If you’re craving comfort food that feels both elegant and downright irresistible, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender chunks of chicken combined with savory ham and gooey Swiss cheese, all baked to bubbly, golden perfection under a crunchy, buttery breadcrumb topping. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the classic flavors of chicken cordon bleu without the fuss of rolling and frying—it’s a hearty, family-friendly dish that’s ready in under an hour and guaranteed to become a much-loved staple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe plays a starring role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the rich creaminess of the sauce to the crispy breadcrumb topping, every element is chosen to create a harmonious and satisfying casserole experience.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: cooked and diced to keep every bite tender and protein-packed.
- 6 oz sliced turkey or chicken ham, chopped: adds that classic salty, smoky undertone reminiscent of traditional cordon bleu.
- 1 ½ cups shredded Swiss cheese (or Gruyère for extra flavor): brings creamy meltiness and a slightly nutty depth.
- 1 cup heavy cream: makes the sauce luxuriously rich and silky.
- ½ cup sour cream: contributes tang and creaminess for balance.
- ½ cup chicken broth: lightens the sauce without losing savoriness.
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard: offers a subtle kick and complexity to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: infuses aromatic warmth.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: enhances savory depth.
- ½ teaspoon salt: necessary to tie all flavors together.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: adds gentle heat and spice.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or crushed Ritz crackers): for that all-important crispy and buttery crust.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: ensures a golden, flavorful topping.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: boosts the savory crust with sharp, nutty notes.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cooking the chicken breasts using your preferred method—baking, grilling, or poaching—to keep them moist and tender. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut that still delivers fantastic flavor. Once cooked, dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, making sure every chunk can be layered evenly in the casserole.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, sour cream, chicken broth, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Then add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to this mixture for a beautiful balance of flavors that will perfectly coat the chicken and ham layers.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Begin by layering the diced chicken evenly across the bottom, followed by the chopped ham and then a generous sprinkle of shredded Swiss cheese. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the top, so every layer gets soaked in that luscious flavor.
Step 4: Add the Crispy Topping and Bake
Combine the panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. This mixture forms the crispy, golden crust that makes this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe so wonderfully irresistible. Sprinkle it evenly over the casserole and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A scattering of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of green that brightens the rich dish and makes it look as good as it tastes. For a touch of tang, serve with a wedge of lemon for squeezing over each serving.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides like a fresh green salad or steamed asparagus. Roasted vegetables such as carrots or Brussels sprouts add earthiness, balancing the creamy richness of the main dish perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins or mini casserole dishes. This makes portion control easy and offers a charming, personalized dining experience that your guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together—just make sure to cover it properly to keep the topping from becoming soggy.
Freezing
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe freezes wonderfully before baking. Assemble the casserole as directed, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen, adding extra time until bubbly and golden.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or pop the whole casserole in a 350°F oven covered with foil to maintain moisture. Remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of reheating to restore the crisp breadcrumb topping.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Swiss cheese is traditional, but Gruyère adds a lovely nutty richness. Cheddar or mozzarella can be used for a different flavor profile, though the sauce may be less classic in taste.
Is it necessary to include both heavy cream and sour cream?
Using both brings a luxurious creaminess and slight tanginess that lifts the casserole’s flavor. You can substitute with all heavy cream for a milder sauce, but the sour cream adds a nice depth.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the chicken and ham with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and spinach, and use vegetable broth. Just be sure to keep the creamy sauce and cheese for that rich, satisfying texture.
How can I make the topping extra crispy?
Try to use panko breadcrumbs rather than regular breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier crust. Drizzling an extra tablespoon of melted butter over the topping before baking can also enhance crispiness and flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe is great for meal prepping. Bake it in advance and portion it out for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. It reheats beautifully without losing its charm.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a classic favorite to your table without any stress. It’s all about comfort, flavor, and sharing something truly satisfying with the people you love. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just discover your new go-to family dinner that thrills everyone from kids to grown-ups alike.
