and depth to the sauce, enhancing all the other flavors. If you are highly sensitive to any spice, you can leave it out.
- All-Purpose Flour: This acts as the thickening agent for our rich and creamy sauce, forming a roux with the butter.
- Whole Milk: For the absolute best, most luxurious cream sauce, whole milk is highly recommended. Its fat content creates a velvety texture and rich flavor that lower-fat milks or milk substitutes simply cannot replicate.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, creating a superior crunchy topping. Regular breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute if Panko isn’t available.
How to Prepare Your Delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Follow these simple steps to bring this comforting and flavorful casserole to life in your kitchen:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and ensures easy serving.
- Spread the 5 cups of shredded chicken evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Ensure it forms a consistent layer.
- Next, arrange the 9 ounces of sliced deli-style black forest ham, cut into strips, in an even layer over the chicken. Distribute it well so every bite gets a taste of savory ham.
- Carefully place the 8 ounces of sliced Swiss cheese over the ham, overlapping the slices as needed to cover the entire surface of the casserole dish. This layer will melt into a glorious, cheesy blanket.
- Now, prepare the incredible sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice (if using), 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg (if using), and ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper (if using). Stir until well combined.
- Sprinkle in the 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour into the butter mixture, continuing to whisk constantly over medium heat. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until a smooth paste, or roux, forms. This is essential for thickening the sauce.
- Gradually add the 3 cups of whole milk, a quarter of a cup at a time, whisking vigorously after each addition until the mixture is completely smooth before adding more milk. This technique prevents lumps and ensures a silky sauce.
- Once all the milk has been incorporated, allow the sauce to gently simmer for approximately 4 minutes, or until it has visibly thickened to a luxurious, creamy consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Pour the warm, creamy sauce evenly over the Swiss cheese layer in the casserole dish. Use a spatula to gently spread it, ensuring it reaches all corners for maximum flavor distribution.
- In a small bowl, combine the 1 ½ cups of Panko breadcrumbs with 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, softened to room temperature. Mix them until the breadcrumbs are thoroughly coated. Sprinkle this buttery breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole, creating a delightful crunchy crust.
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven, uncovered, for 30-40 minutes, or until the sauce is visibly bubbling around the edges and the Panko topping is beautifully golden brown and crispy. Remember to check around the 20-minute mark and cover with foil if browning too quickly.
- Once baked, carefully remove the casserole dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the sauce to set slightly, making for cleaner scoops.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole!
Craving More Comforting Casserole Recipes?
If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and deliciousness of this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, you’ll be thrilled to explore these other fantastic casserole creations that promise warmth and satisfaction:
- King Ranch Chicken Casserole
- Chicken and Biscuits Casserole
- Chicken Noodle Casserole
- One Pot Chicken and Stuffing
- Malibu Chicken Casserole
- Swiss Chicken Casserole
- Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
- Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
- Tuna Noodle Casserole
- Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Chicken Parmesan Casserole
- Ham and Cheese Casserole
- Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Chicken and Dumplings Casserole
- Chicken Chow Mein Casserole
- Chicken Noodle Casserole for Two
- 30 Comforting Casserole Recipes
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
3 Reviews
🖨️Print
📍Pin
⭐Rate
10 minutes
40 minutes
50 minutes
12 servings
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 5 cups shredded chicken
- 9 ounces sliced deli-style black forest ham, cut into strips (about 9 slices – see notes below)
- 8 ounces sliced Swiss cheese (about 12 thin slices)
Sauce:
- 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 Tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 6 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
Topping:
- 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs
- 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (see notes below)
- chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Evenly spread 5 cups shredded chicken into the baking dish.
- Next, evenly layer 9 ounces sliced deli-style black forest ham, cut into strips over the chicken.
- Then place 8 ounces sliced Swiss cheese evenly over the ham, overlapping the cheese slices to fit into the casserole dish.
- Melt 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 Tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (if using), 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (if using) and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (if using).
- Sprinkle in 6 Tablespoons all-purpose flour and continue whisking over medium heat until it forms a paste.
- Slowly add 3 cups whole milk, a quarter of a cup at a time, whisking after each addition until the mixture is smooth, before adding the next bit of milk.
- Once all the milk has been added, allow it to simmer for 4 minutes or until the sauce has thickened (whisking occasionally.)
- Pour the sauce over the cheese layer and spread it evenly around as best as possible, making sure to get in all the corners.
- Combine the 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs and 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature butter in a small bowl and spread this mixture evenly over the casserole dish as your final layer.
- Bake in the oven uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the Panko topping is golden brown.
- Remove the casserole dish from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the sauce to set. Sprinkle with chopped parsley (optional) and serve.
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
- Hillshire Farms makes a 9 ounce tub of ultra thin honey ham, so to make this easy, you can just buy one of those and slice them up.
- It’s okay to heat the butter up in the microwave so it is softened or slightly melted for the topping mixture.
Dinner, Main Course
American
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Did you make this recipe?
Share it on Instagram @thecountrycook and mention us #thecountrycook!