If you love the comforting flavors of a classic French favorite but want something that’s weeknight-friendly and sure to please a crowd, you’re in for a treat with this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. This dish takes the best parts of the traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu—tender chicken, savory ham, gooey Swiss cheese, and a creamy sauce—and bakes them together under a buttery, golden cracker topping. It’s pure comfort food, perfect for busy families, potlucks, or anyone wanting a hearty main course that feels special yet simple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is in its simplicity. Each ingredient earns its place, bringing layers of texture and flavor that combine for pure cheesy goodness. Gather these kitchen staples, and you’ll soon have a dish everyone will rave about!
- Cooked chicken (3 cups, shredded or cubed): Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and maximum flavor, or leftover chicken from another meal.
- Diced cooked ham (1 ½ cups): A classic Cordon Bleu touch—adds a salty, savory bite to each forkful.
- Shredded Swiss cheese (2 cups): Swiss melts beautifully and gives that signature tangy flavor; shred your own for best results.
- Cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz can): Forms the creamy, luscious base for the casserole’s sauce.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Adds richness and a light tang—plain Greek yogurt works as a lighter swap!
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): For just a hint of sharpness and depth, balancing the creaminess.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Subtle aromatic flavor to round out the sauce.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Brings warmth and a faint sweetness.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Simple seasonings so you can adjust to your family’s preferences.
- Crushed Ritz crackers (1 cup, about 1 sleeve): The must-have topping for that irresistible crunch.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Tossed with cracker crumbs for an ultra-buttery, toasty finish.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green livens up the final presentation and brightens the flavors.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), the perfect temperature for marrying all the ingredients together and crisping up that cracker topping. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks, making for easy serving and minimal cleanup later.
Step 2: Mix Chicken, Ham, and Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the shredded or cubed chicken, diced ham, and 1 ½ cups of the shredded Swiss cheese. This trio forms the heart of Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, packing every bite with protein and melty cheese.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Creamy Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and your desired amount of salt and pepper. You’ll end up with a smooth, luxurious sauce that will keep everything moist and flavorful as it bakes.
Step 4: Combine and Layer
Pour the silky sauce over the chicken, ham, and cheese mixture, gently stirring to make sure every bit is evenly coated. Transfer this savory mixture into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it out evenly so it bakes up uniformly.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Cracker Topping
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of Swiss cheese over the top for an extra gooey layer. Then, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter in a small bowl. This combination transforms into a golden, crispy topping once baked. Scatter the buttery crumbs evenly over the casserole for that irresistible crunch.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is a deep golden brown and the edges are bubbling. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving—this helps everything set up perfectly for slicing.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Garnishes
A finishing touch of fresh chopped parsley not only gives your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole a pop of inviting color but also adds a fresh, herbal lift to each bite. If you want to dress things up further, a little extra cracked black pepper or a light drizzle of Dijon mustard can elevate the plate.
Side Dishes
This casserole is deliciously rich and pairs perfectly with sides that bring a fresh contrast. Think tender-steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a simple leafy salad with a light vinaigrette. Fluffy white rice, mashed potatoes, or even a hunk of crusty bread can help soak up all that creamy sauce, making every meal feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting or just want to up the wow factor, serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole in individual ramekins for a bistro-style twist. For potlucks, portion into squares and pile them on a platter for easy, handheld servings. Dipping a spoon into the casserole family-style straight from the baking dish keeps things casual and cozy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After dinner, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring any leftovers into an airtight container. Kept in the refrigerator, Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole stays fresh and tasty for up to three days. The flavors even deepen a bit overnight, so it’s just as good (if not better) the next day!
Freezing
To make life even easier, you can freeze this casserole before or after baking. Just wrap the cooled dish tightly in plastic wrap then foil, or portion it into freezer-friendly containers. Freeze for up to three months. For best results, if frozen before baking, thaw overnight in the fridge before popping it in the oven as directed.
Reheating
Reheat single servings in the microwave, or pop larger portions back in a 350°F oven, covered with foil. If the topping needs a little crisping, uncover for the last few minutes. A splash of milk or broth added before reheating helps keep things nice and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses in Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is classic for this recipe, gruyere, mozzarella, or even cheddar can be swapped in for a different taste or to use what you have on hand. Just make sure the cheese melts nicely and complements the chicken and ham.
Is there a gluten-free option for this casserole?
Yes! Substitute gluten-free cream of chicken soup and use your favorite gluten-free crackers instead of Ritz. Double-check all ingredients for hidden gluten to be safe, and you’ll have a Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole everyone can enjoy.
What’s the best way to prepare the chicken for the casserole?
Rotisserie chicken keeps things speedy and delicious, but any leftover cooked chicken will work. Simply shred or cube it into bite-sized pieces—grilled, baked, or poached are all great choices here.
Can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble the casserole (leaving off the cracker topping) up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Add the buttered cracker crumbs just before baking to keep them crisp and irresistible.
Does this recipe work for a crowd?
This casserole is made for sharing! The recipe easily doubles for larger gatherings; just use an extra-large baking dish or two. Everyone will be asking for seconds of Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, so leftovers are rarely a problem.
Final Thoughts
If you’re longing for a dinner that blends comfort, a dash of elegance, and pure family-pleasing flavor, Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole delivers every time. Give it a try—you may just discover your new go-to favorite for any night of the week!
Print
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of a classic Chicken Cordon Bleu in the form of a delicious casserole. This easy-to-make dish combines tender chicken, savory ham, Swiss cheese, and a creamy sauce, topped with a buttery cracker crust.
Ingredients
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 1 ½ cups diced cooked ham
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (about 1 sleeve)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Grease: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Chicken and Ham: In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, diced ham, and 1 ½ cups of Swiss cheese.
- Prepare Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Pour over chicken and ham, stirring to coat.
- Layer and Bake: Spread mixture in baking dish. Top with remaining Swiss cheese. Combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, sprinkle over casserole. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden.
- Rest and Serve: Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter option.
- This casserole pairs well with steamed vegetables or a simple green salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
