Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole – A Comforting Family Dinner
If you love the classic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu but want a quick and easy version, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is the perfect recipe! It has juicy shredded chicken, layers of ham and Swiss cheese, a creamy sauce, and a crispy breadcrumb topping, making it a comforting and satisfying meal. Whether you’re searching for easy chicken cordon bleu, a family dinner recipe, or a simple casserole using shredded chicken, this dish delivers all the flavor with minimal effort!
What is Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole?
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a simplified, baked version of the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu. Instead of stuffing and breading individual chicken breasts, this casserole layers shredded chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, and a creamy Dijon sauce, then tops it with buttery, crispy breadcrumbs. It’s easy to make, great for feeding a crowd, and perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients for Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
To make this delicious and creamy casserole, you’ll need:
For the Casserole Base:
- Shredded Chicken (Cooked): 3 cups (rotisserie chicken works great)
- Sliced Ham: 1 ½ cups, chopped (deli or leftover ham)
- Swiss Cheese: 1 ½ cups, shredded (melts beautifully)
For the Creamy Sauce:
- Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: 1 cup (creates a rich sauce)
- Dijon Mustard: 2 tablespoons (adds classic cordon bleu flavor)
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon (for extra depth)
- Salt & Black Pepper: To taste
- Cream Cheese: 4 ounces, softened (makes the sauce creamy)
- Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup, grated (adds umami richness)
For the Crispy Topping:
- Panko Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (for a crunchy topping)
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted (helps the topping brown)
- Paprika: ½ teaspoon (adds color and flavor)
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: For freshness
- Lemon Wedges: Adds a bright, tangy contrast
Kitchen Equipment Needed
For this chicken cordon bleu casserole recipe, you’ll need:
- 9×13-Inch Baking Dish – for assembling the casserole
- Mixing Bowls – for making the creamy sauce and topping
- Whisk – for blending the sauce
- Cheese Grater – for freshly shredded cheese
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon – for spreading the layers
- Oven or Air Fryer (for crisping topping separately if needed)
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Follow these easy step-by-step instructions to create a creamy, cheesy, and crispy casserole!
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread shredded chicken evenly in the baking dish.
- Layer chopped ham over the chicken.
- Sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese on top.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, softened cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, ham, and cheese layers.
Step 4: Prepare the Crispy Topping
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and paprika.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
Step 5: Bake & Serve
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges (optional).
Tips for the Best Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: It saves time and adds extra flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Dijon Mustard: It gives the dish the signature cordon bleu taste.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: It melts better and has a richer flavor.
- For Extra Crispiness: Toast the breadcrumb topping in a skillet before adding it to the casserole.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: Pre-packaged cheese contains anti-caking agents, making it harder to melt.
- Skipping the Breadcrumbs: The crunchy topping adds contrast to the creamy filling.
- Overcooking the Casserole: Bake just until bubbly to keep the chicken tender.
Serving and Side Dish Ideas
This chicken cordon bleu casserole pairs well with:
- Steamed Green Beans or Roasted Asparagus – Adds a fresh, healthy side
- Mashed Potatoes or Rice – Complements the creamy sauce
- Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls – Perfect for soaking up extra sauce
- Side Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing – Enhances the tangy flavors
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
Variations and Ingredient Swaps
- Low-Carb Cordon Bleu Casserole: Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
- Cheddar Cheese Swap: Replace Swiss with cheddar for a different cheesy twist.
- Turkey Cordon Bleu Casserole: Use turkey breast and turkey ham for a lighter version.
FAQ About Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
- Can I use canned chicken? Yes! Drain and shred 2 cans (12.5 oz each) before using.
- Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time? Yes! Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
- What can I use instead of Swiss cheese? Try provolone, gouda, or mozzarella.
- How do I make it creamier? Add ½ cup of sour cream to the sauce for extra richness.
Conclusion
This Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and crispy comfort food that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. Whether you’re looking for a quick version of classic cordon bleu, an easy family dinner, or a comforting casserole, this dish delivers all the flavor with minimal effort!
Try this chicken cordon bleu casserole recipe today and enjoy a delicious, stress-free dinner! Don’t forget to share this recipe and subscribe for more easy meal ideas! 😊
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Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole – A Comforting Family Dinner
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a quick and easy version of the classic dish, featuring shredded chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, a creamy Dijon sauce, and crispy breadcrumbs. A perfect comfort food for family dinners or meal prep!
Ingredients
For the Casserole Base:
✅ 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)
✅ 1 ½ cups sliced ham, chopped
✅ 1 ½ cups shredded Swiss cheese
For the Creamy Sauce:
✅ 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
✅ 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
✅ 1 teaspoon garlic powder
✅ Salt & black pepper, to taste
✅ 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
✅ ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Crispy Topping:
✅ 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
✅ 2 tablespoons butter, melted
✅ ½ teaspoon paprika
For Garnish (Optional):
✅ Fresh chopped parsley
✅ Lemon wedges
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2️⃣ Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
3️⃣ Spread shredded chicken evenly in the baking dish.
4️⃣ Layer chopped ham over the chicken.
5️⃣ Sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese on top.
6️⃣ In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, softened cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
7️⃣ Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, ham, and cheese layers.
8️⃣ In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and paprika.
9️⃣ Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
🔟 Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
1️⃣1️⃣ Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
1️⃣2️⃣ Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges (optional).
Notes
- Use Rotisserie Chicken for an easy shortcut.
- For Extra Crispiness, toast the breadcrumbs in a skillet before adding to the casserole.
- Make it Creamier by adding ½ cup of sour cream to the sauce.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds.
