It was a snowed-in weekend, the kind where the world outside the windows is hushed under a heavy blanket of white, and the roads disappear beneath tireless snowfall. I had invited my friend’s daughter, Emily, to stay over—her parents were out of town, and she adored weekends at “Miss Lillian’s house,” where the smell of baked things always lingered in the air.
That Saturday, the power flickered but held steady. We lit candles anyway, just for the fun of it, and rummaged through the pantry for something comforting and warm. Emily, just twelve, insisted on helping—measuring, mixing, sneaking a few pieces of cheese when she thought I wasn’t looking.
I remembered a dish my mother used to make, one that made its rounds at potlucks and winter church suppers: chicken cordon bleu, but not the fussy rolled kind. The casserole version. Easy to assemble, rich and satisfying, and best of all, it warmed both the kitchen and the spirit.
We layered everything with laughter, and as the casserole bubbled in the oven, the windows fogged with heat and the snow outside kept falling. When we pulled the dish out and served it with a side of peas and a little toast, she declared it “fancy but not stuck-up.” That description stuck with me. And now, anytime I need a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish—whether for friends, family, or an unexpected snow day—I turn to this.
Short Description
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a creamy, cheesy baked dish layered with shredded chicken, diced ham, and Swiss cheese, topped with a buttery breadcrumb crust. It’s a quick, comforting meal perfect for weeknights or family dinners.
Key Ingredients
For the casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 ½ cups diced ham
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (or Swiss-mozzarella mix)
- 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- ¼ cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
For the sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) milk
- ½ cup (120ml) chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Tools Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes bubbly and lightly golden.
Gradually whisk in 1 1/2 cups milk and 1/2 cup chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Remove from heat, then stir in 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Evenly spread 3 cups of cooked chicken in the bottom of the prepared dish. Layer 1 1/2 cups diced ham over the chicken. Pour the sauce evenly over the ham and chicken, ensuring everything is covered.
Sprinkle 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese over the top of the sauce.
Step 4: Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, mix 1 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoons melted butter until combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
Step 5: Bake
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The casserole should bubble around the edges, and the breadcrumb topping will turn golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes to set. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
All-in-One Comfort – Classic Cordon Bleu flavor in one cozy dish.
Quick & Easy – No rolling or breading required.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep it early or freeze for later.
Family-Approved – Kids and adults love it.
Great for Gatherings – Perfect for potlucks or casual dinners.
Customizable – Swap cheeses or add veggies.
Hearty & Satisfying – Warm, creamy, and filling.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
Overcooking the Sauce: If the sauce becomes too thick or grainy, thin it out with a splash of milk and whisk vigorously. Avoid boiling the sauce too long to prevent curdling.
Dry Chicken: Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is ideal as it stays moist. If using leftover chicken, shred it finely and avoid overbaking the casserole to keep moisture intact.
Soggy Breadcrumbs: To ensure a crunchy topping, melt the butter thoroughly and mix it evenly with breadcrumbs. Spread the topping evenly and don’t cover the casserole tightly when baking.
Uneven Cooking: Make sure to spread the chicken, ham, and sauce evenly in the dish for consistent texture and flavor.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve this casserole as a hearty main dish alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
It also pairs beautifully with roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans.
For drinks, a light white wine like Chardonnay or a refreshing iced tea complements the creamy flavors.
This casserole works well for family-style dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings—easy to portion and share.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
For microwave reheating, cover loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring gently to maintain texture.
Avoid reheating multiple times to preserve the creamy sauce and crunchy topping.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, Swiss cheese works best for authentic flavor, but mixing mozzarella or Gruyère adds a nice twist.
2. Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. Can I substitute the ham with turkey or bacon?
Turkey works well for a leaner option. Bacon adds a smoky crunch but adjust salt accordingly.
4. What can I use if I don’t have chicken broth?
Water with a pinch of salt or vegetable broth can substitute in a pinch.
5. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
Tips & Tricks
Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor. Let the casserole rest before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.
If you like a little extra crunch, toast the breadcrumbs separately before adding. Use fresh parsley or chives for a bright finishing touch.
Recipe Variations
Creamy Mushroom Twist: Sauté 1 cup sliced mushrooms with garlic and add them between the ham and cheese layers for earthiness.
Spicy Kick: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper into the sauce and top with pepper jack cheese instead of Swiss for heat.
Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken and ham for roasted cauliflower and sautéed spinach, then follow the recipe as is.
Final Thoughts
By the time Emily’s parents returned that Sunday evening, the snow had slowed and the house still smelled of melted Swiss and roasted ham. She insisted we pack them each a slice, wrapped in foil and still warm. Years later, she still asks for the recipe whenever the weather turns cold.
Some recipes mark moments in ways photos can’t. This casserole—simple, hearty, and a little nostalgic—feels like a snowed-in memory I can reheat anytime. Sharing it reminds me that comfort isn’t always fancy. It’s often just a hot meal, a quiet kitchen, and someone to pass the spoon to.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Print ThisIngredients
- For the casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 ½ cups diced ham
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (or Swiss-mozzarella mix)
- 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- ¼ cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- For the sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) milk
- ½ cup (120ml) chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
Melt 2 tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tbsp flour and cook 1–2 minutes. Slowly add 1½ cups milk and ½ cup chicken broth, whisking until smooth. Simmer 3–5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp Dijon mustard, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Assemble
Layer 3 cups cooked chicken in the dish, then 1½ cups diced ham. Pour sauce evenly over. Top with 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese.
Step 4: Add Topping
Mix 1 cup breadcrumbs, ¼ cup grated Parmesan, and 2 tbsp melted butter. Sprinkle over the cheese.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
Step 6: Rest & Serve
Let rest 5–10 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
