Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

The Creamiest Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe Ever Made

Comfort food takes on a delightful twist with this mouthwatering chicken cordon bleu casserole that combines classic flavors in one hearty dish.

Tender chicken, creamy sauce, and salty ham create a symphony of tastes that dance across your plate.

Swiss cheese melts into golden perfection, binding each delectable layer together.

Every forkful promises a rich, indulgent experience that transports you to a cozy kitchen.

The recipe brings simplicity and elegance to your dinner table with minimal effort.

Layers of savory ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to savor a comforting classic reimagined as a satisfying casserole.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: Dish Highlights

  • Craft Comfort Easily transform classic chicken cordon bleu into a satisfying one-dish meal that brings warmth and deliciousness to your dinner table.
  • Simplify Cooking Eliminate complicated rolling and breading steps by converting the traditional recipe into a convenient casserole that saves preparation time and reduces kitchen cleanup.
  • Customize Ingredients Swap proteins or vegetables based on personal preferences, making this recipe flexible for different dietary needs and pantry availability.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dish Delight family and friends with a cheesy, creamy casserole that combines popular flavors of chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese in one comforting meal.

Ingredients for Cordon Bleu Casserole

Protein Base:
  • Chicken: Tender and succulent protein that forms the main body of the casserole.
  • Ham: Savory meat that adds depth and classic cordon bleu flavor.
Cheese Group:
  • Swiss Cheese: Creamy cheese that melts beautifully and provides rich flavor.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds a nutty and complex taste to the dish.
Sauce and Binding Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates a smooth base for the sauce and helps with flavor development.
  • Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a creamy texture.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides depth and liquid base for the sauce.
  • Milk: Adds creaminess and helps create a smooth sauce consistency.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic: Adds aromatic and robust flavor to the sauce.
  • Dijon Mustard: Brings a tangy and sharp note to the overall dish.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the flavors.
Vegetable:
  • Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and color to the casserole.
Topping:
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy and crunchy texture to the casserole surface.

Assembling Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Step 1: Whip Up Silky Sauce Base

Grab a small saucepan and melt butter over medium heat.

Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around until its aroma fills the kitchen.

Lower the heat and sprinkle in flour, whisking it into a smooth paste.

Let this mixture bubble and cook for one minute, creating a golden foundation for your sauce.

Step 2: Transform Sauce Into Liquid Gold

Slowly stream in chicken broth and milk while whisking vigorously.

Keep stirring to prevent any lumpy surprises.

Add these ingredients:
  • Dijon mustard
  • Stock powder
  • Parmesan cheese

Continue cooking and stirring for 2-3 minutes until the sauce transforms into a luxurious, thick blanket.

Season with salt, pepper, and optional fresh parsley for an extra flavor kick.

Step 3: Blanch Bright Broccoli

Fill a pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil.

Toss in broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes.

You want them crisp and vibrant green, not soggy.

Drain immediately and set aside.

Step 4: Layer Flavor Landscape

Crank your oven to 400°F.

Spread chicken pieces across the bottom of a casserole dish.

Nestle broccoli and ham pieces between the chicken.

Pour your dreamy sauce evenly over the top.

Shower the surface with Swiss and Parmesan cheeses.

Step 5: Create Crunchy Topping

Mix Panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until they’re perfectly coated.

Sprinkle this golden mixture across the casserole, creating a crispy crown.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 30 minutes.

Watch for a golden-brown top and bubbling edges – the universal sign of a dish ready to devour.

Tips for Creamy, Cheesy Casserole

  • Whisk continuously while adding liquids to prevent lumps and create a silky, creamy texture that coats every ingredient perfectly.
  • Blanch broccoli briefly and immediately transfer to ice water to stop cooking, ensuring vibrant color and crisp-tender texture.
  • Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts and slice them thinly to guarantee even cooking and maintain moisture throughout the casserole.
  • Arrange chicken, ham, and broccoli evenly to ensure each bite has a balanced combination of proteins and vegetables.
  • Toast Panko breadcrumbs with melted butter before sprinkling to enhance golden color and add delightful crunch to the casserole surface.

