The Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a hearty and comforting spin on the elegant classic. With layers of juicy chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese in a creamy sauce, it’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with delicious aromas and your belly with joy.
What truly sets this dish apart is the buttery stuffing crust on top that adds the perfect crunch to contrast the rich, velvety filling. This casserole is incredibly easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or feeding a hungry crowd. It captures all the flavors of traditional chicken cordon bleu without the fuss of rolling or breading.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
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2 cups cooked ham, diced
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2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
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1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1/4 cup Dijon mustard
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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2 cups seasoned stuffing mix
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4 tbsp melted butter
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Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
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Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
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In a separate bowl, mix the stuffing mix with melted butter until well-coated.
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Sprinkle the buttered stuffing mix evenly over the top of the casserole.
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Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
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Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Ultimate Comfort Dish: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
When it comes to comfort food that strikes the perfect balance between flavor, heartiness, and simplicity, Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a standout star. Inspired by the classic French dish Chicken Cordon Bleu, this casserole transforms gourmet elegance into an easy-to-make, family-friendly meal that anyone can enjoy on a busy weeknight. Its creamy texture, satisfying crunch, and layers of savory flavor make it an instant favorite in any household.
Whether you’re new to home cooking or a seasoned home chef, this dish is accessible, approachable, and endlessly adaptable. It’s not just food it’s a cozy, nostalgic experience that reminds us why we gather around the dinner table.
Origins of Chicken Cordon Bleu
The original Chicken Cordon Bleu has roots in Switzerland and France, where “cordon bleu” translates to “blue ribbon,” a nod to high culinary achievement. Traditionally, the dish consists of a chicken breast that is pounded thin, layered with ham and Swiss cheese, then rolled, breaded, and either baked or fried to a crisp golden brown. It’s a dish often associated with special occasions, due to its refined appearance and meticulous preparation.
But while delicious, traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu can be time-consuming and somewhat fussy for the average home cook. That’s where the casserole version comes in a dish that captures all the flavor and charm of the original, but with none of the hassle.
What Makes Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole So Special?
The beauty of Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole lies in its simplicity. Instead of rolling and breading individual chicken breasts, you combine tender pieces of cooked chicken with diced ham and shredded Swiss cheese in a creamy sauce, then top it all with a golden, buttery stuffing or breadcrumb crust. It’s baked to perfection in a single dish, creating a layered, warm, and satisfying meal.
This casserole delivers everything you want in a comfort food dish:
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Creaminess: The sauce, typically made with cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and Dijon mustard, binds the ingredients together in a luscious, velvety base that keeps the casserole moist and flavorful.
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Savoriness: The combination of chicken and ham offers a rich, umami-packed bite in every forkful, balanced perfectly by the tang of Swiss cheese and mustard.
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Crunch: The topping often made with seasoned stuffing or buttery breadcrumbs adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
And the best part? It’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a picky eater, a hungry teen, or someone who just appreciates good food, Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is almost guaranteed to be met with empty plates and requests for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish has so much going for it, but here are some of the standout reasons why it deserves a place in your regular meal rotation:
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Time-Saving: Unlike traditional cordon bleu, which can take up to an hour just to prep and assemble, the casserole version is quick and fuss-free. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or can be prepared in advance, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. It’s also freezer-friendly, which makes it an ideal candidate for meal planning or prepping for guests.
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Great for Leftovers: Have leftover chicken or ham from a previous meal? This is a perfect way to use them up. The casserole breathes new life into your leftovers and turns them into something exciting and flavorful.
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Feeds a Crowd: Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, contributing to a potluck, or just need to serve a hungry group, this dish stretches well. It can be easily doubled or tripled, and leftovers reheat beautifully.
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Customizable: Want to switch out the ham for turkey or bacon? Prefer cheddar over Swiss? Want a gluten-free version using gluten-free stuffing or breadcrumbs? No problem. This recipe adapts well to different tastes and dietary needs.
Pairing Ideas and Side Dishes
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate the meal. Here are a few suggestions:
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Green Beans Almondine – A light and crisp side with a buttery almond crunch that complements the richness of the casserole.
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Steamed Broccoli or Roasted Brussels Sprouts – These add a slightly bitter note that balances the creamy, cheesy main dish.
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Simple Garden Salad – A fresh salad with vinaigrette helps cut through the richness and adds a refreshing component.
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes – For the ultimate comfort meal, serve this casserole with mashed potatoes on the side for double the coziness.
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Dinner Rolls or Crusty Bread – Perfect for scooping up any remaining sauce.
And don’t forget a glass of chilled white wine like Chardonnay or a dry Riesling to enhance the creamy cheese and ham flavors.
Nutritional and Dietary Notes
While this dish is indulgent, it’s possible to make it healthier with a few tweaks:
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Use low-sodium cream of chicken soup and reduced-fat sour cream.
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Swap in lean turkey ham or low-fat cheese.
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Add steamed or sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli directly into the casserole for extra fiber and nutrients.
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For a low-carb version, skip the stuffing topping and use crushed pork rinds or almond flour seasoned with herbs and Parmesan.
You can also make it gluten-free by using gluten-free soup, stuffing, or breadcrumbs. The result is just as satisfying, and perfect for anyone avoiding gluten.
A Dish for All Seasons
This casserole feels right at home in winter, with its warm, comforting layers, but it’s not limited to cold weather. In spring and summer, it can be paired with fresh salads or light veggies for a balanced meal. In fall, it fits perfectly on the table next to other cozy favorites like roasted root vegetables and pumpkin dishes.
It also makes an excellent addition to holiday meals. If you’re hosting Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas and want something that’s both familiar and exciting, this dish checks all the boxes.
Conclusion:
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is the perfect example of how traditional recipes can evolve to meet modern needs. It takes the elegance of the original dish and translates it into something warm, approachable, and family-friendly. You get all the signature flavors tender chicken, savory ham, creamy sauce, and melty cheese without the complexity or prep time.
It’s a dish that comforts, nourishes, and satisfies. Whether you’re serving it to your family on a hectic Tuesday evening or preparing it ahead for a potluck or party, Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole will earn its place in your recipe repertoire.
If you haven’t made it yet, now’s the perfect time to try. Your tastebuds and your family will thank you.