Introduction
If you adore the flavors of traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu — juicy chicken, savory ham, creamy sauce, and melted Swiss cheese — this casserole will be your new go-to comfort meal. It combines all those rich, satisfying tastes in a one-pan bake that’s perfect for weeknights or family gatherings. Tender chicken, layers of smoky ham, creamy Dijon sauce, and a crispy breadcrumb topping come together for a dish that feels both cozy and elegant.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 1 ½ cups diced ham (cooked)
- 1 ½ cups Swiss cheese, shredded
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional for extra meltiness)
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Topping:
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- ¼ tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened (about 5–7 minutes).
- Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined and creamy.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the chicken evenly in the prepared dish.
- Layer the ham on top of the chicken.
- Sprinkle with Swiss (and mozzarella, if using).
- Pour the Dijon cream sauce evenly over the top, spreading it with a spatula to cover.
Step 4: Add the Topping
- In a small bowl, mix Panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and paprika until combined.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
Step 5: Bake
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with:
- Steamed green beans or broccoli
- A crisp garden salad
- Buttered egg noodles or mashed potatoes
Tips & Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken for a faster prep.
- Substitute Gruyère for Swiss for a more gourmet flavor.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the layers for extra texture and nutrients.
- For a lower-carb option, swap Panko breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds or almond flour.