If you love the classic flavors of chicken cordon bleu but want an easier, weeknight-friendly version, this Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is exactly what you need. It’s packed with tender chicken, smoky ham, and melted Swiss cheese, all wrapped up in a creamy, comforting sauce and topped with golden, buttery breadcrumbs. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy but couldn’t be simpler to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This casserole takes all the best parts of chicken cordon bleu and transforms them into an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner. No rolling or breading required—just layer, bake, and enjoy! The creamy sauce ties everything together, while the crispy breadcrumb topping adds just the right amount of crunch. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for sharing with family or friends.
Ingredients
Here’s a sneak peek of what you’ll need. The full ingredient list is below in the recipe card.
- Cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- Sliced deli ham
- Swiss cheese slices
- Cream cheese
- Heavy cream
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic powder
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Butter
Directions
Prepare the Chicken and Ham
Start by pre-cooking the chicken if you haven’t already. Shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. Tear or slice the ham into smaller portions to make layering easier.
Make the Creamy Sauce
In a saucepan, combine the cream cheese, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder over medium heat. Stir until smooth and creamy. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a greased casserole dish, layer the chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the top, spreading it to cover everything.
Add the Breadcrumb Topping
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the casserole, ensuring an even layer.
Bake
Bake the casserole for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy shortcut.
- If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers work just as well.
- For an extra cheesy kick, add a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan to the breadcrumb topping.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap out Swiss cheese for provolone or mozzarella if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Add a layer of steamed broccoli or spinach for some extra veggies.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip the topping altogether.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables to keep things balanced. For a heartier meal, serve it with garlic mashed potatoes or a side of buttery egg noodles. Don’t forget a crisp white wine like chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to round out the meal!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If freezing, assemble the casserole without the breadcrumb topping, then add it fresh when ready to bake.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole (without the breadcrumb topping), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the topping and bake as directed.
What type of chicken works best?
Shredded or diced chicken breast or thighs both work well. Rotisserie chicken is a great option for convenience.
Can I use a different kind of ham?
Absolutely. Use any cooked ham you like, from thick slices to thin deli ham.
How do I keep the breadcrumbs crispy?
If reheating leftovers, place the casserole under the broiler for a minute or two to crisp up the topping.
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is the perfect combination of comfort and elegance, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. With its creamy sauce, melty cheese, and crunchy topping, every bite is pure perfection. Try it out and let me know how your family enjoys it!
Print
Rich & Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (add 2-4 servings above normal, this could be 8-10 servings in total) 1x
- Category: Casserole, Comfort Food, Chicken
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of the classic chicken cordon bleu without the hassle of frying. Tender chicken, savory ham, melted cheese, and a rich, creamy sauce come together to create a dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. It’s comforting, flavorful, and simple to make!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
- 8 oz cooked ham, diced
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the casserole mixture: In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, and cheddar cheese. In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: Pour the creamy soup mixture over the chicken and ham mixture. Stir until everything is well combined and coated in the sauce. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Top with breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add some sautéed onions or garlic to the casserole mixture.
- If you want a little extra crunch, top the casserole with a few crispy fried onions or crumbled crackers.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6th of recipe)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg