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Chicken cordon bleu casserole was the first dish I made that actually felt like me. I didn’t grow up cooking—most of what I know started in my own small kitchen, after long days and messy dinners with little kids and barely enough groceries.
One night, with leftover chicken, a few slices of ham, and a last-minute prayer, I layered everything into a casserole dish. It wasn’t fancy—but when we sat down to eat, something in me softened. My daughter smiled. My son asked for more. And I thought… maybe I can do this. Maybe food doesn’t have to be perfect to feel like home.
This recipe is where my cooking journey began. And it’s still the one I go back to when I need something easy, warm, and real.
: Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Real-Life Easy — No Rolling, No Fuss
If you’ve ever tried making traditional chicken cordon bleu, you know the drill: pounding, layering, rolling, toothpicks, and praying it doesn’t fall apart in the skillet. This casserole version skips all of that. You get the same cozy, melty layers without the stress—and you can prep it in about 15 minutes with pre-cooked chicken.
Familiar Flavors, Family-Approved
That perfect trio of chicken, ham, and Swiss? It’s still here, just stacked in a creamy, baked dish that hits every comfort food craving. Even picky eaters tend to dig in. One reader told me her son calls it “lasagna chicken”—and honestly, that tracks. If your crew loves layered casseroles like this chicken taco casserole, they’ll be all over this one too.
Cozy and Crowd-Pleasing
Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a low-key Sunday, this chicken cordon bleu casserole works. You can double it for potlucks or freeze leftovers for later. It’s terrific when you need something hearty but simple, something that feels like home without taking all day to get there.
: Ingredients You’ll Need (and Easy Swaps)
The Must-Haves
You only need a handful of basics to pull off this comforting chicken cordon bleu casserole. Most ingredients are probably already in your fridge or pantry:
- Cooked chicken – Rotisserie, baked, or leftover grilled all work
- Ham slices – Deli or thick-cut both do the trick
- Swiss cheese – Shredded or sliced, just make sure it melts well
- Cream of chicken soup – Or make your own white sauce if you’re avoiding canned
- Milk – To loosen up the base
- Dijon mustard – Adds that signature tang
- Panko breadcrumbs + butter – For that buttery, golden topping
Optional Add-Ins
Want to bulk it up? Add cooked pasta, rice, or even broccoli florets before baking. These extras make your chicken cordon bleu casserole more filling without changing the flavor.
Smart Substitutions
No Swiss? Try mozzarella or provolone. Need a dairy-free option? Use your go-to milk alternative and a dairy-free cheese. You can also sub the cream soup with a homemade roux (flour + butter + broth). And if you love using protein-packed leftovers, this cottage cheese chicken salad shows how versatile cooked chicken really is.
: How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to keep everything from sticking later. Set it aside while you prep the base.
Step 2: Layer the Chicken and Ham
Spread the cooked chicken evenly in the bottom of the dish. Top it with a layer of sliced or chopped ham. Press down lightly so everything is snug.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese evenly across the top. Be generous — this layer helps everything melt together and gives that rich, gooey center.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, and a spoonful of Dijon mustard. Pour the mixture evenly over everything in the pan.
Step 5: Add the Crunch
In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle over the top of the casserole. This creates that golden, crispy layer every chicken cordon bleu casserole deserves.
Step 6: Bake and Serve
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top. Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving so the layers hold together better.
: Why This Recipe Works So Well
Layered Like a Classic
The bones of this recipe come straight from the traditional version of chicken cordon bleu. By layering chicken, ham, cheese, and sauce — instead of rolling — you still get all the familiar comfort and flavor, just in an easier format. It’s the same story in dishes like this green chili chicken enchilada casserole — no fancy techniques needed to build bold, balanced layers.
The Cheese That Binds It All
Swiss cheese has a nutty sharpness that cuts through the creamy sauce and brings a deep, cozy flavor to the whole dish. It melts beautifully and holds the casserole together without overpowering the ham and chicken underneath.
Crisp vs Creamy
The secret to this chicken cordon bleu casserole is contrast. The creamy base is smooth and rich, but that golden panko topping brings in texture. Every bite gives you something soft and something crunchy — exactly what comfort food should be.
What Makes It Different from Traditional Versions
You don’t need toothpicks, flour dredges, or stovetop pans. Everything happens in one dish, and still gives you the signature flavor profile of the original — without the stress or mess. That’s why this chicken cordon bleu casserole has become a favorite in so many weeknight meal rotations — it’s classic, without the chaos.
