Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that brings together the classic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu—chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese—but in a simplified casserole form. It offers layers of juicy chicken, savory ham, creamy cheese sauce, and crispy breadcrumbs, all baked together for a hearty meal.

Traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu is a French-inspired dish that typically involves chicken breasts stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, then breaded and fried. The casserole version retains the essence of these flavors but is much easier to assemble, skipping the more intricate steps like stuffing and breading the chicken.

This casserole is beloved for its ease of preparation, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners or feeding large groups. Its rich, creamy texture and satisfying flavor appeal to both children and adults, making it a go-to dish for potlucks, family meals, and special occasions.

History of Chicken Cordon Bleu

Origins of Chicken Cordon Bleu in French Cuisine: Chicken Cordon Bleu has its roots in French culinary tradition, where “cordon bleu” originally referred to high standards in cooking, much like a “blue ribbon” prize. Over time, the name became associated with a specific dish: chicken breasts stuffed with ham and cheese.
Evolution of the Dish into Modern Variations, Including Casseroles: The dish gained popularity in Europe and North America in the mid-20th century. As busy home cooks sought easier versions of classic recipes, the Chicken Cordon Bleu casserole emerged as a popular option. This version deconstructs the original recipe, allowing for quicker assembly without losing the signature flavors.

How This Version Simplifies the Classic Dish: Unlike the traditional preparation that involves pounding chicken flat, stuffing, and breading, the casserole version layers pre-cooked chicken, ham, and cheese, cutting down on prep time while still delivering the rich taste and texture of the original.

Why Choose a Casserole?

Advantages of a Casserole Format: Casseroles are known for their simplicity and convenience, requiring minimal prep and offering easy clean-up. This one-dish meal combines proteins, dairy, and carbohydrates, making it a well-rounded dinner option without the need for extensive side dishes.
Perfect for Family Meals, Potlucks, or Batch Cooking: The casserole format is ideal for feeding a crowd, making it a great choice for family dinners or gatherings. It can also be made ahead of time and reheated, making it convenient for busy schedules and perfect for batch cooking or meal prepping.

Essential Ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Chicken: Best Types and Cuts to Use: The most commonly used cut for this dish is boneless, skinless chicken breasts due to their leanness and ease of handling. However, boneless chicken thighs can also be used for those who prefer a juicier, more flavorful option.
Ham: How to Choose Quality Ham: Thinly sliced deli ham is ideal for layering, but you can also opt for thicker, more flavorful slices of smoked ham or even prosciutto for a richer taste. It’s important to use quality ham to balance the mild flavor of the chicken and the creaminess of the sauce.
Cheese: Traditional Swiss or Alternatives Like Gruyère: Swiss cheese is the traditional choice for Chicken Cordon Bleu because of its mild, nutty flavor that melts beautifully. For a more intense flavor, Gruyère or even mozzarella can be used as alternatives, depending on your taste preferences.

Sauce: Common Sauce Ingredients Like Cream, Butter, and Dijon Mustard: A creamy Dijon mustard sauce ties the dish together, typically made from a base of heavy cream, butter, Dijon mustard, and seasonings. This sauce is essential for giving the casserole its signature richness and creaminess.
Breadcrumbs: Using Panko or Traditional Breadcrumbs for a Crispy Topping: The crunchy breadcrumb topping is a key component of the dish, providing a contrast to the soft layers beneath. Panko breadcrumbs are a popular choice for extra crunch, but traditional breadcrumbs work well if you prefer a more classic texture.
Optional Ingredients (e.g., Vegetables or Spices for Added Flavor): To add more depth to the dish, consider including vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or even peas. Herbs like thyme or parsley can be added for an extra layer of flavor, complementing the richness of the dish.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preparation Time: How Long It Takes to Prep and Cook: The total time to prepare and cook Chicken Cordon Bleu casserole is about 1 hour. Preparation usually takes 20-25 minutes, with an additional 30-40 minutes of baking.
Detailed Step-by-Step Guide from Prepping Ingredients to Baking:1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Start by cooking your chicken. This can be done by boiling or baking until fully cooked, then shred or cube the chicken to use in the casserole.
3. Layering the Casserole:
- Begin with a layer of cooked chicken at the bottom of your greased baking dish.
- Add a layer of ham slices on top of the chicken.
- Cover the ham with slices of Swiss or Gruyère cheese.
4. How to Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in Dijon mustard and heavy cream. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder.
- Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, then pour evenly over the layered chicken, ham, and cheese in the casserole dish.
5. Topping with Breadcrumbs:
- In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs with melted butter, stirring to coat the crumbs evenly. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the casserole.
6. Baking Instructions: Time and Temperature:
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Ensuring the Chicken Stays Juicy:

