Delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: A Comforting Twist on a Classic Dish

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole has everything you love about the traditional dish but in a quick, one-pan version. It’s creamy, cheesy, and perfectly layered for maximum flavor. The combination of tender chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese creates a balance of textures and tastes—savory, slightly tangy, and delightfully rich. The crunchy breadcrumb topping adds the perfect contrast to the creamy sauce beneath. Plus, it’s family-friendly, reheats beautifully, and can even be made ahead of time for busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked Chicken – The foundation of the dish. Use shredded or cubed chicken breast or rotisserie chicken for convenience.

Ham – Adds smoky, savory depth. Deli ham or leftover baked ham works perfectly—just dice or layer thin slices.

Swiss Cheese – The traditional choice for Chicken Cordon Bleu. It melts beautifully and offers a subtle nutty flavor. You can substitute with provolone or mozzarella if preferred.

Butter – Used to make the creamy sauce base and to mix with breadcrumbs for the golden topping.

All-Purpose Flour – Forms a roux with butter to thicken the sauce and give it a velvety texture.

Milk – The creamy base of the sauce. Whole milk or half-and-half adds richness without being too heavy.

Dijon Mustard – Adds tang and complexity that complements the ham and cheese perfectly.

Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – Build flavor in the sauce and enhance the savory profile.

Salt and Black Pepper – Essential seasonings to balance the creamy sauce.

Breadcrumbs – Create the crunchy topping. Panko breadcrumbs give an extra crisp texture, while regular ones add a softer golden layer.

Parmesan Cheese – Adds a salty, nutty element to the topping and deepens the flavor of the dish.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread the cooked chicken evenly across the bottom. Layer the diced or sliced ham over the chicken, then top with the Swiss cheese slices.

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a smooth roux. Slowly add the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Pour the sauce evenly over the layered chicken, ham, and cheese in the casserole dish. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top.

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the sauce is bubbling around the edges. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so the layers set beautifully. Serve warm with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

• Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
• large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
• Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
• Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
• Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
• 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
• knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
• Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6–8 people generously.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes until hot. If freezing, assemble the casserole without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed when ready to serve.

Variations and Customizations

Low-Carb Version – Skip the breadcrumbs and top with crushed pork rinds mixed with Parmesan for a keto-friendly crunch.

Cheddar Twist – Substitute Swiss with sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor.

Spinach & Mushroom Upgrade – Add sautéed spinach and mushrooms between layers for extra nutrition and flavor.

Ham & Turkey Combo – Use both ham and turkey for a richer, heartier casserole.

Cream Cheese Layer – Mix a few tablespoons of softened cream cheese into the sauce for extra creaminess.

Mustard Lovers’ Version – Increase Dijon mustard for a sharper, tangier sauce.

Herb Topping – Add parsley or thyme to the breadcrumb mixture for a fragrant touch.

Gluten-Free Adaptation – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute cornstarch for flour in the sauce.

Broccoli Cordon Bleu – Add small steamed broccoli florets for color and balance.

Bacon Boost – Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon over the top before baking for smoky flavor.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, it’s a great time-saver and adds extra flavor.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely—assemble it up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

What cheese can I use instead of Swiss?

Provolone, Gruyère, or mozzarella are excellent substitutes.

How do I make it creamier?

Add a little heavy cream or cream cheese to the sauce.

Why is my sauce too thick?

Whisk in a bit more milk until you reach the desired consistency.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Yes, broccoli, spinach, or asparagus pair beautifully with the flavors.

How can I prevent the topping from burning?

If it browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes.

Can I use breadcrumbs from scratch?

Yes, simply toast and crush leftover bread for a homemade touch.

What should I serve with this casserole?

It pairs well with green beans, roasted potatoes, or a crisp garden salad.

Conclusion

This Delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole transforms the classic French dish into an easy, family-style comfort meal. Creamy, cheesy, and layered with tender chicken and smoky ham, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The buttery breadcrumb topping adds just the right crunch, making every bite satisfying and indulgent. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, potluck, or special occasion, this casserole delivers gourmet flavor with effortless preparation—a modern comfort food that never fails to impress.

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