Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish that brings together tender chicken, slices of ham, and melty Swiss cheese all baked into one delicious casserole. It’s like the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu sandwich transformed into an easy, no-fuss meal that the whole family can enjoy.
I love making this casserole when I want something warm and satisfying but don’t feel like spending a lot of time in the kitchen. The creamy sauce and golden, crispy topping make it feel special, but it really comes together quickly. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite cheese or even swap ham for turkey if you like.
My favorite way to serve this dish is with a simple green salad or steamed veggies on the side. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when friends drop by unexpectedly because it’s one of those recipes that everyone seems to love. Whenever I make it, it always brings smiles around the table, and there’s usually enough for tasty leftovers the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using cooked chicken works best—leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken is perfect. It keeps the dish tender and flavorful without extra cooking time. If you want, turkey breast makes a great substitute too.
Ham: Choose diced cooked ham for that classic salty bite. If you don’t have ham, smoked turkey or Canadian bacon adds a nice flavor twist. Just avoid very lean deli meats, as they may dry out during baking.
Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese brings a mild, nutty flavor and melts smoothly. You can swap with Gruyère or mozzarella for a different but tasty spin. Mix extra cheese into the filling for gooey bites!
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This gives the creamy base and classic taste. For a lighter option, use cream of chicken or celery soup. Homemade white sauce works too if you want more control over ingredients.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko adds crunch on top. If unavailable, regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers work well. Tossing them in melted butter helps them brown nicely.
How Do I Make the Creamy Sauce So It’s Smooth and Flavorful?
The sauce blends mayo, sour cream, cream soup, and seasonings to tie everything together. Here’s how to get it just right:
- First, mix all creamy ingredients (cream soup, sour cream, mayo) until smooth to avoid lumps.
- Add Dijon mustard and spices like garlic and onion powder carefully; they add depth without overpowering.
- Season with salt and pepper last, tasting the sauce if possible to adjust flavors before adding meat and pasta.
- Use a large bowl to mix everything gently—overmixing can mush the pasta but make sure all pieces are coated evenly.
Taking these steps ensures your casserole is creamy, flavorful, and comforting in every bite.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch casserole dish – perfect size for even baking and easy serving.
- Large mixing bowl – to combine all your ingredients smoothly without spilling.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for getting your sauce and seasonings just right.
- Mixing spoon or spatula – helps mix the creamy sauce without breaking the pasta.
- Small bowl – for mixing the buttery breadcrumb topping evenly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ham for cooked bacon or turkey for a smoky or lighter twist.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for some extra veggies and flavor.
- Use cheddar or mozzarella cheese instead of Swiss for a milder or gooier melt.
- Stir in a teaspoon of Dijon or whole grain mustard into the sauce for a bit more tang.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 2 cups cooked pasta (such as rotini or egg noodles)
- 1 1/2 cups diced cooked ham
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese, divided
Sauce and Topping:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 25-30 minutes of baking time. Overall, you’ll spend roughly 40-45 minutes from start to finish to create this creamy, cheesy casserole with a crunchy topping.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until smooth and fully blended.
3. Mix Chicken, Ham, Pasta, and Cheese:
Add the cooked chicken, diced ham, cooked pasta, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese into the sauce mixture. Stir gently to coat all the ingredients evenly with the creamy sauce.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Swiss cheese evenly across the top.
5. Add the Crunchy Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter until the crumbs are coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
6. Bake and Serve:
Bake the casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes until it’s hot, bubbly, and the breadcrumb topping turns golden brown. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like, and enjoy warm!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure the chicken is fully thawed before using. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the quick thaw method by sealing it in a plastic bag and submerging in cold water. Pat dry before mixing it into the casserole to avoid excess moisture.
Can I Substitute Another Cheese for Swiss?
Absolutely! Gruyère, mozzarella, or even cheddar work well and will give the casserole a slightly different flavor and texture. Just choose a cheese that melts nicely for the best creamy results.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. If the topping softens, a quick broil for a minute or two can help restore its crunch.
Can This Recipe Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to assembling it, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from chilled.
