Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy, and effortlessly delicious dinner, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is about to become your new go-to dish. Bursting with tender chicken, savory ham, and melty Swiss cheese all baked into a creamy, golden casserole, this recipe takes the classic French favorite and turns it into a family-friendly, quick meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekends, the Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole brings warmth and indulgence together in one satisfying dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This casserole comes together with minimal prep, perfect for busy nights or last-minute dinners.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone from kids to adults will adore the creamy cheese and ham flavors wrapped around tender chicken.
- Comfort Food Classic: It’s a modern, simplified twist on the beloved Chicken Cordon Bleu that delivers big on taste.
- One-Dish Wonder: Everything bakes in one pan, making cleanup a breeze after your delicious meal.
- Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients or add extra veggies to suit your family’s preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole uses simple, familiar ingredients you probably have on hand. Each item plays a key role in delivering that perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors that make this dish irresistible.
- Chicken Breasts: Tender, cooked chicken provides the hearty protein base.
- Deli Ham: Thin slices add smoky, salty richness that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Swiss Cheese: Melts smoothly for that classic Chicken Cordon Bleu cheesy layer.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: Adds creamy moisture and depth of flavor that brings everything together.
- Mayonnaise: Blends with the soup for richness and a velvety texture.
- Breadcrumbs: A crispy, golden topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy interior.
- Butter: Helps brown the breadcrumb topping for that irresistible crunch.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder enhance all the flavors.
Variations for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to customize it based on what you love or what you have in your pantry. Whether you want to lighten it up or add a flavor twist, the possibilities are endless.
- Swap the Ham: Use turkey or cooked bacon for a different smoky flavor.
- Cheese Alternatives: Try Gruyere or mozzarella for a unique twist on the traditional Swiss cheese.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping.
- Vegetable Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli to sneak in extra greens.
- Healthier Option: Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise and low-fat soup to cut calories without sacrificing creaminess.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning and cooking your chicken breasts until they are just done — tender but still juicy. You can poach, bake, or pan-sear them to keep the process simple and flavor-packed.
Step 2: Assemble the Layers
In a greased casserole dish, place the cooked chicken breasts evenly at the bottom. Layer thin slices of ham directly over the chicken, then generously sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese on top.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup with mayonnaise and your seasonings. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the layered chicken, ham, and cheese, ensuring every bite will be rich and flavorful.
Step 4: Add the Crunchy Topping
Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle them over the casserole’s surface. This topping will bake to a crisp, golden crust, adding delightful texture contrast.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden
Place the casserole in a preheated oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the sauce is bubbly. Let it rest a few minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often has additives that prevent smooth melting.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cooking chicken just until done keeps it juicy and tender in the casserole.
- Let It Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to set for 5-10 minutes so the sauce thickens for easier serving.
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For an extra crispy and lighter topping than traditional breadcrumbs.
- Double the Sauce: If you want a saucier casserole, mix up extra soup and mayo for pouring.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives adds a beautiful pop of color and a fresh flavor contrast that brightens this creamy dish perfectly.
Side Dishes
Serve this casserole alongside simple steamed veggies, a light green salad, or buttery mashed potatoes to round out the meal without overpowering the rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming family dinner, serve in individual ramekins for personalized portions, or garnish with thin lemon slices to cut through the richness and add visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover chicken cordon bleu casserole covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring freshness and easy access for rewarming.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well; portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the whole casserole covered with foil in a 350°F oven until heated through, preserving moisture and texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great, offering extra juiciness and flavor in your casserole.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute dairy-free cheese and a non-dairy cream soup alternative to accommodate dietary restrictions while keeping delicious taste.
How long does this casserole take to cook from start to finish?
Including prep and baking, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole usually takes about 45 minutes, making it a practical weeknight dinner option.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole a day ahead, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake it fresh when you’re ready to eat.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer, cream of chicken or cream of celery soup can be swapped in with similar creamy results and slightly varied flavors.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is pure comfort food magic — easy to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a cheesy, creamy celebration everyone will adore. So grab your ham, Swiss cheese, and chicken, and get ready to enjoy a hearty meal that might just become a dinner favorite!
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a comforting and cheesy baked dish combining tender chicken breasts, savory deli ham, and melty Swiss cheese layered in a creamy sauce made from cream of mushroom soup and mayonnaise. This easy one-dish meal comes together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekends, and offers a family-friendly twist on the classic French favorite with a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Protein
- 4 cooked chicken breasts (tender, seasoned)
- 6–8 thin slices deli ham
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (preferably freshly shredded)
Creamy Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Topping
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko recommended for crispiness)
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then cook them until just done and tender. You can poach, bake, or pan-sear the chicken to maintain juiciness and flavor. Let them rest briefly before assembling.
- Assemble the Layers: Grease a casserole dish and evenly place the cooked chicken breasts at the bottom. Layer thin slices of deli ham over the chicken, then generously sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese on top of the ham layer.
- Mix the Creamy Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth and evenly blended. Pour this mixture evenly over the layered chicken, ham, and cheese to ensure every bite is rich and creamy.
- Add the Crunchy Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb mixture as a topping over the entire casserole surface to create a golden, crispy crust when baked.
- Bake Until Bubbling and Golden: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken and set.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded Swiss cheese for better melting and creaminess.
- Do not overcook the chicken initially to keep it tender and juicy in the casserole.
- Allow the casserole to rest after baking to let the sauce thicken and improve serving consistency.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crispier topping compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Double the creamy sauce if you prefer a saucier casserole.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Chicken Cordon Bleu, Casserole, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food, Cheesy Chicken, Ham and Cheese Bake