If you love the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is the perfect comfort food twist on the traditional dish. Packed with tender chicken, savory ham, melty cheese, and a rich, creamy sauce, this casserole offers all the familiar flavors you adore with less work and more convenience. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a hearty meal for a crowd!
Why You’ll Love Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
This casserole combines the flavors of crispy breaded chicken, melted Swiss cheese, and savory ham in a creamy, satisfying dish that’s easy to make. It’s perfect for those who want all the comforting flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu without the hassle of breading and frying. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served as a main dish or alongside your favorite sides.
Ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
1 1/2 cups cooked ham, diced
2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (or Gruyère)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup melted butter
Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
Substitutions and Variations
Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken for a quicker version.
Ham: Swap out ham for cooked bacon or turkey for a variation of flavor.
Cheese: Substitute Swiss cheese with provolone, mozzarella, or cheddar.
Mayonnaise: For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise.
Panko breadcrumbs: Use regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a different texture.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
Prepare the casserole mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, diced ham, 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is evenly combined.
Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix together Panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Mix-ins and Add-ins for Extra Flavor
Vegetables: Add steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
Crushed garlic: Sauté minced garlic with the chicken and ham for an added layer of flavor.
Bacon bits: Stir in crispy bacon for a smoky touch.
Mustard: For more tang, increase the amount of Dijon mustard or add a bit of whole-grain mustard.
Recipe Tips for the Best Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Use cooked chicken: If you’re using raw chicken, ensure it is cooked thoroughly before shredding and adding it to the casserole.
Don’t skip the topping: The Panko breadcrumbs with melted butter add a delicious, crispy crunch that makes this casserole extra special.
Don’t overmix the filling: Stir gently to keep the chicken and ham pieces intact and prevent the casserole from becoming too dense.
Storage and Reheating
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: This casserole freezes well. To freeze, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It will keep for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes until heated through, or microwave in individual portions.
Recipe Variations
Low-Carb Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: Skip the breadcrumbs and top the casserole with a layer of shredded cheese for a keto-friendly version.
Creamy Mushroom Cordon Bleu Casserole: Add a can of cream of mushroom soup to the casserole mixture for a creamy texture.
One-Pot Version: If you prefer a quicker meal, make this as a stovetop version by sautéing the chicken, ham, and other ingredients in a large skillet and topping with melted cheese.
FAQs – Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! If you prefer, you can substitute Swiss cheese with mozzarella, provolone, or cheddar, depending on your taste preference.
Q: Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken or ham?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken or ham, but be sure to thaw it completely and cook it before shredding and adding it to the casserole.
Q: How can I make this casserole spicier?
Add a bit of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the casserole mixture for some heat. You can also incorporate spicy mustard or hot sauce for an extra kick.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is the ultimate comforting meal, offering all the flavors of the classic dish with the convenience of a casserole. It’s easy to make, hearty, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken and ham, and crispy breadcrumb topping, it’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table!
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Equipment
- casserole dish
- Mixing bowl
- Knife & cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
- 8 oz ham cubed
- 1 ½ cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cubed ham, and shredded Swiss cheese.
- In another bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the cream mixture over the chicken, ham, and cheese mixture, stirring gently to combine.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and stir until coated.
- Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the cream mixture.
- This casserole can be made ahead of time. Simply assemble it and refrigerate, then bake when you're ready to serve.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
