Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a cozy, comforting dish that takes all the best parts of the classic chicken cordon bleu and turns them into an easy, baked casserole. It’s packed with tender chicken, melty Swiss cheese, salty ham, and a crispy breadcrumb topping that gives just the right amount of crunch.
I love making this casserole because it’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but is actually pretty simple to throw together on a busy weeknight. Whenever I bake it, the whole house fills with the yummy smell of melted cheese and baked chicken, which always makes me excited for dinner. Plus, it’s a great way to get a little extra protein and veggies in if you add a side salad or steamed veggies alongside it.
My favorite way to enjoy this casserole is with a big scoop right onto my plate, paired with a fresh green salad or some roasted potatoes. It’s also a fantastic dish to bring to family dinners or potlucks because it’s easy to share and almost everyone loves it. If you want a little extra crispiness, I sometimes broil the top for a minute or two right before serving—just enough to give that breadcrumb layer a golden, crunchy finish.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using cooked chicken saves time and keeps the dish tender. Rotisserie chicken works great here, but leftover roast chicken can also be a good choice.
Ham: Diced cooked ham adds that classic smokey flavor. Turkey or chicken ham can be used for a leaner dish, or omit for a vegetarian version with extra cheese and veggies.
Swiss Cheese: This cheese melts nicely and gives a mild, nutty flavor. Gruyère or mozzarella make good substitutes if you want a different twist or can’t find Swiss.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This adds creaminess and flavor. You can swap it with cream of chicken or cream of celery soup, or even make a homemade white sauce for a fresher taste.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a crunchy topping that contrasts the creamy casserole well. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers will work too.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crispy Topping on My Casserole?
A crispy topping makes this casserole extra special. Here’s how to get it right:
- Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter so crumbs brown evenly and taste rich.
- Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumbs over the casserole just before baking for the best crunch.
- Bake the casserole uncovered so steam doesn’t soften the topping.
- If you want it extra crispy, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end—watch closely so it doesn’t burn!
This little step adds a nice texture contrast and makes your casserole look deliciously golden on top!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch casserole dish – It’s the perfect size to hold everything evenly baked and easy to serve from.
- Large mixing bowl – Great for combining all the ingredients without making a mess.
- Whisk – Helps mix the creamy sauce smoothly, no lumps left behind.
- Small bowl – For mixing the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter for a crispy topping.
- Measuring spoons and cups – Keep your ingredients just right and make the process easy.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cooked turkey or chicken sausage instead of ham for a different flavor twist or to use up leftovers.
- Incorporate sautéed mushrooms or spinach into the mixture for added veggies and earthiness.
- Swap Swiss cheese with Gruyère or mozzarella for different melting qualities and flavors.
- Add a pinch of paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper to spice things up a little.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups cooked egg noodles or pasta of choice
- 1 ½ cups diced cooked ham
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. After baking, allow 5 minutes for it to rest before serving. So, plan for roughly 45 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Main Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine your cooked chicken, cooked pasta, diced ham, and shredded Swiss cheese. Give them a gentle stir so they start coming together.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In another bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well blended.
4. Combine Sauce and Filling:
Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated and nicely combined.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Spread it evenly so it bakes uniformly.
6. Add the Crispy Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter until all crumbs are coated. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the casserole to give it a lovely golden crunch.
7. Bake and Rest:
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. When done, take it out and let it rest for 5 minutes to set before serving.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
If you like, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley over the top for color and extra flavor. This casserole is delicious on its own or served with steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Casserole?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken before using it. Thaw in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Pat it dry to remove excess moisture.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely. Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through, stirring midway for even heating.
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Mushroom Soup?
You can use cream of chicken or cream of celery soup instead for a different flavor. For a homemade option, make a simple white sauce with butter, flour, and milk thickened and seasoned to taste.