Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole captures all the flavor and elegance of the original dish in a much easier, family-friendly form. Every bite is creamy, cheesy, and savory, with the perfect balance of chicken, ham, and cheese. It’s ideal for busy nights when you crave something indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s make-ahead friendly and reheats beautifully — perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or cozy weekend dinners.
Print
Delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole – Comfort Food Made Elegant
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole takes the classic flavors of the beloved dish — tender chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese — and transforms them into a creamy, comforting bake. Topped with a buttery breadcrumb crust, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner perfect for busy nights or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed or shredded
- 1 1/2 cups diced ham
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for topping)
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually add milk and cream, whisking constantly until thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
- Stir in sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- In the prepared baking dish, layer half the chicken, then half the ham, followed by half the cheese. Repeat with the remaining chicken, ham, and cheese.
- Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the top, making sure it seeps into the layers.
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy shortcut.
- Swap Swiss cheese for Gruyère for a richer flavor.
- Pairs beautifully with a green salad or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts are the protein base of the dish — tender, hearty, and perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. Use cooked, shredded, or cubed chicken for convenience.
Ham adds salty, savory contrast to the mild chicken and cheese. Diced or thinly sliced ham works best.
Swiss cheese melts beautifully and gives that signature Cordon Bleu flavor with a subtle nuttiness.
Cream cheese creates a smooth, rich base for the sauce that ties all the ingredients together.
Heavy cream gives the casserole its luxurious, creamy texture. You can also use half-and-half for a lighter option.
Dijon mustard adds a touch of tang that balances the richness of the sauce — a must for authentic Cordon Bleu flavor.
Garlic powder and onion powder infuse the sauce with aromatic depth.
Salt and black pepper season the dish perfectly and enhance all the other flavors.
Panko breadcrumbs provide a crispy, golden topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
Butter adds richness to the breadcrumb topping, helping it brown and crisp up perfectly.
Fresh parsley (optional) makes a lovely garnish for color and freshness.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread the cooked chicken evenly across the bottom of the prepared dish. Layer the diced ham on top, followed by an even layer of shredded Swiss cheese.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine cream cheese, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Pour this sauce evenly over the chicken, ham, and cheese layers.
In a small bowl, combine melted butter with panko breadcrumbs until evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the casserole.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the topping is golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm. I like pairing it with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad — it perfectly balances the richness of the dish.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 6 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes, or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, until warmed through. You can also freeze the unbaked casserole (tightly covered) for up to 2 months — just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Variations and Customizations
Low-Carb Option
Skip the breadcrumbs and top with grated Parmesan and crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly version.
Extra-Cheesy Version
Add shredded mozzarella or Gruyère along with the Swiss for an ultra-creamy, gooey texture.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake
Stir in cooked pasta such as penne or rotini to make it a full one-pan meal.
Broccoli Cordon Bleu
Add steamed broccoli florets between the chicken and ham layers for color and freshness.
Ham and Turkey Twist
Replace chicken with sliced turkey breast for a Thanksgiving-inspired variation.
Mustard Lovers’ Version
Add an extra spoonful of Dijon for a sharper, tangier kick.
Cracker Topping
Use crushed buttery crackers instead of breadcrumbs for a richer, more indulgent crunch.
Lightened-Up Version
Use low-fat cream cheese and milk instead of cream to reduce calories while keeping the creamy texture.
Smoky Bacon Cordon Bleu
Add crumbled bacon for extra depth and a smoky finish.
Herb-Infused Sauce
Mix in a sprinkle of dried thyme or Italian seasoning for an aromatic touch.
FAQs
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! It’s a great time-saver and adds extra flavor.
2. What type of ham works best?
Thick-cut deli ham or leftover holiday ham both work beautifully.
3. Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole up to a day ahead and refrigerate before baking.
4. Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze unbaked for up to 2 months or baked for up to 1 month.
5. Can I use a different cheese?
Gruyère, provolone, or mozzarella all work well as substitutes for Swiss.
6. How do I make it crispier on top?
Broil the casserole for the last 2 minutes of baking until the topping turns golden brown.
7. Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be slightly thinner. Half-and-half is a great compromise.
8. How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them entirely.
9. Can I add vegetables?
Yes, broccoli, spinach, or peas make excellent additions.
10. What should I serve it with?
Try rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad — they all complement it perfectly.
Conclusion
This Delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole takes a beloved classic and transforms it into an easy, family-friendly comfort dish. With tender chicken, smoky ham, creamy sauce, and a golden, buttery topping, every bite is rich and satisfying. It’s elegant enough for special occasions but simple enough for busy weeknights — the perfect blend of convenience and indulgence. Once you try this version, you’ll never miss the traditional rolled-up kind again.
Looking for more tasty recipes? Visit our website for full details and follow us on Pinterest for daily food ideas to save and share