Cordon Bleu Casserole Variations

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs or almond meal for the topping.
  • Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative. Replace ham with roasted portobello mushrooms or tempeh.
  • Low-Carb Option: Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. Use cauliflower instead of broccoli for fewer carbohydrates.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of regular milk. Replace Swiss and Parmesan cheeses with dairy-free cheese substitutes or nutritional yeast.

Serving Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

  • Cozy Family Dinner Night: Serve this hearty casserole as a complete meal with a light green salad tossed in vinaigrette for fresh contrast.
  • Elegant Weekend Entertaining: Pair the casserole with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay and roasted asparagus for an impressive dinner presentation.
  • Balanced Plate Approach: Add a side of fluffy rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce, making the meal more filling and satisfying.
  • Leftover Magic: Enjoy cold leftovers the next day as a delightful lunch, or reheat gently in the oven to maintain the crispy breadcrumb topping.

Casserole Storage Advice

  • Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
  • Wrap the cooled casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or place the entire casserole in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness.
  • When reheating, place the casserole uncovered in the oven to help crisp up the breadcrumb topping and restore its original crunch.

FAQs

  • What ingredients give this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole its unique flavor?

The combination of Dijon mustard, Parmesan cheese, and Swiss cheese creates a rich, tangy taste that elevates the classic chicken and ham combination.

  • Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just thaw and drain it well before adding to the casserole to prevent excess moisture.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free friendly?

Not as written. The sauce uses flour as a thickener, but you can substitute with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free.

  • How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add extra vegetables like spinach or cauliflower, or use whole wheat breadcrumbs for added fiber and nutrients.

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Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comfort meets elegance in this classic chicken cordon bleu casserole, blending creamy Swiss cheese, tender chicken, and crispy ham into a delightful one-dish meal. Families will savor each cheesy, golden-brown bite that brings French-inspired comfort directly to their dinner table.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 cups chicken, cooked or rotisserie, shredded or diced
  • 2 cups ham, diced
  • 2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh, uncooked

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 1 1/2 cups milk (skim or full cream)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon chicken or vegetable stock/bouillon powder
  • 2 cloves garlic, grated or minced

Topping and Seasoning:

  • 1/4 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Craft a velvety sauce foundation by melting butter over medium heat in a saucepan, then introducing minced garlic and allowing it to release its aromatic essence for approximately 30 seconds.
  2. Reduce heat to low, whisk in flour, and allow it to cook briefly. Gradually stream chicken broth and milk while continuously whisking to create a smooth consistency.
  3. Incorporate Dijon mustard, stock powder, and Parmesan cheese into the sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring consistently until the mixture thickens and develops a rich texture.
  4. Simultaneously prepare broccoli by boiling in salted water for 2-3 minutes until achieving a vibrant, crisp-tender state.
  5. Preheat the oven to 400°F and select a suitable casserole dish. Create strategic layers beginning with chicken, followed by blanched broccoli and sliced ham.
  6. Pour the luxurious sauce evenly across the layered ingredients, ensuring complete coverage and maximum flavor distribution.
  7. Generously sprinkle Swiss and Parmesan cheeses over the casserole, creating a decadent dairy blanket.
  8. Combine Panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, then delicately scatter the mixture across the top for a crisp, golden crown.
  9. Bake for 30 minutes, monitoring until the surface transforms into a beautiful golden hue and the casserole bubbles with enticing enthusiasm.

Notes

  • Prevent Soggy Texture Drain broccoli thoroughly after boiling to remove excess water, ensuring the casserole stays crisp and doesn’t become watery.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth Toast Panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet before adding melted butter for extra crunchiness and nutty undertones.
  • Dietary Modifications Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version, and use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
  • Protein Alternatives Replace chicken with turkey or plant-based protein like tofu for different dietary preferences without compromising the dish’s core flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 820 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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