Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

Golden Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

Creamy chicken cordon bleu casserole promises a delightful twist on the classic French-inspired dish.

Layers of tender chicken, savory ham, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering combination that feels like a warm hug.

Comfort food enthusiasts will appreciate this simplified approach to a traditionally complex recipe.

Rich, cheesy goodness meets convenience in this one-pan wonder.

Crispy breadcrumb topping adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, velvety interior.

Home cooks can whip up this crowd-pleasing meal in under an hour.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next family dinner – it’s sure to become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

  • Transform Ordinary Meal: Elevate your weeknight dinner from mundane to magnificent with this gourmet chicken and ham casserole that looks like it came from a professional kitchen.
  • Master Breading Technique: Learn a simple three-step coating method that guarantees a perfectly crispy, golden exterior on your chicken pieces every single time.
  • Cheese Lover's Dream: Enjoy a decadent Swiss cheese blanket that melts into a luxurious, creamy topping creating irresistible comfort food in one baking dish.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like cheese or add vegetables to make this recipe your own personal culinary masterpiece without compromising the core technique.

What You Need For Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

For the Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean meat that forms the main protein base of the casserole and provides a tender, juicy texture.
  • Ham: Adds a savory, salty flavor and complements the chicken with additional protein.
For the Cheese:
  • Swiss Cheese: Delivers a creamy, mild flavor and creates a golden, melty topping for the casserole.
For the Breading:
  • Flour: Provides a base coating that helps the breading adhere to the chicken and adds a light texture.
  • Eggs: Acts as a binding agent to help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
  • Breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy, golden exterior for the chicken pieces.
For the Sauce and Moisture:
  • Heavy Cream: Contributes to a rich, luxurious sauce with a smooth consistency.
  • Milk: Helps thin the sauce and adds additional creaminess.
  • Dijon Mustard: Introduces a tangy, sharp flavor to the sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Enhances the overall depth of flavor and adds moisture to the casserole.
  • Butter: Promotes golden browning and adds richness to the dish.
For the Seasoning:
  • Salt, Pepper: Provides basic seasoning to enhance the overall flavor profile.

How To Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F and generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to keep everything from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Slice chicken breasts into neat, bite-sized chunks that’ll cook evenly and taste amazing.

Step 3: Chop the Ham

Cut ham into tiny, uniform cubes that’ll spread deliciously across the dish.

Step 4: Set Up Breading Station

Create three magical bowls for coating:
  • First bowl: flour with salt and pepper
  • Second bowl: whisked eggs
  • Third bowl: crunchy breadcrumbs

Step 5: Coat the Chicken

Give each chicken piece a fabulous makeover:
  • First, roll in seasoned flour
  • Next, dive into beaten eggs
  • Finally, tumble in breadcrumbs for an irresistible crispy jacket

Step 6: Arrange in Baking Dish

Spread the breaded chicken pieces in a single, beautiful layer across the greased dish.

Step 7: Sprinkle Ham

Scatter those ham cubes evenly over the chicken for a protein-packed surprise.

Step 8: Add Cheesy Goodness

Blanket the entire dish with a generous layer of shredded Swiss cheese.

Step 9: Whip Up the Sauce

In a separate bowl, blend together:
  • Heavy cream
  • Milk
  • Dijon mustard
  • Chicken broth

Whisk until smooth and dreamy.

Step 10: Butter Magic

Melt butter and drizzle it across the casserole for extra richness and golden beauty.

Step 11: Pour the Sauce

Slowly cascade the cream mixture over everything, making sure every morsel gets moistened.

Step 12: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven uncovered. Bake for 35-40 minutes until:
  • Chicken is fully cooked
  • Cheese is bubbling with excitement
  • Top turns a gorgeous golden brown

Step 13: Let It Rest

After pulling from the oven, let the casserole chill for 10 minutes. This helps the sauce set and makes serving a breeze.

Helpful Tips For Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

  • Prep Like a Pro: Slice chicken and ham into uniform, bite-sized pieces for consistent cooking and texture.
  • Breading Brilliance: Create a three-bowl breading station with seasoned flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs for maximum crispiness.
  • Sauce Success: Whisk cream, milk, Dijon mustard, and chicken broth thoroughly to develop a rich, flavorful base for the casserole.
  • Golden Brown Perfection: Drizzle melted butter over the dish and bake uncovered to achieve a beautiful, crispy top layer.
  • Rest and Settle: Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set and make serving easier.

Tasty Twists On Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Chicken Bake: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour, and swap out ham for crispy bacon bits for a keto-friendly version.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken Casserole: Use feta cheese instead of Swiss, add chopped olives, sundried tomatoes, and sprinkle with oregano and basil for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: Substitute wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend, use gluten-free breadcrumbs, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Dairy-Free Protein Casserole: Replace Swiss cheese with nutritional yeast, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and swap milk with unsweetened almond milk for a dairy-free alternative.

Good Pairings For Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Choose a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the rich, creamy casserole with its bright, acidic notes and refreshes the palate.
  • Create Herb-Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare a light green bean or asparagus medley with rosemary and thyme to balance the hearty protein and provide a fresh, green contrast to the cheesy dish.
  • Complement with Crusty Artisan Bread: Select a rustic sourdough or French baguette to soak up the delicious cream sauce and add a crunchy texture that enhances the overall dining experience.

Storing Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Made Easy

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
  • Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove casserole from refrigerator 30 minutes before reheating.

Common Questions About Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

  • What makes the breading process important?

The breading creates a crispy, flavorful exterior that locks in moisture and adds texture to the chicken, ensuring each bite is deliciously crunchy and well-seasoned.

  • Why use Swiss cheese specifically?

Swiss cheese offers a mild, nutty flavor that complements the ham and chicken perfectly, melting beautifully to create a creamy, golden topping that enhances the overall dish.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F using a meat thermometer, and ensure the meat is white throughout with no pink areas.

  • Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate, just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

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Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe


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4.9 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy chicken cordon bleu casserole delivers a classic French-inspired comfort dish with layers of tender chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese. Crispy breadcrumb topping and rich sauce make this hearty meal perfect for family dinners when you crave something deliciously satisfying.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 lbs chicken breast, boneless and skinless
  • 0.5 lbs ham, diced
  • 0.5 lbs swiss cheese, shredded

Breading and Coating:

  • 2 cups breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Liquid and Binding:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and thoroughly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Slice chicken breasts into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
  3. Dice the ham into small, uniform cubes that will distribute evenly across the dish.
  4. Create a breading station with three separate bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, another with beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs.
  5. Coat each chicken piece first in seasoned flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally roll in breadcrumbs to create a crispy exterior.
  6. Arrange the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer across the prepared baking dish.
  7. Sprinkle diced ham evenly over the chicken, creating a balanced distribution of protein.
  8. Generously cover the chicken and ham with shredded Swiss cheese to create a melty, golden topping.
  9. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, milk, Dijon mustard, and chicken broth to create a rich, flavorful sauce.
  10. Melt butter and drizzle it over the entire casserole to enhance richness and promote golden browning.
  11. Pour the cream mixture slowly and evenly across the casserole, ensuring all ingredients are moistened.
  12. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, until the chicken is completely cooked, the cheese is bubbling, and the top is golden brown.
  13. Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the sauce set and makes serving easier.

Notes

  • Use chicken tenders for quicker cooking and more tender meat, especially when short on time.
  • Swap Swiss cheese with Gruyère for a more complex, nutty flavor profile that elevates the dish.
  • Create a gluten-free version by replacing wheat flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • Reduce the calorie content by using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream and adding more herbs for flavor complexity.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 676
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 812 mg
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 194 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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