Sizzling Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe: Fancy Made Simple
Comfort meets elegance in this mouthwatering chicken cordon bleu casserole that promises to revolutionize your dinner routine.
Layers of savory goodness unfold with each creamy bite.
Crispy breadcrumbs create a golden crust that hints at the deliciousness waiting beneath.
You’ll fall in love with the rich combination of tender chicken, melted swiss, and smoky ham.
Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this casserole delivers beyond expectations.
Home cooks can easily assemble this crowd-pleasing dish in minutes.
Prepare to impress everyone at the table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
One forkful will have you coming back for seconds – guaranteed.
Why Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Works Every Time
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Ingredient List
Protein Base:Sauce Components:Topping Elements:How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Step 1: Warm Up The Oven
Crank the oven to 375F (190C). Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Create The Base Layer
Spread cooked chicken across the dish in an even blanket. Scatter diced ham over the chicken. Drape Swiss cheese slices to completely cover the ham layer.
Step 3: Craft The Creamy Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes. Slowly pour in milk and chicken broth, whisking until silky smooth. Let the mixture simmer and thicken for 3-4 minutes. Stir in:Step 4: Drench The Layers
Pour the velvety sauce over the casserole, making sure every inch gets covered.
Step 5: Build The Crunchy Topping
Mix together:Sprinkle this mixture evenly across the top.
Step 6: Bake To Golden Perfection
Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges bubble with excitement.
Step 7: Serve And Enjoy
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Plate alongside green beans, a crisp salad, or creamy mashed potatoes.
Smart Tips for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Save and Reheat Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Smoothly
Good Pairings for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Different Takes on Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole FAQ Roundup
The dish originates from Switzerland, traditionally featuring a breaded chicken breast stuffed with ham and cheese. The casserole version is an American adaptation that simplifies the classic preparation while maintaining the same delicious flavor combination.
Swiss cheese works best due to its mild, nutty flavor that complements the ham and chicken. However, you can substitute with provolone or mild white cheddar if needed. Just ensure the cheese melts well and has a similar flavor profile.
Not in its current form. To make it gluten-free, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, use gluten-free breadcrumbs, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The core flavors will remain the same.
Add some vegetables like spinach or broccoli between the chicken and ham layers. You can also use whole wheat breadcrumbs for added fiber and consider using low-fat milk and cheese to reduce overall calories.
Print
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Comfort meets elegance in this mouthwatering chicken cordon bleu casserole, blending classic French-inspired flavors with hearty American simplicity. Rich layers of tender chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese create a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Protein Base:
- 4 cups (960 ml) cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) diced ham
- 6 slices Swiss cheese
Sauce Components:
- 4 tablespoons (60 ml) unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Topping:
- 1 cup (240 ml) breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Arrange the cooked chicken in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an even base layer across the bottom.
- Distribute diced ham generously over the chicken layer, ensuring complete coverage.
- Create a cheese foundation by laying Swiss cheese slices atop the ham, overlapping slightly to maximize coverage.
- Craft a creamy sauce by melting butter in a saucepan and whisking in flour to develop a smooth roux, cooking for 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Gradually incorporate milk and chicken broth into the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and create a silky consistency.
- Simmer the sauce until it thickens, then enhance with Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper for depth of flavor.
- Gently cascade the prepared sauce over the layered chicken, ham, and cheese, making sure every element is moistened.
- Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese to form a golden, crispy topping mixture.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly across the casserole, creating a textured and flavorful crust.
- Transfer the casserole to a preheated 375F (190C) oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the topping turns a beautiful golden brown and the interior becomes bubbly.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
- Plate and serve alongside complementary sides like steamed green beans, crisp salad, or creamy mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Swap protein easily by using turkey or pork instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.
- Create a gluten-free version by using almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs and replacing regular flour with cornstarch in the sauce.
- Reduce fat content by using low-fat Swiss cheese, milk, and adding extra herbs like thyme or parsley to boost flavor without extra calories.
- Make ahead friendly by preparing the entire casserole and refrigerating up to 24 hours before baking, which allows flavors to meld and makes meal prep simpler.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Jessica Martinez
Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer
Expertise
Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography
Education
Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)
Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.
She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.