Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a cozy, comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, melty Swiss cheese, and savory ham all baked into one delicious meal. It has all the best flavors of the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu but in an easy, family-friendly casserole form that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
I love making this casserole when I want something special but don’t have a lot of time to fuss with individual chicken breasts. Everything bakes together, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy the meal. Plus, the cheesy, creamy sauce with crispy bread crumb topping always makes everyone ask for seconds!
My favorite way to serve it is with a simple green salad and some crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for sharing with family or friends on chilly evenings.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Cooked chicken works best here. Leftover roast chicken or rotisserie chicken saves time. You can also poach chicken breasts and shred them fresh if you prefer.
Ham: Diced ham adds a smoky, salty flavor. You can swap with cooked Canadian bacon or turkey ham if you want a lighter option.
Swiss Cheese: Swiss is classic for Cordon Bleu. If you can’t find Swiss, Gruyère or mozzarella are good substitutes that melt well.
Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp bite to the sauce. Use mild or sharp cheddar depending on preference. You can also mix half mozzarella for a creamier texture.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These crisp up nicely for the topping. If you don’t have panko, use regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with melted butter.
How Do You Make a Smooth and Creamy Cheese Sauce without Lumps?
Making the sauce is key for this casserole. Follow these tips for a silky, lump-free cheese sauce:
- Melt butter, then whisk in flour to create a roux. Cook it for 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste.
- Add milk slowly, whisking constantly to combine well and avoid lumps.
- Cook the sauce over medium heat, whisking often, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat before adding cheese to prevent the sauce from breaking or becoming grainy.
- Add cheese gradually and stir until fully melted and smooth before mixing with the other ingredients.
Patience and steady whisking during these steps are what make the sauce creamy and delicious!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch baking dish – I suggest this size for even cooking and easy serving.
- Large saucepan – you’ll make the cheese sauce here; it’s perfect for whisking and cooking the roux.
- Whisk – keeps your sauce smooth and free of lumps.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient portions.
- Mixing spoon or spatula – to combine the casserole ingredients evenly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Replace ham with cooked bacon or smoked turkey for different smoky flavors.
- Use mozzarella or Gruyère instead of Swiss for a different cheesy twist.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies and texture.
- Mix in a pinch of paprika or cayenne for a little heat and extra flavor.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, cubed or shredded
- 8 oz cooked elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
- 6 oz ham, diced
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 25-30 minutes to bake. Overall, you’ll need roughly 45 minutes including cooling time, making it a great option for a tasty weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep and Start the Sauce:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. In a large saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in 3 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly until the mixture becomes bubbly and light golden – this is your roux.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Take the sauce off the heat, then whisk in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add shredded Swiss and cheddar cheeses, stirring until they melt smoothly into the sauce.
3. Combine and Assemble:
In a large bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, cooked pasta, diced ham, and the creamy cheese sauce until everything is well coated. Pour this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
4. Add the Topping and Bake:
Mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and bubbly around the edges.
5. Rest and Serve:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if you like, then serve it warm and enjoy the comforting flavors!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Casserole?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before using it. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Pat the chicken dry to avoid extra moisture in the casserole.
Can I Make This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of milk if the sauce seems thickened.
What Can I Substitute for Swiss Cheese?
If you don’t have Swiss cheese, Gruyère or mozzarella make excellent substitutes that melt well and complement the flavors nicely.