Cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines creamy, melty cheese with juicy chicken and ham, then I have just the thing for you. This Cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe hits all the right notes: rich, savory, and perfectly layered with Swiss cheese and a golden breadcrumb topping. It’s everything you love about classic chicken cordon bleu but without the fuss of rolling each piece. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to for weeknight dinners or potluck parties.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

When you get all your ingredients prepped, you’ll find this casserole comes together easily. The classic trio of chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese creates that iconic cordon bleu flavor, while the creamy sauce and crunchy topping bring it all home.

• Rotisserie chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken not only speeds things up but also keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.
• Deli-style black forest ham: Adds smoky, salty flavor that perfectly balances the richness of the cheese and sauce.
• Swiss cheese: Classic choice for cordon bleu — meltier and nuttier than many other cheeses.
• Butter: The base for that luscious sauce and the crispy topping.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic amps up the savory depth — don’t skip it!
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce to that silky, creamy consistency.
• Milk: Use whole milk if you can, it makes the sauce extra creamy.
• Lemon juice: A little brightness that livens up the rich flavors.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang that complements the cheese wonderfully.
• Seasonings (salt, smoked paprika, pepper): Spice it just enough to bring out the layers of flavor.
• Seasoned bread crumbs: For that irresistible golden crust on top.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty kick to the topping.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe is how easily you can tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs. I encourage you to personalize it and make it your own—there’s no one right way here.

• Make it lighter: I’ve swapped half-and-half for milk to cut a bit of richness without losing creaminess—it’s delicious, especially in warmer months.
• Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs, which I’ve done before with great success for gluten-sensitive friends.
• Swap the ham: Turkey or prosciutto work beautifully if you prefer those flavors or want something leaner.
• Add veggies: Sometimes I toss in steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms right before baking for extra texture and nutrition.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Layer the Base

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick spray—trust me, this makes cleanup a breeze. Next, spread your shredded rotisserie chicken evenly across the bottom. Then layer the chopped ham on top, and finally, lay slices of Swiss cheese all over. This simple layering is the foundation for all those cozy flavors to come together.

Step 2: Whip up the Creamy Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and add minced garlic, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula so it doesn’t burn—garlic can turn bitter if you’re not careful. Once fragrant, sprinkle in the flour and stir for about a minute; this cooks out the raw flour flavor. Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring frequently to keep the sauce smooth. As it heats, it’ll thicken and bubble—once it reaches a boil, remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, smoked paprika, and pepper. This sauce is where a lot of the magic happens.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Pour the thickened sauce evenly over your chicken, ham, and cheese layers. Mix melted butter with the seasoned breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle this golden topping all over the casserole. Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 45 minutes until bubbly and the top is beautifully crisp. When it’s done, let it rest for about 10 minutes so the sauce firms up just a bit—it’ll be easier to serve and every bite will be just perfect.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little chopped fresh parsley or thyme on top right before serving to add a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note. If you’re feeling fancy, a light drizzle of Dijon mustard or a squeeze of fresh lemon over each serving adds a nice zing that balances the richness.

Side Dishes

This casserole stands perfectly on its own but pairs beautifully with simple green veggies like steamed asparagus, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a fresh garden salad. I’m also a fan of serving it alongside garlic mashed potatoes or even buttered noodles for an extra comforting meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to spoon the casserole into individual ramekins and top them with extra breadcrumbs before baking for personalized servings. It’s also great layered with extra Swiss cheese in the middle for an indulgent, cheesy surprise when you cut into it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the flavors even deepen the next day, making it a fantastic lunch or second dinner option. Just be sure to cover it well so the topping doesn’t get soggy.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well! I recommend assembling it but not baking, then wrapping tightly with foil and plastic wrap before freezing. When you’re ready to eat, bake it straight from frozen, adding about 15 extra minutes to the cooking time, and you’ll have a comforting dish ready whenever you need it.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I put individual portions in the oven at 350°F for about 15–20 minutes to bring back that crispy topping and warm the casserole through evenly. Microwaving works too, but it can soften the crust, so I prefer the oven when I have the time.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to when I want comfort food that’s impressive yet easy. It’s a total crowd-pleaser that feels special without a lot of stress, and the combo of creamy sauce, melty cheese, and crispy topping is outright addictive. I really hope you give this a try soon—you and your family will love digging into a warm casserole that brings all those nostalgic cordon bleu flavors in an effortless way. Happy cooking, friend!

Cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

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• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 10 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole combines tender rotisserie chicken, savory ham, and Swiss cheese layered under a creamy Dijon and garlic sauce, all topped with a crispy seasoned breadcrumb and parmesan crust. Baked to golden perfection, this comforting casserole is perfect for a family dinner or potluck.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base:

• 1 large rotisserie chicken, meat removed and pulled (about 5–6 cups)
• 1/2 pound sliced deli-style Black Forest ham, chopped
• 1/2 pound sliced Swiss cheese

Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 tablespoons flour
• 3 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Topping:

• 4 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 1/4 cups seasoned bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Layer Base Ingredients: Spread the pulled rotisserie chicken evenly in the bottom of the casserole dish, followed by the chopped ham. Top the meats with a layer of sliced Swiss cheese.
3. Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and stir continuously with a rubber spatula to avoid burning the garlic.
4. Season the Sauce: Stir in salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and lemon juice into the melted butter and garlic mixture.
5. Thicken the Sauce: Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Increase the heat to high and cook until the sauce thickens and comes to a full boil.
6. Assemble and Add Sauce: Pour the thickened sauce evenly over the layered chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese in the casserole dish.
7. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, seasoned bread crumbs, and Parmesan cheese, mixing until the butter is well incorporated and evenly coats the crumbs.
8. Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the sauce layer. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
9. Cool Before Serving: Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly for the best texture and flavor.

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Notes

• You can substitute any leftover cooked chicken for the rotisserie chicken to save time and reduce waste.
• Using smoked paprika adds a nice smoky flavor, but you can use regular paprika if unavailable.
• For a lower-fat version, consider using low-fat milk and reducing the amount of butter in the sauce and topping.
• To make the topping gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of seasoned bread crumbs.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/10 of casserole)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 110mg