This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is the kind of cozy, satisfying dish that feels like comfort food the moment it hits the table. It has all the flavor of the classic version — tender chicken, savory ham, and melty cheese — but without all the fuss of stuffing and breading. Everything bakes together in one dish, and the result is creamy, hearty, and full of flavor in every bite.
If you enjoy meals that feel homemade, warm, and “from scratch,” this casserole is a great pick. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to serve when you want something a little more comforting than a basic chicken dinner.
What Makes This Version Special
The biggest difference from the traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu is the ease of preparation. Instead of rolling and stuffing chicken breasts, everything is layered together in a baking dish. You still get the same classic combination of chicken, ham, and cheese, but with a creamier texture that works beautifully as a casserole.
Using freshly cooked chicken also gives the dish more flavor and better texture than using leftovers. The chicken stays juicy, the cheese melts into a silky layer, and the sauce ties everything together into a rich, satisfying bake.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
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Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cooked and chopped)
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Sliced ham (deli or cooked ham cut into small pieces)
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Swiss cheese (for the traditional flavor)
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Mozzarella cheese (for extra meltiness)
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Cream and butter (for the sauce)
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Breadcrumbs (for a light crispy topping)
Optional Add-ins
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Garlic powder or onion powder
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A little Dijon mustard in the sauce for tang
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Dried thyme or oregano
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Lightly cooked mushrooms, spinach, or peas for extra richness
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Cook the Chicken
Season and cook the chicken breasts in a skillet or bake them in the oven until done, then let them cool slightly. Chop into bite-sized pieces. This gives the casserole better flavor than using pre-cooked chicken.
3. Layer the Ingredients
Spread the chopped chicken evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Layer the sliced ham on top, then sprinkle generously with Swiss and mozzarella cheese. If you like a little extra flavor, this is a good moment to add garlic powder or herbs.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the cream. Let it warm just until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t scorch. Add Dijon mustard here if you like a more classic cordon bleu flavor. Pour this sauce evenly over the casserole.
5. Add the Topping
Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top for a light crunch.
6. Bake
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the top is lightly golden and the edges are bubbling.
Time & Servings
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
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Total Time: about 50–55 minutes
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Serves: about 6 people
Why You’ll Love This
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Quick to assemble – no stuffing or rolling
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Great for weeknights but still feels special
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Creamy, cheesy, and comforting
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Easy to customize with vegetables, herbs, or extra toppings
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Family-friendly — kids love it too
Storage
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Refrigerator: Cover and refrigerate up to 3 days
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Freezer: Freeze tightly wrapped for up to 3 months
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To reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through so the topping stays crisp
Variations
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Low-carb: skip the breadcrumbs and use extra cheese on top
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Add vegetables: spinach, peas, or mushrooms blend in well
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Different cheese: Gruyère gives a deeper, more traditional flavor
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Lighter version: use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
What to Serve with It
This casserole is rich and satisfying on its own, so it pairs nicely with something lighter on the side:
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Green salad with vinaigrette
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Roasted vegetables
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Steamed broccoli or asparagus
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A loaf of warm bread for soaking up the sauce
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes — assemble it earlier in the day and bake later.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
You can, but cooked fresh chicken gives a better texture and flavor.
Can I make it spicier?
Yes — a pinch of paprika or pepper flakes works well.
Final Touch
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is the perfect mix of comforting flavors and simple preparation. It feels homemade and satisfying without requiring complicated steps, and it’s one of those dishes everyone tends to go back for seconds of. Warm, cheesy, and full of flavor — it’s exactly the kind of recipe that turns dinner into something comforting and cozy.
