Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a classic comfort food twist on the traditional French dish. It’s packed with tender chicken, Swiss cheese, and ham, all baked together with a crunchy breadcrumb topping that adds the perfect texture. This casserole brings all those familiar flavors into one easy, delicious dish.
I love making this casserole because it’s such a crowd-pleaser and so simple to put together. It feels fancy but without any fuss, which is great when you want a tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. I usually add a little extra cheese on top for that melty, gooey finish that everyone raves about.
One of my favorite ways to serve this casserole is with a fresh green salad or some steamed veggies on the side. It balances out the richness perfectly and makes the meal feel complete. Whenever I make it, it brings back cozy family dinners and the kind of comfort that warms you from the inside out.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast gives the casserole its hearty base. You can use rotisserie chicken for ease or leftover chicken to save time. Turkey works too if you want a leaner option.
Swiss Cheese: The classic choice here for that nutty, mild flavor. If Swiss isn’t available, Gruyère or Emmental are great substitutes that melt well and taste similar.
Ham: Adds that salty, savory kick. If you want a lower-sodium option, try turkey ham or diced cooked bacon for a smokier flavor.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This creates the creamy sauce. If you prefer, use cream of chicken soup or a homemade white sauce with milk and flour instead.
Panko Breadcrumbs: They offer a nice crunchy topping. You can swap with crushed crackers or regular breadcrumbs, but panko gives the best crunch.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crunchy Topping?
The breadcrumb topping adds texture and color, but can sometimes burn or stay soggy. Here’s how I make it just right:
- Mix panko with melted butter evenly. Butter helps the crumbs brown nicely and adds flavor.
- Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the cheese layer for consistent crunch.
- Bake uncovered so steam can escape and crumbs stay crisp instead of getting soggy.
- If you notice the topping browning too quickly, loosely cover the casserole with foil halfway through baking.
- Let the casserole rest after baking to let the topping set and become crispier.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch casserole dish – perfect for holding all the ingredients and baking evenly.
- Large mixing bowl – helps combine all the ingredients easily without mess.
- Small bowl – for mixing the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient portions.
- Oven – necessary to bake until bubbly and golden on top.
- Cooking utensils (spoons, spatula) – for stirring and spreading the mixture.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cooked turkey instead of chicken for a leaner option or leftover holiday turkey.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to boost veggies and flavor.
- Substitute Gruyère or Emmental cheese for Swiss for a richer taste.
- Mix in a pinch of paprika or nutmeg into the sauce for extra warmth and depth.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 1 ½ cups cooked pasta (such as rotini or macaroni)
- 1 ½ cups diced ham
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare the casserole and 25-30 minutes to bake it. Afterward, let it rest around 5 minutes before serving. In total, plan for approximately 45 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Oven and Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish so your casserole doesn’t stick while baking.
2. Mix the Casserole Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked pasta, diced ham, 1 cup of Swiss cheese, mozzarella cheese, cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything gently until ingredients are well blended.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the mixture into your greased casserole dish and spread it evenly. Then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Swiss cheese over the top for a cheesy finish.
4. Add the Crunchy Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until all the crumbs are coated. Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumbs evenly over the cheese layer on your casserole.
5. Bake and Serve:
Bake the casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until you see it bubbling and the breadcrumb topping turns a lovely golden brown. Take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top if you like for a fresh and pretty touch.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Casserole?
Yes, just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before using it. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Pat it dry to avoid extra moisture in the casserole.
Can I Substitute the Cream of Mushroom Soup?
Absolutely! You can use cream of chicken soup or even a homemade white sauce made with butter, flour, and milk for a fresher taste. Adjust seasoning accordingly to keep the flavors balanced.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, and you may want to cover it to prevent the topping from drying out.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point before baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
