If you love the classic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu but want an easier, family-friendly dish, then Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is the perfect recipe for you. This casserole captures all the deliciousness of the traditional dish—tender chicken, savory ham, and melty Swiss cheese—combined with creamy sauce and baked to perfection. It’s an easy, comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or Sunday dinners.

In this detailed guide, I’ll show you how to make the ultimate Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole from scratch. You’ll get step-by-step instructions, tips for the best results, ingredient substitutions, and serving suggestions to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re new to casseroles or a seasoned cook, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your dinner rotation.

What Is Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole?

Traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu is a breaded chicken breast stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, then baked or fried until golden and crispy. It’s a delicious French-inspired dish known for its crispy exterior and gooey cheese filling.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole takes those same beloved flavors and transforms them into an easy one-dish meal. Instead of stuffing individual chicken breasts, this casserole layers cooked chicken, ham, and cheese with a creamy sauce and breadcrumbs, then bakes it all together in the oven. The result is a rich, hearty, and flavorful dish that’s less time-consuming to prepare but just as tasty.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

• Simple and convenient: No breading or frying required, which means less mess and fewer steps.

• Family-friendly: Creamy, cheesy, and comforting — kids and adults alike love this dish.

• Customizable: Easily swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Great for leftovers: This casserole reheats beautifully and can be enjoyed the next day.

• Perfect for any occasion: From busy weeknights to special gatherings, it’s a versatile dish everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

To make this hearty casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken works great)

• 1 1/2 cups diced cooked ham

• 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (you can substitute Gruyère for a richer flavor)

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or elbow macaroni work well)

Creamy Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 cups of heavy cream or, for a lighter alternative, whole milk.

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Topping:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish or spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook and Prepare the Pasta

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Using al dente pasta ensures the casserole maintains a good texture after baking.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux — this will thicken your sauce.

Gradually add the heavy cream or milk, whisking continuously to prevent any lumps from forming.
Stir in the Dijon mustard and garlic powder, then season with salt and pepper to your preference.

Keep cooking and whisking for around 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Remove from heat.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, diced ham, and shredded Swiss cheese. Pour the creamy sauce over the mixture and gently stir to combine everything evenly.

Step 5: Transfer to the Casserole Dish

Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Step 6: Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping

Mix the panko breadcrumbs and melted butter together in a small bowl.
Toss to coat the crumbs evenly. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the casserole. This topping adds a satisfying crunch and golden color.

Step 7: Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley to add a burst of color and freshness.

Tips for the Best Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

• Use rotisserie chicken to save time or roast your own chicken breasts for freshness.

• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of onion powder or a splash of white wine to the sauce.

• Substitute Gruyère cheese for Swiss for a nuttier, more authentic taste.

• If you prefer a lighter casserole, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk, but the texture may be less rich.

• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

• Include steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms to boost the veggie content.

• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Variations of Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Cheesy Bacon Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Add crispy bacon pieces to the chicken and ham mixture before baking for an extra smoky flavor.

Low-Carb Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

For a low-carb, keto-friendly option, replace the pasta with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles.

Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Mix softened cream cheese with the sauce to make it richer and creamier.

Serving Suggestions

This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides such as:

• Steamed green beans or asparagus

• Garlic mashed potatoes

• A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette

• Roasted Brussels sprouts

For a special occasion, serve with crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up the creamy sauce.

Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

One of the best things about Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is how well it reheats. It makes fantastic leftovers and can be portioned for meal prep lunches or dinners. Simply store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm the casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal. The creamy sauce stays rich, and the cheese melts perfectly each time.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 450-500

• Protein: 35g

• Fat: 25g

• Carbohydrates: 25g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 3g

This casserole provides a balanced mix of protein, fat, and carbs, making it a satisfying and filling meal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Q: Can I freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole?
A: Yes! Freeze the casserole before baking in a freezer-safe dish. Bake from frozen by adding extra baking time until heated through and bubbly.

Q: Can I use shredded cheddar cheese instead of Swiss?
A: Swiss cheese provides the classic flavor, but you can substitute cheddar for a sharper taste if preferred.

Q: Is it necessary to cook the chicken beforehand?
A: Yes, the chicken should be cooked prior to assembling the casserole. Using rotisserie chicken is an easy shortcut.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make the casserole safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that combines the iconic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu with the convenience and comfort of a casserole, this recipe is a winner. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and savory ham. Plus, it’s easy to customize and perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping meals ahead of time.

Give this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole a try, and you’ll find it quickly becomes a staple in your kitchen. From its irresistible cheesy topping to its comforting creamy base, this casserole delivers on flavor and simplicity, making dinner a breeze.

Craving more savory, saucy steak goodness? Don’t miss this one:
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Parmesan Cream Sauce – melt-in-your-mouth bites drenched in creamy, garlicky perfection!