Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: ~420 per serving
Craving that elegant Chicken Cordon Bleu flavor without the stress of rolling, breading, and hoping your chicken stays intact in the oven? This Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole brings you all the savory goodness of the classic dish – juicy chicken, smoky ham, and melty Swiss cheese – in a fuss-free baked casserole that’s perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep.
No complicated steps. No worrying about dry chicken. Just pure, creamy comfort food that’s easy enough for a Tuesday but impressive enough for company.
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
- All the flavor, none of the stress – no rolling or frying required.
- Perfect for meal prep – stores and reheats beautifully.
- Family-friendly – creamy, cheesy, and comforting for all ages.
- Adaptable – easy to make low-carb, gluten-free, or fancier for special occasions.
For the Casserole Base
- 4 cups cooked chicken breast, diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 2 cups smoked ham, diced
- 2 cups Swiss cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Creamy Sauce
- 1 can (10.75 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Baking Dish (5 minutes)
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Make the Creamy Sauce (5 minutes)
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, Dijon mustard, chicken broth, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning – you want a balanced tang from the mustard and richness from the cream.
3. Assemble the Layers (10 minutes)
- Spread half the chicken evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
- Add all the diced ham on top.
- Sprinkle with 1½ cups Swiss cheese.
- Layer the remaining chicken over the cheese.
- Pour the creamy sauce evenly over everything.
- Top with the remaining ½ cup Swiss cheese.
4. Make the Crispy Topping (5 minutes)
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
5. Bake to Perfection (35 minutes)
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until bubbly with a golden-brown topping.
- Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Pro Cooking Tips
- Cheese Upgrade: For a richer flavor, replace half the Swiss cheese with Gruyère.
- Extra Crunch: Toast panko in a skillet before topping for deeper flavor.
- No Cream Soup Option: Make a homemade white sauce (butter, flour, chicken stock, cream) if you prefer no canned soup.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Assemble a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake 10 minutes longer when ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
- Vegetable Pairings: Roasted asparagus, green beans, or a fresh green salad.
- Starch Pairings: Garlic mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or crusty bread.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy richness.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: For best texture, warm in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 20 minutes.
Flavor Variations
- Mushroom & Spinach Version: Add 1 cup sautéed mushrooms and 2 cups fresh spinach between the layers.
- Keto-Friendly Version: Swap breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds.
- Prosciutto Twist: Replace ham with thin slices of prosciutto for a gourmet touch.
- Cheddar Swap: For a milder flavor, use sharp cheddar instead of Swiss.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
Based on 8 servings
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 18g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fiber: 1g
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is proof that you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen to create something worthy of a special occasion. It’s cozy, customizable, and guaranteed to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish delivers restaurant-quality taste with home-cooked warmth — and without the mess of traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu.
