Weeknight dinners don’t have to be complicated—this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole takes all the flavors of the beloved classic dish and transforms them into a creamy, cheesy, and crispy bake. Juicy chicken, savory ham, and melty Swiss cheese come together in a rich sauce, finished with a golden, buttery breadcrumb topping. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family meal or a potluck favorite, this casserole is sure to impress with its perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Notes from Bistro Recipes Test Kitchen
Feel free to customize your casserole by adding a sprinkle of shredded Mozzarella for extra cheesiness or a dash of Dijon mustard in the sauce for a slight tang. For a lower-carb version, skip the breadcrumb topping and use crushed pork rinds instead.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 ½ cups diced ham
- 1 ½ cups shredded Swiss cheese
- ½ cup shredded Mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Crispy Topping:
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions
1.Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2.Layer the Casserole: Evenly spread the cooked chicken in the baking dish. Sprinkle the diced ham over the chicken and then top with Swiss and Mozzarella cheese.
3.Make the Creamy Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Pour the sauce evenly over the casserole, ensuring it coats all the layers.
4.Make the Crispy Topping: In a small bowl, mix Panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese (if using). Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the casserole to create a crunchy golden topping.
5.Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, the sauce is bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
6.Serve & Enjoy! Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Pair it with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
This easy-to-make casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and crispy twist on the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu. Try making it ahead of time and reheating for a quick, delicious dinner!