If you have a craving for something comforting yet fancy enough to impress, the Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is your new best friend. This dish takes the classic flavors of chicken cordon bleu—tender chicken, savory ham, nutty Swiss cheese, and creamy Dijon sauce—and transforms them into a warm, bubbling casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Every bite offers a perfect balance of creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and a crispy breadcrumb topping that will have you reaching for seconds. Trust me, once you try this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, it might just become one of your go-to recipes for cozy meals.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step to making this delicious casserole. Each element plays a crucial role, from building the rich, creamy sauce to adding the vibrant color and crunch that make this dish so irresistible.

Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Provides a rich, creamy base for the sauce and helps create that irresistible golden breadcrumb topping.
Garlic (2 cloves, grated or minced): Adds a subtle aromatic depth that lifts the entire dish.
Flour (3 tablespoons): Essential for thickening the creamy Dijon sauce to the perfect consistency.
Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Infuses the sauce with savory flavor, tying all ingredients together.
Milk (1 1/2 cups, skim or full cream): Creates the creamy texture that makes the casserole so comforting.
Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds a gentle tang that brightens the sauce without overpowering.
Chicken or vegetable stock/Bouillon powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances depth of flavor.
Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, fresh grated): Offers a sharp, nutty punch to the sauce and topping.
Salt and pepper (to taste): The essential seasonings that bring all flavors into harmony.
Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): Adds a fresh green note and a pop of color for garnish.
Fresh broccoli florets (2 cups, uncooked): Brings a tender-crisp texture and vibrant green contrast.
Cooked or rotisserie chicken (4 cups, shredded or diced): The star protein that makes this casserole hearty and satisfying.
Diced ham (2 cups): Adds savory smokiness and pairs beautifully with the Swiss cheese.
Swiss cheese (2 cups, shredded): Melts beautifully to create that signature cordon bleu gooeyness.
Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, fresh grated, for topping): Elevates the crust with a flavorful crispness.
Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup): Gives a light, crunchy texture on top that contrasts the creamy layers within.
Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Helps the breadcrumbs crisp up nicely in the oven.

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Dijon Cream Sauce

Start by melting the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds—you want the garlic’s aroma to fill the kitchen but not burn. Lower the heat to low and whisk in the flour, cooking it for about a minute to remove any raw taste. Gradually pour in the chicken broth and milk while whisking continuously to ensure a silky smooth consistency. Stir in the Dijon mustard, stock powder, and Parmesan cheese, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens into a luscious, creamy dream. If it feels too thick, a splash more milk adjusts it perfectly. Finish with salt and pepper to taste, and toss in fresh parsley if you want that pop of green freshness.

Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli

While your sauce simmers, bring a medium pot of salted water to boil. Add the fresh broccoli florets and cook them for 2 to 3 minutes until they are crisp-tender. This quick blanch keeps them bright green and perfectly textured—no mushy florets here! Drain the broccoli well and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to get it nicely hot for baking. In a casserole dish, start by spreading the shredded cooked chicken evenly on the bottom. Layer the blanched broccoli on top, followed by the diced ham, creating a beautiful mix of flavors and colors. Pour the Dijon cream sauce over everything, making sure each bite will have that creamy goodness. Sprinkle the Swiss cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly across the top for maximum melt and flavor.

Step 4: Add the Crunchy Topping and Bake

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter to ensure they crisp up gloriously. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture over the cheese layer to add a golden crunch. Pop your casserole into the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. That crispy top paired with creamy layers below is what makes the Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole so unforgettable.

How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley right after baking livens up the dish visually and adds a hint of herbaceous brightness that balances the richness beautifully. For a bit of extra flair, a light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper can add both aroma and a subtle kick that elevates every bite.

Side Dishes

This casserole stands well on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or a simple side of roasted vegetables rounds out the meal nicely. Steamed asparagus or garlic green beans complement the cheesy richness and add a fresh, vibrant element to your plate. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are also fantastic to soak up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to make this dish a showstopper at your next dinner party, try serving it in individual ramekins for personalized portions. Layer the casserole ingredients in clear glass dishes to showcase those beautiful layers, and top each serving with a fresh sprig of parsley. For a heartier presentation, serve alongside a colorful quinoa salad or grain bowl to add texture and nutrition.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole keeps well for up to 3 days and tastes just as comforting the next day. Just be sure to cool the casserole completely before refrigerating to preserve texture and flavor.

Freezing

This casserole freezes wonderfully, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. For freezing, assemble the casserole but do not bake it yet. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake it straight from frozen, adding extra time to ensure it’s cooked all the way through and bubbly on top.

Reheating

Reheat leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole in an oven-safe dish at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, about 20 to 25 minutes. This method helps maintain the crisp breadcrumb topping while preventing the sauce from drying out. You can also microwave individual servings, but consider adding a minute or so to maintain that creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese in the Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole?

Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is traditional and melts beautifully, Gruyère or mozzarella can be great substitutes. Just choose a cheese that melts well and complements the other flavors.

Is it necessary to use fresh broccoli, or can I use frozen?

Fresh broccoli is preferred for its color and texture, but you can use frozen broccoli if you’re in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well to prevent excess moisture from sogging up the casserole.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

You could adapt the Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole by substituting the chicken and ham with vegetarian options like seasoned tofu or plant-based deli slices. Keep the creamy sauce and cheese for that comforting feel.

How can I make the casserole gluten-free?

Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or a gluten-free blend, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. This way, you keep the texture and taste without the gluten.

What can I do if I don’t have Dijon mustard on hand?

If you’re out of Dijon, you can use yellow mustard or even a small amount of whole-grain mustard to add that tang. Just start with less and adjust to taste since yellow mustard is milder and sometimes sweeter.

Final Thoughts

The Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is truly a kitchen treasure that makes everyone feel a little more special at the dinner table. It combines all those familiar, comforting flavors from the beloved classic and transforms them into a dish that’s easy to prepare and impossible to forget. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this casserole delivers satisfaction in every creamy, cheesy, crispy bite. Do yourself a favor and give the Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole a try—you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner!

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 12 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole combines classic flavors of chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, and a creamy Dijon mustard sauce into a comforting baked dish topped with crispy breadcrumbs. This hearty casserole features tender broccoli and a rich parmesan cream sauce, perfect for a family dinner or easy meal prep.

Instructions

Make the Dijon Cream Sauce: Melt 3 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Lower heat and whisk in 3 tablespoons flour, cooking for 1 minute to form a roux.
Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk until smooth. Stir in Dijon mustard, bouillon powder, and 1/4 cup parmesan cheese. Cook, whisking constantly for 2-3 minutes until thickened. If needed, add extra milk 1-2 tablespoons at a time for preferred consistency. Season with salt and pepper. Optionally stir in fresh parsley.
Prepare Broccoli: Meanwhile, bring salted water to boil, add broccoli florets and blanch for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain and set aside.
Preheat Oven: Set oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
Assemble Casserole: In a casserole dish, layer the chicken evenly at the bottom, followed by broccoli florets and diced ham. Pour the prepared cream sauce evenly over the layered ingredients. Top with shredded Swiss cheese and sprinkle with additional parmesan cheese.
Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture across the top of the casserole for a crunchy topping.
Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling hot.

Notes

Use cooked or rotisserie chicken for ease and depth of flavor.
Broccoli can be substituted with cauliflower or green beans based on preference.
For a creamier sauce, use full cream milk instead of skim.
The casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking.
Add extra Dijon mustard for a more pronounced tangy flavor.
Panko breadcrumbs can be replaced with crushed crackers for a different texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American