Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish that takes all the best parts of classic chicken cordon bleu—tender chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese—and layers them all together in one easy casserole. It’s creamy and satisfying, with a crispy topping that makes every bite enjoyable.
I love making this casserole because it brings together those familiar flavors in a way that’s so simple, but feels special. The creamy sauce keeps everything moist and flavorful, and I usually add a little extra cheese on top to get that golden, bubbly crust I can’t resist. It’s one of those recipes that never gets old for me and always makes me smile when I take it out of the oven.
This casserole is perfect for a cozy family dinner or when friends come over because it’s easy to make ahead and just bake when you’re ready. I often serve it with a fresh green salad or steamed veggies to balance out the richness, but honestly, it’s so delicious on its own that it really shines any way you enjoy it.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast gives a tender texture and mild flavor. Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience, or grilled chicken adds a bit more depth.
Ham: Diced cooked ham adds salty richness. If you prefer, you can use smoked turkey or prosciutto as tasty alternatives.
Swiss Cheese: This cheese is key for that classic nutty, mellow flavor. If you’re short on Swiss, Gruyère or Fontina are good substitutes.
Pasta: Elbow macaroni and cavatappi both hold the sauce well. Penne or shells also work if you want a slightly different texture.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These create the perfect crunchy topping. You can swap for regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a different crunch.
How Do You Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce Without Lumps?
The cheese sauce starts with making a roux using butter and flour. This is the base to thicken your sauce and avoid lumps.
- Melt butter over medium heat, then stir in flour and cook gently for 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly add cold or room temperature milk while whisking vigorously to keep the sauce smooth.
- Keep cooking and stirring until it thickens and bubbles.
- Remove from heat before adding cheese; this prevents the cheese from breaking or becoming grainy.
Whisking well at each step and using fresh milk results in a silky sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. Patience here really pays off!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch casserole dish – I like this size because it fits everything evenly and bakes nicely without spilling.
- Medium saucepan – perfect for making the cheese sauce, ensuring it thickens evenly.
- Whisk – helps blend the milk into the roux smoothly and prevents lumps in the sauce.
- Large mixing bowl – for tossing the cooked chicken, ham, pasta, and sauce together easily.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy with ingredients like milk and spices.
- Small bowl – to mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter for topping.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cooked turkey or chicken sausage instead of chicken for different flavors or if you prefer leaner meats.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added veggies and a richer taste.
- Replace Swiss with Gruyère or Fontina for a slightly stronger or creamier cheese flavor.
- Top with crispy bacon bits or crushed potato chips for even crunch and smoky flavor.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup diced ham
- 3 cups cooked elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to bake. Add a few minutes to let it rest after baking, so the casserole sets nicely before serving. In total, plan for around 45 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prep Your Dish:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to keep the casserole from sticking.
2. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce:
Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, forming a smooth paste but avoiding browning.
Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps, and cook until the sauce thickens and bubbles, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Take the sauce off the heat and add 1 ½ cups of Swiss cheese and all the mozzarella, stirring until melted and smooth.
3. Combine Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, diced ham, cooked pasta, and cheese sauce until everything is evenly coated.
Pour this mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
4. Add Topping and Bake:
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling hot.
5. Serve and Garnish:
Take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving warm. Enjoy your delicious, comforting Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Casserole?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking to avoid excess moisture. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave, then pat dry before dicing.
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it heats through evenly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the topping crispy.
What Can I Serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole?
This dish pairs nicely with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy richness of the casserole.