Name: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 5 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken; 2 cups cubed ham; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt, (add more to taste); 1 1/4 cups shredded Swiss cheese, (5 ounces); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup Panko bread crumbs; 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Jump to Recipe·5.3 from 8 reviews

If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that comes together easily and leaves everyone reaching for seconds, Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is absolutely it. Imagine all the classic flavors you love—tender chicken, savory ham, creamy Swiss cheese, and a buttery Panko topping—layered into one bubbling bake. It’s that magical combination of flavors and textures, all wrapped up in a dish that’s weeknight simple but hearty enough for guests. The best part? Most of the work is done in minutes, so you can spend more time enjoying the company around your table.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole uses a handful of humble, easy-to-find ingredients—each packed with purpose for flavor and texture. From the rotisserie chicken to the golden Panko, here’s how every component brings this dish together. Don’t skip any: every one is there to make the casserole shine!

Shredded rotisserie chicken: Pre-cooked and shredded, this chicken saves loads of time and keeps the casserole tender and juicy.
Cubed ham: Provides a salty, savory bite and that classic cordon bleu flavor pairing with chicken and cheese.
Unsalted butter: Forms the base of a luscious cheese sauce while letting you control the seasoning.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce, creating that rich, creamy texture that holds everything together.
Milk: Keeps the cheese sauce smooth and velvety, no heavy cream required.
Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle tang and depth; it’s the secret to real cordon bleu flavor.
Lemon juice: Freshens the sauce and brings a hint of brightness to balance the richness.
Garlic powder: For a subtle, rounded undercurrent of savory warmth.
Salt: Essential to make all the other flavors pop (adjust to taste after making the sauce).
Shredded Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully and brings that nutty, classic flavor forward.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Ups the savoriness and adds a tiny bit of sharpness to the sauce.
Panko breadcrumbs: The secret to a perfectly golden, crispy topping that contrasts the creamy casserole.
Melted butter (for topping): Ensures your breadcrumbs toast to irresistible perfection.

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Give a 9×13 casserole dish a quick, even spritz of cooking spray so nothing sticks. This helps create those perfect slices later and makes cleanup a total breeze.

Step 2: Layer Chicken and Ham

Spread your shredded chicken in an even layer across the bottom of the dish, then top evenly with the diced ham. Think of this as setting the foundation—each bite gets some of both, turning every forkful into a miniature cordon bleu experience.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

Melt your butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly until the mixture turns dry and slightly clumpy, about 1–2 minutes. This is your roux, which ensures the sauce thickens perfectly. Slowly whisk in the milk, then add Dijon, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt. Keep whisking as it simmers for 3–5 minutes, until everything becomes thick and creamy. Take it off the heat and immediately stir in all the Swiss and Parmesan cheeses until completely melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning to your liking.

Step 4: Assemble and Pour

Pour that hot, velvety cheese sauce evenly over the chicken and ham. Don’t worry if the sauce seems thick—it will bubble and spread as it bakes, coating every layer with gooey goodness!

Step 5: Add the Panko Topping

Stir together the Panko breadcrumbs and melted butter in a small bowl until every crumb is coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of your casserole. This step is non-negotiable—the crust is what takes Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole from good to completely irresistible.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your casserole into the oven and bake, uncovered, for 30–35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is gorgeously golden and the edges are bubbling. Let it cool for 5–10 minutes so it cuts cleanly and the flavors settle.

How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley gives a pop of color and freshness. For a little extra flair, add some finely grated Parmesan or a twist of cracked black pepper right before serving.

Side Dishes

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is the kind of dish that welcomes a bright, fresh side. Try it with a simple Caesar salad, lemony asparagus, or steamed broccoli. Want it heartier? Serve over buttered noodles, fluffy white rice, or even mashed potatoes to soak up every bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop individual portions into ramekins for a dinner party wow-factor, or pile it high onto big plates for family-style comfort. You can even spoon it over toasted bread for an open-faced sandwich with a twist. However you present it, expect lots of “Can I have seconds?” from your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole will stay delicious for up to 4 days, making it a perfect meal prep superstar.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. Just assemble everything up to the Panko topping, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, sprinkle on fresh Panko and butter, then bake as usual.

Reheating

Reheat individual slices in the microwave or warm larger portions in the oven at 325 degrees until hot and bubbly. For best texture, keep the topping crisp by reheating uncovered in the oven, or give it a quick blast under the broiler after heating.

FAQs

Can I use leftover cooked chicken or turkey?

Absolutely! Leftover chicken or even turkey is perfect for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Shred or chop it into bite-size pieces and use it just like rotisserie.

What type of ham works best?

Any cooked ham will do—you can use thick-cut deli ham, leftover holiday ham, or even diced ham steaks. The key is to cut it into cubes for easy, even layers.

Can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute gluten-free flour for thickening the sauce and use your favorite gluten-free Panko or breadcrumbs for the topping. Everything else stays the same, and you’ll never miss the wheat.

Is it possible to prepare this ahead of time?

You bet! Assemble the casserole (without the breadcrumb topping) up to a day in advance. Store in the fridge, then top with Panko and butter just before baking.

Can I swap out the Swiss cheese?

Of course. Gruyere, provolone, or even mozzarella can stand in for Swiss if you prefer. Each brings a slightly different flavor, but all will melt beautifully in the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a weeknight gift and a special-occasion star all in one pan. It’s so simple, so comforting, and honestly, it just makes everyone happy. Give it a try the next time you want something both homey and a little bit fancy—you’re going to love every bite!