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Craving the classic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu but want something easier to make? This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is the answer! With layers of tender shredded chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese, all smothered in a creamy Dijon sauce and topped with crispy Panko breadcrumbs, this dish is pure comfort food. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner, this casserole brings all the richness of the traditional dish without the fuss of rolling and breading individual cutlets.
Key Ingredients
The magic of this casserole lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients:
– Shredded Chicken – The base of the dish, providing protein and texture.
– Black Forest Ham – Adds a smoky, salty contrast to the creamy cheese.
– Swiss Cheese – Melts beautifully, giving that classic Cordon Bleu taste.
– Dijon Mustard & Lemon Juice – Brightens the creamy sauce with a tangy kick.
– Panko Breadcrumbs – Creates a crispy, golden topping for the perfect finish.
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Shredded chicken | 5 cups |
| Sliced deli-style black forest ham, cut into strips | 9 ounces (about 9 slices) |
| Sliced Swiss cheese | 8 ounces (about 12 thin slices) |
| Unsalted butter | 6 Tablespoons (for sauce) + 4 Tablespoons (for topping) |
| Dijon mustard | 1 Tablespoon |
| Freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional) | 1 Tablespoon |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Nutmeg (optional) | ¼ teaspoon |
| Cayenne pepper (optional) | ¼ teaspoon |
| All-purpose flour | 6 Tablespoons |
| Whole milk | 3 cups |
| Panko breadcrumbs | 1 ½ cups |
| Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish) | To taste |
Helpful Tools
Having the right tools makes assembling this casserole a breeze:
1. 9×13-inch Casserole Dish – Essential for even baking.
2. Whisk – Helps create a smooth, lump-free sauce.
3. Mixing Bowls – For prepping the Panko topping.
Pro-Tips for the Best Casserole
1. Use Rotisserie Chicken – Save time by using pre-cooked shredded chicken.
2. Layer Evenly – Ensure the ham and cheese cover the chicken completely for balanced bites.
3. Whisk Constantly – Prevent lumps in your sauce by whisking continuously while adding milk.
4. Let It Rest – Allowing the casserole to sit for 5 minutes after baking helps the sauce set.
5. Pair with a Side – Serve with a simple salad or One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken And Rice for a complete meal.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Follow these easy steps for a perfect casserole every time:
- 1. Preheat & Prep – Set your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray.
- 2. Layer Chicken – Spread 5 cups shredded chicken evenly in the dish.
- 3. Add Ham – Layer 9 ounces of sliced black forest ham strips over the chicken.
- 4. Top with Cheese – Place 8 ounces of Swiss cheese slices over the ham, slightly overlapping.
- 5. Make the Sauce – In a saucepan, melt 6 Tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, nutmeg, and cayenne. Sprinkle in flour and whisk until smooth. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until thickened (about 4 minutes).
- 6. Assemble – Pour the sauce over the cheese layer, spreading evenly.
- 7. Add Panko Topping – Mix 1 ½ cups Panko with 4 Tablespoons softened butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
- 8. Bake – Cook uncovered for 30-40 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- 9. Rest & Serve – Let it sit for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and enjoy!
Variations to Try
Switch up the flavors with these easy tweaks:
1. Different Cheeses – Swap Swiss for Gruyère or mozzarella.
2. Spicy Kick – Add extra cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.
3. Vegetable Boost – Mix in steamed broccoli or spinach for added nutrition.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole deconstructs the classic French dish into an easy, comforting family meal. Tender cubes of chicken and savory ham are baked in a creamy, Dijon-spiked sauce with melted Swiss cheese, all finished with a buttery, crispy breadcrumb topping. It’s a simple weeknight dinner that feels sophisticated but takes minimal effort.
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
— The Meat & Cheese Layer —
4 cups cooked chicken breasts, cubed or shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
2 cups cooked ham, diced
6 slices Swiss cheese (or 1 ½ cups shredded Swiss)
— The Creamy Sauce —
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup milk (or ½ cup milk + ½ cup sour cream for extra richness)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
— The Crispy Topping —
1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs (or crushed Ritz crackers)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional, for color)
Instructions
1. **Preheat:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter.
2. **Layer Base:** Spread the cubed cooked chicken evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top the chicken with the diced ham.
3. **Add Cheese:** Layer the Swiss cheese slices over the meat (or sprinkle evenly if using shredded cheese).
4. **Make Sauce:** In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk (and sour cream if using), Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth.
5. **Pour:** Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, ham, and cheese layers. Use a spatula to spread it out to the edges if necessary.
6. **Prepare Topping:** In a small bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers), melted butter, and dried parsley. Toss with a fork until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
7. **Top & Bake:** Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture generously over the top of the casserole. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
8. **Serve:** Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
Notes
**Chicken Prep:** This is an excellent recipe for using up leftover roasted chicken. If you need to cook chicken from scratch, quickly pan-fry or poach 2 large breasts before cubing them.
**Mustard Matters:** Don’t skip the Dijon mustard! It provides the signature ‘Cordon Bleu’ tang that cuts through the rich, creamy sauce. Regular yellow mustard is not recommended.
**Vegetable Addition:** To make this a more complete one-dish meal, you can add a layer of steamed broccoli florets between the chicken and the ham.
**Make Ahead:** You can assemble the casserole (without the breadcrumb topping) up to a day in advance. Store covered in the fridge. Add the topping just before baking and add 5-10 minutes to the cook time.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: French-American
FAQ
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it (without baking), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready.
What can I substitute for Panko breadcrumbs?
Regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers work, but Panko gives the best crunch.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! Freeze before baking (up to 3 months), then thaw and bake as usual.
Conclusion
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers comfort in every bite. For more delicious ideas, follow me on Pinterest.