This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a weeknight game-changer. It takes everything you love about the classic dish—juicy chicken, savory ham, melty cheese, and a golden breadcrumb topping—and layers it into one bubbling, creamy, comforting bake. No rolling or breading required! It’s perfect when you want something cozy and crowd-pleasing but don’t have the time or energy for a complicated dinner. It’s hearty, full of flavor, and comes together fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Weeknight-Friendly: No need to fuss with rolling or frying. This casserole is a throw-it-together, bake-it-and-forget-it kind of dish.
Ultra Comforting: The creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and salty ham are topped with buttery, golden breadcrumbs—every bite is like a warm hug.
Family Favorite: Even picky eaters tend to love this one. It’s rich, cheesy, and just plain delicious.
Easy to Customize: You can switch up the ingredients to fit what you’ve got in the fridge.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this no-fuss casserole and why each ingredient matters:

Cooked Chicken: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have—breast or thigh both work great.
Ham: Adds a salty, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese and chicken.
Swiss Cheese: The classic choice for Chicken Cordon Bleu—melts beautifully and has a mild, nutty taste.
Cream Cheese: For that velvety texture in the sauce. It makes everything luxuriously creamy.
Milk: Helps thin the sauce to the perfect consistency—go for whole milk if you want it extra rich.
Dijon Mustard: Just a touch gives the dish that signature tang and balances the richness.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Adds background flavor and depth without needing to chop anything.
Breadcrumbs: The crispy topping! Use panko for extra crunch or regular breadcrumbs if that’s what you have.
Butter: To toast the breadcrumbs and give them that irresistible golden color.

Variations

Feeling like switching it up? Here are some easy ways to adapt this recipe:

Cheese Swap: Try Gruyère for a more traditional French flavor, or mozzarella if that’s what’s in the fridge.
Add Veggies: A layer of steamed broccoli or spinach can add freshness and a bit of color.
Low-Carb Version: Skip the breadcrumbs and use crushed pork rinds or just leave the topping off entirely.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little butter or nonstick spray.

Step 2: Build the Base

Layer your shredded or diced cooked chicken evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Scatter the chopped ham over the chicken, and top with a generous layer of shredded Swiss cheese.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cream cheese, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. Whisk until smooth and bubbly. Pour this luscious sauce evenly over the casserole.

Step 4: Add the Crunch

Melt butter in a small skillet and stir in the breadcrumbs. Toast lightly until golden, then sprinkle over the casserole.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until hot and bubbling around the edges. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving so everything sets up beautifully.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Rotisserie Chicken: Huge time saver and packed with flavor.
Toast Breadcrumbs First: It makes a difference! You get a crispier, more flavorful topping.
Let It Rest: Give the casserole 5–10 minutes after baking before you dive in—this helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes serving cleaner.
Taste Your Sauce: Adjust the seasoning before pouring it over the casserole. A pinch of salt or extra mustard can make it pop.

How to Serve

This casserole is rich and filling, so keep your sides simple:

Light Salads

Pair it with a crisp green salad tossed in a vinaigrette to balance the creaminess.

Roasted Veggies

Roasted asparagus or green beans go beautifully with the savory ham and cheese.

Bread or Rolls

A warm baguette or soft dinner rolls are great for scooping up every last bit of sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get even better the next day.

Freezing

This casserole freezes like a dream. Assemble it, skip the baking, and freeze it tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. Add a splash of milk if it looks too thick.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 2 days in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge and bake when you’re ready.

Do I have to use Swiss cheese?
Not at all. While Swiss gives it that classic flavor, you can swap it with provolone, mozzarella, or cheddar—whatever you enjoy.

What kind of ham works best?
Any cooked ham is great. Diced deli ham, leftover holiday ham, or even thick-cut ham steaks all work beautifully.

Can I use raw chicken?
This recipe works best with cooked chicken since everything just needs to be heated through. If you only have raw, cook it first (bake, sauté, or boil), then proceed with the recipe.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor—but without the hassle—this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole will be your new go-to. It takes the best parts of the classic dish and simplifies them into one irresistible bake. Try it once, and you’ll want it in your regular dinner rotation.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe