Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting dish that tastes like a fancy dinner but comes together with zero fuss, you’ve got to try this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe. I absolutely love how this casserole layers tender chicken, savory ham, and melty Swiss cheese all smothered in a creamy, garlicky sauce topped with a crispy, buttery crumb crust. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll quickly become a go-to for busy weeknights or whenever you want to impress without stress!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe is how the ingredients harmonize—juicy chicken, smoky ham, and Swiss cheese meld under a luscious sauce, all topped with a golden crumb crust. I always recommend using a good-quality rotisserie chicken to get the most flavor with the least effort.

• Rotisserie Chicken: Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves you prepping and adds a nice smoky flavor; you can also use leftover baked chicken.
• Deli Ham (Black Forest preferred): Black Forest ham offers that perfect smokiness and tenderness that complements the chicken beautifully.
• Swiss Cheese: Melts wonderfully and adds a mild nutty flavor essential for that classic cordon bleu taste.
• Butter: Key for both the sauce and crumb topping to give richness and help with browning.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic wakes up the sauce with a lovely aroma and subtle spice.
• Flour: This helps thicken the sauce for that creamy consistency you want without it being runny.
• Milk: Whole milk works best for creaminess, but 2% can also do the trick if you want to lighten up.
• Lemon Juice: A little acidity brightens the sauce and balances the richness.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy depth that makes this recipe stand out from ordinary casseroles.
• Salt, Smoked Paprika & Pepper: Seasonings are essential here; smoked paprika is a subtle nod to the ham’s smokiness.
• Seasoned Bread Crumbs: These give the crunchy topping texture and flavor; Panko works beautifully for extra crispness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Mixes into the topping for a sharp, savory finish that you’ll notice in every bite.

Variations

The beauty of this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your taste or dietary needs. I love messing around with the sauce or swapping proteins depending on what’s in my fridge.

• Chicken Variations: I’ve tried shredded rotisserie turkey instead and it turned out fantastic for holiday leftovers.
• Cheese Switch-Up: Sometimes I sub Swiss with Gruyère for a nuttier, creamier flavor that elevates the dish.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use a plant-based butter and non-dairy milk, and omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative—still tasty!
• Gluten-Free Topping: Swap regular bread crumbs for gluten-free crumbs or crushed nuts for a delicious twist.
• Extra Veggies: Adding a layer of sautéed mushrooms or spinach under the cheese makes it even heartier and more colorful.

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Get your base layered

Preheat your oven to 350°F and give your 9×13 casserole dish a good spray with nonstick spray—that helps with cleanup later! Start by spreading the pulled rotisserie chicken evenly along the bottom of the dish. Next, scatter the chopped ham on top, then layer slices of Swiss cheese to cover it all. This layering is key because it sets up those delicious bites where you get meat, cheese, and sauce all at once.

Step 2: Make that dreamy sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and toss in the minced garlic right away. Keep stirring gently with a rubber spatula so the garlic doesn’t burn—burnt garlic will give a bitter edge, which you definitely want to avoid. Once the garlic is fragrant and the butter is melted, stir in salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and lemon juice. These seasonings bring a lovely depth and brightness.

Sprinkle in the flour and whisk everything together, letting it cook for about a minute to get rid of that raw flour taste. Now comes the slow and steady part: add the milk gradually while whisking constantly to prevent lumps—that trick is how you get a silky smooth sauce. Crank the heat to high and watch closely as it thickens and just starts to boil. Take it off the heat once it’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 3: Assemble and top it

Pour that luscious sauce evenly over the layered chicken, ham, and cheese base in your casserole dish. For the topping, mix melted butter, seasoned bread crumbs, and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl until the crumbs are nicely coated. Sprinkle this evenly on top—this topping bakes up crispy and golden, adding a perfect contrast to the creamy layers beneath.

Step 4: Bake to golden perfection

Bake your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole at 350°F for about 45 minutes. You’re looking for bubbly sauce at the edges and a golden, crunchy topping. When it’s done, let it rest on the counter for about 10 minutes before digging in—the cooling time helps the sauce thicken up so your casserole isn’t runny. This really makes a big difference in texture!

How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving. It adds a bright green pop of color and a subtle freshness that cuts through the richness of the casserole so nicely.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe are simple steamed green beans or roasted asparagus. A fresh garden salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully to lighten up the meal as well.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special dinners, I sometimes serve this casserole in individual ramekins topped with extra bread crumb crust—makes it feel extra fancy! You can also sprinkle crispy fried shallots on top for added crunch and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats really well and sometimes tastes even better the next day once all the flavors have melded more deeply.

Freezing

This casserole freezes nicely if you want to meal prep. Freeze it unbaked or baked—if freezing unbaked, wrap tightly and add a few extra minutes when baking from frozen.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftovers into a 350°F oven covered with foil to prevent the topping from burning—this usually takes 20-25 minutes to heat through. If you want the topping extra crispy again, remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of reheating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I honestly can’t recommend this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe enough—it’s one of those dishes I turn to when I want something that screams homemade with minimal effort. The creamy sauce, hearty meat layers, and irresistible crisp topping make everyone feel cozy and special. So next time you want to serve up a delicious crowd-pleaser or just treat yourself to a comforting meal, give this recipe a whirl. You’ll be glad you did, and your family will thank you too!

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