Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

Oh, I absolutely love sharing this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe because it’s like all the comfort and elegance of classic chicken cordon bleu without the fuss of breading and frying each piece. It’s the kind of dish that fits perfectly when you want something cozy yet a little special, whether it’s for a family dinner or when guests drop by unexpectedly. The layers of tender chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, and that creamy mustard sauce just come together in the most delicious way.

When I first tried making this casserole, I was amazed at how simple it was to pull off such rich, complex flavors with just a handful of pantry staples and a quicker method than traditional cordon bleu. You’ll find that this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe is super forgiving, great for weeknight dinners, and makes excellent leftovers too. Plus, it’s a great way to use shredded chicken and ham—saving you prep time and keeping things stress-free in the kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

To nail this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe, you’re grabbing a beautiful mix of creamy, cheesy, and savory ingredients that all come together like a dream. Here’s what I recommend using to get that perfect balance while keeping it comforting and familiar.

• Penne pasta: I love penne because it holds the sauce so well, but you can swap in another shape like rigatoni or rotini if you prefer.
• Salted butter: Adds rich flavor and helps build the sauce perfectly—don’t skip it for the best creamy texture.
• All-purpose flour: This thickens the sauce, so it’s essential for that luscious, velvety coating your casserole needs.
• Minced garlic: Fresh garlic amps up the flavor nicely—about 3 cloves, finely minced, should do the trick.
• Chicken broth: Using broth instead of water adds depth and makes the sauce from-scratch delicious.
• Heavy cream: This gives the sauce that silky finish, balancing out the mustard and tangy hints.
• Dijon mustard: My favorite secret flavor booster for casseroles—just enough to brighten the sauce.
• Brown sugar: Surprising but true, it adds a subtle sweetness that complements the savory ham.
• Apple cider vinegar: Just a splash adds a lovely tang that cuts through the richness beautifully.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
• Swiss cheese: Shredded Swiss melts perfectly, giving the casserole that authentic Chicken Cordon Bleu vibe.
• Shredded cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken works wonders here to save time and add juicy flavor.
• Cubed ham: You can use leftover ham or deli ham, just cut into bite-sized pieces for the perfect meaty texture.
• Panko bread crumbs: For a delightfully crispy topping that contrasts the creamy casserole inside.
• Garlic powder: A punch of garlic flavor in the topping to tie everything together.

Variations

I always encourage tweaking this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe to fit your mood or what’s in your fridge. Sometimes I swap out Swiss for Gruyere or add a pinch of nutmeg in the sauce for warmth. You’ll want to make this your own!

• Vegetarian Version: Try substituting the chicken and ham with cooked mushrooms and spinach—still totally comforting and cheesy.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some sliced jalapeños if you’re in the mood for a little heat—I did this once and it instantly lifted the whole dish.
• Low Carb Swap: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower pasta and skip the breadcrumb topping for a lighter version that’s still satisfying.
• Herb Infusion: Fresh thyme or rosemary in the sauce adds an aromatic twist that my family couldn’t get enough of last time I made it.

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pasta and Baking Dish

First up, preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. It’s best to set this up now to avoid rushing later. While the oven warms, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente—you want it to have a slight bite since it’ll cook more in the oven. Once ready, drain and transfer the pasta straight to your baking dish to start layering flavors.

Step 2: Make That Dreamy Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt your 1/4 cup salted butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and minced garlic, cooking for about 1 minute while whisking constantly—this cooks out the raw flour taste and lets the garlic bloom perfectly. Then, gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, making sure there are no lumps. Stir in Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar for that signature tangy-sweet balance. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then continue to simmer the sauce for 3 to 5 minutes until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Finally, stir in the shredded Swiss cheese until it’s melted smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Layer the Meat and Pour the Sauce

Now sprinkle the shredded cooked chicken and cubed ham evenly over the cooked pasta. I like to make sure every bite has a little meat surprise, so I spread it all out carefully. Next, pour your creamy cheese sauce right over the top, gently mixing with a spatula if you want a looser casserole, or leave it layered for a chunkier texture. Either way, it’ll be pure comfort in every forkful.

Step 4: Top It Off and Bake

Mix the panko bread crumbs with melted butter and garlic powder in a small bowl, then sprinkle this golden mixture evenly over the casserole. This crunchy top is what makes this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe extra special and gives you that irresistible contrast to the creamy inside. Pop the whole dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, until the crumbs are lightly browned and crispy. The smell alone will have you grabbing a plate before it’s even out!

How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I often finish this casserole with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a pop of color and a fresh herbal note. Sometimes, a little cracked black pepper on top just before serving elevates the flavors and adds a rustic touch. I find these simple garnishes make every plate feel a bit more festive without overpowering the rich casserole.

Side Dishes

I like to pair this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans are also my go-to sides because their earthiness complements the creamy, cheesy casserole superbly. Sometimes, garlic bread is perfect if you want to keep things indulgent and comforting all around.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes serve this casserole in individual ramekins topped with a little extra panko and cheese, which makes the presentation feel a bit more elegant. It’s also fun to sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan on top before baking for an extra savory crust. A small garnish of edible flowers or microgreens adds an unexpected flair if you want to wow your guests visually without any extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep wonderfully for up to 3 days. When I reheat, I gently warm them in the oven to preserve that crispy breadcrumb topping instead of using the microwave, which tends to make it soggy. This way, each serving feels almost as good as freshly baked.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, this casserole freezes very well. I recommend assembling everything but hold off on the breadcrumb topping, which you can add fresh before baking. Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding a little extra time and watching for that perfect golden crust.

Reheating

When reheating, I preheat the oven to 350°F, cover the dish loosely with foil and warm for about 15–20 minutes until heated through. Uncover it in the last 5 minutes to restore that crispy topping. This trick keeps the casserole moist inside and delightfully crunchy on top—something I learned from trial and error over multiple family dinners!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe is one of those meals that’s stood the test of my family’s busy weeknights and unexpected dinner guests alike. I love it because it brings together familiar flavors in a way that feels both elegant and comforting without hours in the kitchen. If you’re craving something hearty and creamy that wins hearts, this is it—trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.

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