The Creamiest Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe You’ll Adore

Comfort food reaches new heights with this chicken cordon bleu casserole that delivers classic flavors in every single bite.

Layers of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and savory ham create a mouthwatering combination sure to delight dinner companions.

Swiss cheese melts perfectly throughout the dish, binding ingredients into a rich and satisfying meal.

Home cooks can easily assemble this crowd-pleasing recipe with simple ingredients found in most kitchens.

The casserole provides a convenient twist on the traditional rolled chicken preparation, making weeknight dinners both delicious and stress-free.

Warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this dish promises to become a regular rotation in your meal planning.

Prepare to savor every single forkful of this irresistible culinary creation.

Why Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Is Always a Hit

• Transforms classic chicken cordon bleu into an easy, one-dish meal that delivers rich, satisfying flavors without complicated preparation steps.
• Perfectly designed for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings where everyone craves a hearty, creamy casserole with universal appeal.
• Requires minimal cooking skills, with straightforward layering technique that guarantees delicious results even for novice home cooks.
• Allows flexible seasoning options like adjusting cayenne pepper, adding nutmeg, or including lemon juice to personalize the dish's taste profile.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake

• Chicken: Shredded meat serves as the base layer of the casserole.
• Ham: Deli-style black forest ham adds a savory flavor and additional protein.
• Swiss Cheese: Provides a creamy and classic cheese layer for the casserole.

• Butter: Creates a rich and smooth base for the sauce.
• Milk: Helps create a creamy and thick sauce consistency.
• Flour: Thickens the sauce and provides structure.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy and sharp flavor to the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Provides a bright and fresh citrus note.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances the overall savory flavor profile.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the other flavors.
• Nutmeg, Cayenne Pepper: Optional spices that add depth and mild heat.

• Panko Breadcrumbs, Butter: Creates a crispy and golden-brown topping for the casserole.
• Parsley: Optional fresh herb for garnish and added color.

Tools for Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

• 9×13-inch casserole dish: Essential for layering and baking the entire casserole.
• Saucepan: Perfect for creating the creamy, rich sauce.
• Whisk: Key for blending sauce ingredients smoothly and preventing lumps.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Necessary for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Small mixing bowl: Useful for preparing the Panko breadcrumb topping.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Helpful for spreading sauce and ingredients evenly.
• Chef's knife: Needed for cutting ham into strips and chopping optional parsley.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for ingredient preparation.

Step-By-Step Guide for Chicken Cordon Bleu Night

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Turn the oven to 350F and let it heat up while you prepare the ingredients.

Step 2: Create Chicken Base

Spread shredded chicken evenly across the bottom of the baking dish, creating a delicious foundation for the casserole.

Step 3: Add Ham Layer

• Black forest ham
• Deli-style slices

Cut the ham into strips and distribute them uniformly over the chicken layer, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 4: Cheese Blanket

Arrange Swiss cheese slices over the ham, slightly overlapping to create a complete cheesy surface.

Step 5: Craft Flavor Sauce

• Dijon mustard
• Lemon juice
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Nutmeg
• Cayenne pepper

Step 6: Transform To Paste

Sprinkle flour into the mixture, continuously whisking until a smooth paste forms.

Step 7: Milk Magic

Gradually pour whole milk into the sauce, adding a quarter cup at a time.

Whisk consistently to maintain a silky texture.

Step 8: Simmer And Thicken

Allow the sauce to simmer for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until it reaches a rich, creamy consistency.

Step 9: Sauce Waterfall

Gently pour the sauce over the cheese layer, ensuring complete and even coverage throughout the dish.

Step 10: Crunchy Topping Preparation

Mix Panko breadcrumbs with softened butter, creating a golden, crispy layer to crown the casserole.

Step 11: Bake To Perfection

Place the casserole in the oven, uncovered, and bake for 30-40 minutes until the sauce bubbles and the topping turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 12: Rest And Serve

Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes.

Optionally sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving this mouthwatering dish.

Pro Tips for Creamy, Cheesy Cordon Bleu Casserole

• Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for an extra layer of complexity and richness.
• Ensure breadcrumbs are completely dry before mixing with butter to maintain a crispy, golden-brown crust.
• Opt for low-sodium ham and reduce added salt to make the dish more heart-friendly and diet-conscious.
• Substitute chicken with turkey or swap some chicken for rotisserie meat to add more interesting texture and flavor profiles.
• Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking for convenient meal planning.

Cordon Bleu Casserole Variations for Your Table

• Vegetarian Cordon Bleu Swap chicken with plant-based chicken alternatives or grilled tofu, replace ham with roasted vegetable strips like zucchini or eggplant, and use dairy-free cheese for a meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Option Replace Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers, use gluten-free all-purpose flour for the sauce, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Mediterranean Style Substitute chicken with grilled chicken breast, use prosciutto instead of ham, swap Panko with almond flour or crushed pork rinds, and add herbs like oregano and basil for extra flavor.

Ways to Serve Up a Cordon Bleu Feast

• Comfort Food Companion: Pair this rich casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the creamy, hearty dish and add freshness.
• Elegant Side Kick: Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans make perfect vegetable sides that complement the chicken's savory flavors.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio will beautifully enhance the creamy, cheesy notes of the casserole.
• Bread Basket Bonus: Serve with crusty French bread or garlic toast to soak up the delicious sauce and add a delightful crunch to the meal.

Storing Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive browning.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat in this casserole?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with turkey or rotate with leftover rotisserie chicken. For ham, you can use prosciutto or even bacon for a different flavor profile.

• Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?

No, this recipe contains wheat-based ingredients like all-purpose flour and Panko breadcrumbs. To make it gluten-free, you’ll need to substitute with gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.

• How spicy is this dish with cayenne pepper?

The 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper adds a very mild background heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce or completely omit the cayenne without compromising the overall flavor of the casserole.

Delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Classic chicken cordon bleu casserole delivers comfort and elegance in one hearty dish. Layers of tender chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese combine with a creamy sauce that you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 5 cups shredded chicken
• 9 ounces (255 grams) sliced deli-style black forest ham, cut into strips (about 9 slices)
• 8 ounces (227 grams) sliced Swiss cheese (about 12 thin slices)

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• Chopped parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Create a uniform base layer of shredded chicken across the entire dish, spreading evenly to cover the bottom.
3. Distribute sliced black forest ham strips over the chicken, covering the entire surface with overlapping pieces.
4. Arrange Swiss cheese slices across the ham, allowing edges to slightly overlap for complete coverage.
5. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper to create a flavorful foundation.
6. Gradually sprinkle flour into the butter mixture, continuously whisking to form a smooth, thick paste without any lumps.
7. Incrementally pour whole milk into the mixture, whisking thoroughly after each addition to maintain a silky consistency.
8. Simmer the sauce for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
9. Carefully pour the sauce over the cheese layer, ensuring complete and even distribution throughout the casserole.
10. Mix Panko breadcrumbs with softened butter until thoroughly combined, then sprinkle the mixture evenly across the top of the casserole.
11. Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes until the sauce bubbles and the breadcrumb topping turns golden brown.
12. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, then garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving.

Notes

• Swap chicken with turkey or plant-based alternatives for dietary flexibility and variety.
• Use gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs and flour to create a celiac-friendly version of this comfort dish.
• Reduce sodium by selecting low-sodium ham and minimizing added salt in the sauce preparation.
• Enhance flavor complexity by experimenting with different cheese varieties like Gruyère or provolone for unique taste profiles.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg