Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

 

A Comforting Classic Reimagined: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

There’s something special about Chicken Cordon Bleu. The iconic rolled chicken with ham and Swiss cheese, breaded and baked to golden perfection… it’s a "little luxury" that brings back childhood dinner-table memories. But rolling each piece, deep-frying, then baking—it’s time-consuming.

That’s why I’m thrilled to share my Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole—a layered, all-in-one rendition that captures the nostalgic flavors of the original dish, with less fuss and just as much comfort. If you’re looking for a flavorful weeknight saver, a celebration dish that feels like a hug, or a casserole that begs to be shared, this recipe is a keeper.

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What Makes This Casserole Special

• All the classic flavors—tender chicken, salty ham, melted Swiss cheese—without assembly work.

• Velvety creamy sauce that pulls it all together.

• Crispy, buttery crust adds textural contrast and visual appeal.

• Comfort, made easy—great for holidays, family dinners, or when you want to feel nostalgic over a plate.

• Leftover-proof—equally delicious reheated for lunch or dinner the next day.

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Ingredients

Protein Layers

• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works fantastically)

• 1½ cups diced country ham (or deli‑style ham), cut into bite‑sized pieces

• 1½ cups shredded Swiss cheese (or Gruyère for extra richness)

The Creamy Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1 cup half-and-half (or more milk)

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and freshly ground white or black pepper (to taste—start with ½ teaspoon each)

The Topping Crunch

• 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 3 tablespoons melted butter

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)

Extras & Variations

• ½ teaspoon nutmeg for a subtle warmth

• Sliced mushrooms or sautéed spinach layers for added vegetables

• A handful of chopped fresh herbs (thyme, parsley, chives) for garnishing

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Tools & Prep Tips

• Casserole dish: 9×13 inch or similar

• Medium saucepan for the sauce

• Mixing bowls and spoons

• Measuring spoons/cups

• Aluminum foil (for initial baking cover)

• A meat thermometer (helpful for checking internal temp)

Helpful preparation tricks:

• Use fresh breadcrumbs by blitzing day-old bread—adds superior texture.

• Shred your own Swiss cheese to melt more beautifully.

• Cube rather than shred the chicken to best absorb the sauce.

• Grate Parmesan from a wedge—flavorful and melts cohesively with panko.

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Step‑by‑Step Instructions

Step 1: Assemble the Protein Base

1. Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C).

2. Spray or butter your casserole dish lightly.

3. In the dish, evenly layer:

   • All the shredded or cubed chicken

   • The diced ham

   • One cup of the shredded Swiss cheese

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

1. In your saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.

2. Stir in the flour—cooking it for 1–2 minutes until a pale, smooth paste forms.

3. Slowly whisk in the milk, followed by the half-and-half, ensuring no lumps form.

4. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—watch for thickening as it coats the spoon.

5. Mix in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and nutmeg (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust flavor as needed.

6. Pour this dreamy sauce evenly over your layered proteins in the casserole.

Step 3: Add Cheese & Topping

1. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup Swiss cheese over the sauce.

2. In a bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, melted butter, and dried parsley. Mix until crumbs are evenly coated.

3. Scatter this crunchy topping evenly across the casserole.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

1. Cover your dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent browning too quickly.

2. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes.

3. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

4. For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes—watch carefully to avoid burning.

Step 5: Rest, Garnish, Enjoy

1. Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes—this sets the filling and lets flavors meld.

2. Optionally garnish with fresh herbs.

3. Serve warm with a side of mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a simple green salad.

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Serving Suggestions & Pairings

A hearty casserole like this calls for comforting sides:

• Mashed potatoes or garlic-herb mashed cauliflower.

• Butter-roasted vegetables (carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts).

• Simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

• Buttery dinner rolls for scooping up any leftover sauce.

Pair it with a crisp white wine (like Chardonnay) or a light red (Pinot Noir) to balance the creamy layers.

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Prep-Ahead & Leftover Magic

• Make-Ahead: You can build the casserole (through Step 3) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Then bake when ready.

• Freezing: Fully assemble, freeze unbaked, and thaw before baking as above. For leftovers, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

• Repurpose Leftovers: Stir leftovers into pasta, make sliders with crusty rolls, or fold with steamed veggies for a creamy casserole remix.

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Variations to Make It Your Own

• Turkey Cordon Bleu Twist: Substitute turkey breast and turkey ham for a lighter feel.

• Veggie-Enriched Style: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or leeks layered in between proteins.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or paprika in the sauce or breadcrumbs.

• Herb-Infused: Fold in thyme, tarragon, or chives into the sauce for a fragrant twist.

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Why This Is a Truly Worth-It Dish

With layers of flaky, savory compliance—chicken, ham, cheese—bathed in creamy, tender sauce and topped with a crispy crust, this casserole delivers on every comfort-food front. It’s nostalgic without being fussy, indulgent but not over-the-top, homestyle with a refined touch.

And because it's baked whole, easy to slice, and feeds a crowd, it’s ideal for Sunday suppers, potlucks, or cozy family gatherings where stories and seconds abound.

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Serving This Dish with Heart

I can almost picture the scene: you pull this bubbling masterpiece from the oven, set it down on the table, and everyone leans in—being drawn not just by the sizzling cheese, but by the memory of home, cooking, and the love embedded in recipes like these.

Whether it’s your first time, or you’re reviving a cherished meal, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole stands proudly in that tradition—and promises your own next-generation memories.