Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

ByKimberly August 7, 2025August 7, 2025

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole takes all the comforting flavors of the classic French dish and turns them into an easy, creamy, irresistibly cheesy bake that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s rich, hearty, and filled with layers of tender chicken, savory ham, melted Swiss cheese, and a golden, buttery breadcrumb topping that crisps up beautifully in the oven. The best part? It’s all done in one dish and ready in about 30 minutes. No rolling or stuffing required!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and Fuss-Free: No pounding, rolling, or breading here—just layer, bake, and enjoy!
Family Favorite: This creamy, savory casserole hits all the right notes with adults and kids alike.
Great Use of Leftovers: Got some extra chicken or ham in the fridge? This is the perfect way to use them up.
Comfort Food Classic: Creamy sauce, melted cheese, and a crunchy topping—what more could you want?

Ingredients You’ll Need

This casserole is beautifully simple, and you probably already have most of these on hand!

Cooked Chicken Breast: Chopped into bite-sized pieces. Leftover rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here.
Ham: Diced ham brings a salty, smoky flavor that’s key to that Cordon Bleu taste.
Swiss Cheese: Melts beautifully and gives the dish its signature tang. Don’t love Swiss? See the variations below!
Cream of Chicken Soup: Forms the base of that creamy, dreamy sauce.
Milk: Helps loosen up the soup and create a velvety texture.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a gentle kick of sharpness that balances the richness.
Thyme: Fresh or dried—it adds a subtle earthiness.
Garlic Powder & Paprika: These spices round out the flavor and add a little color.
Salt and Cracked Black Pepper: Always season to taste!
Panko Bread Crumbs: Gives the casserole a satisfyingly crisp topping.
Unsalted Butter: Mixed with the breadcrumbs to help them toast up golden and delicious.
Cooking Spray: Keeps things from sticking in your baking dish.

Variations

There’s plenty of room to get creative with this casserole!

Cheese Swap: Try Gruyère for a more elevated flavor or mild cheddar if you’re cooking for picky eaters.
Veggie Boost: Stir in some blanched broccoli or frozen peas for extra color and nutrients.
Lighter Version: Use low-fat milk and a reduced-fat cream of chicken soup to cut down on richness.
Extra Crunch: Finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes for a golden, crispier topping.
Herby Twist: Add fresh parsley or chives on top after baking for a pop of freshness.

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Layer the Chicken and Ham

In a large bowl, mix together your cooked chicken, diced ham, and half the shredded Swiss cheese. Spread evenly into the baking dish.

Step 3: Whisk the Creamy Sauce

In another bowl, whisk the cream of chicken soup, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Add the Sauce

Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and ham mixture, making sure it covers everything nicely.

Step 5: More Cheese, Please

Sprinkle the remaining Swiss cheese over the top. This forms a gooey, melty layer that ties it all together.

Step 6: Make the Crunchy Topping

In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, Panko bread crumbs, and paprika. Sprinkle over the top for a beautiful, golden crust.

Step 7: Bake

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes serving a breeze.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Pre-Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds depth of flavor.
Toast the Breadcrumbs First (Optional): For an even crunchier topping, lightly toast the Panko in a skillet before sprinkling.
Don’t Skip the Mustard: It’s subtle, but it balances the richness of the cheese and cream beautifully.
Let It Rest: Giving the casserole a few minutes to sit after baking helps the layers firm up, making it easier to slice and serve.

How to Serve

This casserole is a hearty main dish, but it pairs beautifully with lighter sides to balance the richness:

Serve With:

A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette
Steamed green beans or asparagus
Roasted carrots or a medley of seasonal vegetables
A side of garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up every drop of sauce

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the casserole cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

Freezing

This dish freezes well! Wrap tightly with foil or store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, though the topping won’t be quite as crispy.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to the breadcrumb topping, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking.

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes! Leftover turkey is a great substitute and works perfectly with the ham and cheese combo.

Is there a substitute for cream of chicken soup?
You can make a quick homemade version by combining butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk until thickened, or use cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different flavor.

What if I don’t have Panko breadcrumbs?
Regular breadcrumbs work just fine. You can also crush crackers (like Ritz) or use crushed cornflakes for a slightly different texture.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is everything you love about the classic dish—with none of the hassle. It’s creamy, cheesy, loaded with comforting flavor, and best of all, so easy to whip up. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking to stock up on leftovers for the week, this recipe is sure to earn a spot in your regular rotation. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked!