Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Let me tell you, when I pulled this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole out of the oven, I knew right away it was going to be one of those comfort dishes everyone keeps asking for. It’s creamy, cheesy, loaded with savory chunks of chicken and smoky ham, and topped with a golden breadcrumb crust that’s pure bliss. You get all the flavor of classic chicken cordon bleu without the fuss of rolling and breading individual portions. And that’s exactly why I love it.
I first made this casserole on a cold evening when I wanted something hearty and satisfying but didn’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen. This version came together quickly with simple ingredients I already had on hand. As it baked, the aroma of melting cheese and garlic filled my kitchen, and when I took that first bite, I knew it was an instant classic.
This dish is also incredibly versatile. You can prep it ahead, freeze it for later, or whip it up on a busy weeknight and serve it with a crisp salad or roasted veggies. It’s become one of my favorite go-to meals not just because it’s delicious, but because it delivers that nostalgic, home-cooked flavor we all crave.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
This casserole has all the hallmarks of a comfort classic, with a few perks that make it even more irresistible. It’s easy to assemble using rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken, and it’s a fantastic way to use up deli ham. The sauce is rich and creamy, thanks to a simple homemade cheese sauce that pulls everything together beautifully.
You’ll love the way the breadcrumbs get perfectly crisp and golden while the inside stays melty and cheesy. Plus, it’s family-friendly and makes enough to feed a crowd or deliver leftovers that reheat like a dream. If you’re a fan of creamy pasta bakes, you’ll also enjoy my recipes like Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta or Shipwreck Dinner for more cozy dinner ideas.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Ham
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Dice about 3 cups of cooked chicken and 1½ cups of deli ham into bite-sized pieces. Set them aside in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in ½ cup of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in 2 cups of milk and continue whisking until the mixture thickens. Stir in 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of Dijon mustard for depth.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Add the cooked pasta (about 12 ounces) to the bowl with chicken and ham. Pour the cheese sauce over the top and mix until everything is well coated. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 4: Add the Topping
In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle this over the top of the casserole for a crunchy finish.
Step 5: Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
There are plenty of ways to make this recipe your own. If you’re not a fan of Swiss cheese, try Gruyère or even provolone for a similar melty texture. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend.
You can also add veggies like broccoli or spinach for some added color and nutrition. Instead of ham, cooked bacon or turkey ham makes a delicious swap. If you’re low on time, use a store-bought Alfredo sauce to replace the homemade cheese sauce and save an extra step.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad dressed in vinaigrette or a side of steamed green beans to balance the richness. I also love serving it with garlic bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up every last bit of that creamy cheese sauce. For a more indulgent meal, try it alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or glazed carrots.
If you’re serving guests or prepping for a special occasion, consider pouring a chilled white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio. Their crisp notes cut through the creaminess and complement the savory layers of chicken and ham perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap portions tightly and freeze them for up to 2 months.
Reheat individual servings in the microwave in 60-second intervals until warmed through. If reheating a larger portion, cover with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. For best texture, add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to maintain creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes, then bake as directed.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely. Just assemble everything except the breadcrumb topping, cover tightly, and freeze. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight, add the topping, and bake.
What kind of pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni works great here because it holds the sauce well and mixes evenly with the meat and cheese.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Very much so. Kids love the creamy texture and cheesy flavor. You can even omit the Dijon mustard for a milder taste.
Can I use shredded chicken instead of diced?
Yes, shredded chicken works perfectly in this casserole. It mixes in smoothly with the ham and sauce and is a great way to use up leftovers or rotisserie chicken.
Related Recipe You’ll Like
If you enjoyed this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, you’ll definitely want to try a few other comforting dishes from my kitchen. My Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta is a rich and flavorful pasta bake loaded with Italian sausage, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a garlicky cream sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together in under 30 minutes.
You might also love my Shipwreck Dinner, a hearty layered casserole with ground beef, potatoes, and vegetables baked together for a no-fuss family meal. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or when you need a filling, warm dish.
For a breakfast spin on casseroles, check out my Nutella French Toast Casserole — sweet, decadent, and perfect for weekends or holiday brunches.
Save and Share This Recipe for Later
Don’t forget to pin this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole to your favorite recipe board on Pinterest so you can come back to it anytime! It’s also great for sharing on Facebook or sending to a friend who loves comforting baked dishes. Whether you’re planning a cozy night in or need a reliable crowd-pleaser, this is one recipe that deserves to be saved and passed around.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is the ultimate comfort food made easy. With tender chunks of chicken, savory ham, and a rich homemade cheese sauce featuring Swiss and cheddar, this baked dish brings all the classic flavors of chicken cordon bleu without the hassle. Topped with buttery breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch, this casserole is perfect for family dinners, make-ahead meals, or potlucks. It’s kid-friendly, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1½ cups deli ham, diced
- 12 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow)
- 4 tbsp butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine diced chicken, ham, and cooked pasta.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tbsp butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add milk, whisking continuously until thickened.
- Stir in Swiss cheese, cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour cheese sauce over the chicken, ham, and pasta mixture; stir to coat evenly.
- Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For extra veggies, add steamed broccoli or chopped spinach.
- Replace Swiss with Gruyère or provolone for a twist.
- To freeze, assemble without breadcrumb topping and wrap tightly. Add topping before baking.