- To avoid dry chicken, consider using boneless chicken thighs, which have a higher fat content and stay moist during baking. If using chicken breasts, be careful not to overcook them during the initial preparation stage.

Choosing the Right Ham and Cheese for the Best Flavor:
- For the best results, use a flavorful ham like smoked or black forest ham, and ensure that your cheese melts smoothly. If Swiss is too mild, Gruyère or even smoked gouda can add extra flavor depth.
How to Get the Sauce to the Right Consistency:
- The sauce should be creamy but not too thick. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin it out. To thicken, allow it to cook for a bit longer on the stove before pouring over the casserole.
Keeping the Breadcrumb Topping Crispy:
- For a crispy topping, lightly toast the breadcrumbs before adding them to the casserole. You can also broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden, crunchy finish.

Suggestions for Make-Ahead Preparation and Freezing:
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. To freeze, cover the unbaked casserole tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, add an additional 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Author: Munil

Print Recipe

Description

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a comforting and easy twist on the classic French dish. It features layers of juicy chicken, savory ham, and melty Swiss cheese, all brought together with a creamy Dijon mustard sauce. Topped with crispy breadcrumbs, this casserole is perfect for feeding a family or a crowd. It’s a simpler version of the traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu, offering the same delicious flavors without the fuss of stuffing and frying. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this casserole is sure to be a hit!

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

Cook the cavatappi pasta in a large pot of boiling water, according to package directions, for 7 to 8 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.
In a large bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, half & half, Dijon mustard, fresh chopped parsley, season salt, and black pepper.
Add the shredded Swiss cheese, diced rotisserie chicken, and cooked cavatappi pasta. Stir to incorporate all the ingredients fully.

Pour the chicken cordon bleu casserole filling into the prepared casserole dish.
In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, plain panko bread crumbs, and grated parmesan cheese.
Cover the top of the casserole filling evenly with the panko breadcrumbs.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

Notes

Chicken Options:
You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. Thighs tend to be juicier, but chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before assembling the casserole.
Ham Selection:
Use deli-style ham, prosciutto, or thicker cuts of smoked ham for a richer flavor. Thinly sliced ham works best for even layering.

Cheese Substitutions:
While Swiss cheese is the traditional choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or cheddar for different flavor profiles. Gruyère adds a nuttier, more intense flavor, while mozzarella brings a creamier texture.
Breadcrumbs:
Panko breadcrumbs are ideal for a crispy topping, but traditional breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers can be used. For extra flavor, try mixing the breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese before adding them to the top.
Sauce Consistency:
The creamy sauce should be thick enough to coat the chicken but not overly heavy. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin it out. The sauce binds the ingredients and keeps the casserole moist during baking.

Make-Ahead and Freezing:
You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. If you want to freeze it, cover tightly and store for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, allow an extra 10-15 minutes of cook time.
Vegetable Add-Ins:
For extra nutrition, consider adding vegetables like sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli. These ingredients pair well with the ham and cheese and can be layered into the casserole before baking.
Reheating:
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it may cause the breadcrumbs to lose their crispness.