Kitchen-Logic That Saves You Time
Pre-cooked chicken makes this fast. Pre-shredded cheese saves you cleanup. And using pantry staples (like cream soup and breadcrumbs) means you’re not chasing hard-to-find ingredients when you’re already tired. The whole thing bakes in about 30 minutes, and it reheats beautifully.
: Real-Life Twists and Helpful Variations
Low-Carb Swap
Skip the breadcrumbs and serve your chicken cordon bleu casserole over sautéed spinach or riced cauliflower for a lighter take. Or go crustless altogether — the layers hold together beautifully without the topping. If you’re eating low-carb regularly, you might also enjoy this clever chicken crust pizza as another weeknight option.
Kid-Friendly Spin
Use mozzarella instead of Swiss and skip the mustard if your little ones are picky. Add a thin layer of noodles or mix in cooked macaroni to turn this into a creamy casserole-kid hybrid they’ll love. Even with the swaps, the core of the chicken cordon bleu casserole flavor still shines through — and that’s what makes it a win.
Ham-Free Version
Don’t eat pork? Swap the ham for smoked turkey or even thin-cut roasted vegetables like zucchini or roasted red peppers. You’ll still get that lovely layered flavor, just with a different twist.
Make-Ahead Meal Prep
Assemble everything the night before (but leave the breadcrumbs off). Store it covered in the fridge, and when you’re ready to bake, add the topping and slide it in the oven. It’s a dream on busy nights.
Potluck Party Hack
Want to make this for a crowd? Double the ingredients and bake it in a foil tray. Let it rest before serving so it cuts cleanly into squares — perfect for church suppers, work lunches, or freezer meal swaps with friends.
: Mistakes to Avoid with Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Even a simple chicken cordon bleu casserole can trip you up if you’re not careful. Here are the most common slip-ups—and how to avoid them.
Over-Salting the Sauce
Ham and cheese are salty already. Taste the cream sauce before adding extra salt.
Soggy Layers
Wet chicken = mushy casserole. Pat it dry, and don’t overload the sauce.
Skipping the Topping
Without that buttery crunch, your chicken cordon bleu casserole risks tasting flat. The crispy panko matters.
Undercooked Add-Ins
Adding pasta or rice? Make sure it’s cooked first. The oven won’t save you.
: FAQ – What People Also Ask
What to Serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole?
You can balance the richness with something crisp and fresh—think a green salad with lemon vinaigrette, roasted green beans, or simple steamed broccoli. Crusty bread is great for scooping up the sauce, and if you’re feeding a crowd, buttered noodles or mashed potatoes work beautifully too.
Can You Freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole?
Yes! Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze it before baking—then thaw overnight in the fridge before putting it in the oven. Leftover chicken cordon bleu casserole also reheats well straight from frozen if you portion it into individual servings first.
How Many Calories in Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole?
It depends on the ingredients and portion size, but most versions clock in around 350–450 calories per serving. Using low-fat cheese, lighter soup, or skipping the topping can bring that number down. A digital food scale or tracker app can give you the most accurate estimate based on your specific ingredients.
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out?
Reheat it in a covered dish at 325°F for 15–20 minutes, adding a splash of milk or broth if it looks dry. The topping may soften a bit, but the flavor stays rich. For individual portions, the microwave works—just cover it with a damp paper towel. For a similar make-ahead creamy dish that reheats beautifully, try this cottage cheese buffalo chicken dip.
Some recipes become part of your rhythm — not because they’re fancy, but because they work, again and again. This one saved me on nights when I felt like I had nothing left to give. It brought smiles when dinner felt impossible. It gave me a moment to breathe, to feed the people I love, and feel just a little more steady.
If you try it, I hope it brings your home the same kind of comfort, that slow exhale after a long day. From my little kitchen to yours — may it nourish more than just your table.
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Irresistible Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Straight
A warm, comforting twist on the classic chicken cordon bleu — layered with tender chicken, savory ham, creamy sauce, and golden panko topping.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie, grilled, or baked)
- 1 1/2 cups ham slices, chopped
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer cooked chicken in the bottom of the dish. Top with chopped ham.
- Sprinkle Swiss cheese evenly over the meat layers.
- Whisk together cream of chicken soup, milk, and Dijon mustard. Pour evenly over the casserole.
- Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle over the top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden and bubbly. Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
You can substitute Swiss with mozzarella or provolone, and use dairy-free alternatives if needed. Add cooked pasta, rice, or veggies like broccoli to bulk it up. For a low-carb version, skip the breadcrumbs or serve with sautéed greens.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 115mg