Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: The Ultimate Creamy Bake

Welcome to the ultimate comfort food upgrade! This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole transforms the classic French dish into an easy, family-friendly weeknight dinner. We’re layering tender chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese, then smothering it all in a ridiculously creamy, from-scratch Dijon sauce. To top it all off, a golden-brown crust of crispy panko breadcrumbs adds the perfect crunch.

Forget complicated rolling and frying. This deconstructed approach delivers all the gourmet flavor you love with a fraction of the effort. It’s a rich, satisfying, and impressive meal that comes together in one baking dish, making both cooking and cleanup a breeze. Get ready to add this to your regular rotation!

Why This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a Weeknight Winner

There are many reasons you’ll fall in love with this recipe, but here’s what makes it truly special.

• Simple, From-Scratch Sauce: No canned soups here! We’ll whip up a simple yet elegant cream sauce with butter, flour, milk, and a touch of Dijon mustard. It’s incredibly flavorful and takes just a few minutes.
• Perfectly Crispy Topping: By toasting the panko breadcrumbs in butter before baking, we guarantee an irresistibly crunchy, golden-brown topping every single time.
• One-Dish Wonder: All the components are layered into a single casserole dish for baking, which means fewer dishes to wash and more time enjoying your meal. If you love one-pan meals, you have to try our Sheet-Pan Parmesan Crusted Chicken.

The Key Ingredients

The magic of this casserole comes from combining a few simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes. You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Ham: Good quality sliced deli ham, like Black Forest or Virginia ham, adds a savory, salty flavor.
• Swiss Cheese: The classic choice for its nutty, mild flavor that melts beautifully. Gruyère or Provolone also work well.
• For the Sauce: Unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, milk, cream cheese, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of nutmeg create our luxurious sauce.
• For the Topping: Panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese create that signature crispy crust.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Casserole

Making this creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is easier than you think. Just follow these simple steps for a perfect result.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Topping

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Season your chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated. Set this aside for later.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Dijon Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute until it forms a paste—this is your roux. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Remove from the heat and stir in the Dijon mustard, cream cheese, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Casserole

Now it’s time to put it all together. Spread the seasoned chicken cubes in an even layer in your prepared baking dish. Top the chicken with the sliced ham, arranging it to cover the chicken. Pour the creamy Dijon sauce evenly over the ham and chicken. Finally, sprinkle the sliced Swiss cheese over the top, followed by the prepared panko breadcrumb mixture.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crispy. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to set, making it easier to serve.

Pro Tips for the Best Casserole

Want to take your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole from great to absolutely unforgettable? Here are a few expert tips:

• Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is often coated in anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best gooey, melted cheese, buy a block of Swiss and shred it yourself.
• Don’t Skip Toasting the Panko: Tossing the panko with melted butter is the secret to a perfectly crisp, golden topping that won’t get soggy.
• Use Quality Ham: A good quality deli ham will provide the best flavor. Ask for slightly thicker slices if possible.

What to Serve With Your Casserole

This rich and creamy casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a balanced meal, serve it with a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, steamed asparagus, or roasted broccoli. For a heartier option, it’s fantastic over egg noodles or with a side of garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It reminds me of the comfort from a good mac and cheese recipe.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

This casserole is a fantastic option for meal prep. You can assemble the entire dish without the panko topping up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, add the topping and bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Share Your Creation!

I hope you love this easy and delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole recipe! It’s a true crowd-pleaser that brings a touch of elegance to the dinner table without any of the fuss. If you make it, I’d love to see it! Please leave a comment below or share a photo on Pinterest. For more easy dinner ideas, check out our popular crockpot white chicken chili.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

FL Recipes

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: The Ultimate Creamy Bake

A delicious and easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole recipe featuring tender chicken, savory ham, and Swiss cheese in a creamy, from-scratch Dijon sauce with a crispy panko topping. The perfect one-dish weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, French

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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For the Casserole

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 lb sliced deli ham such as Black Forest
• 8 slices Swiss cheese

For the Creamy Dijon Sauce

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 4 oz cream cheese softened
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Topping

• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 4 tbsp butter melted
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

• 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
• 1 Saucepan
• 2 Mixing Bowls

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Season the chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Arrange them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
3. Layer the sliced ham over the chicken.
4. To make the sauce, melt 4 tbsp of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the cream cheese, Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until smooth.
5. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken and ham. Top with slices of Swiss cheese.
6. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, 4 tbsp of melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 550kcalProtein: 42gFat: 35gFiber: 1g

Notes

For best results, use freshly shredded Swiss cheese for a smoother melt.
You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance without the topping. Add the topping just before baking.

Keyword chicken cordon bleu casserole,creamy chicken bake,easy chicken casserole

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