Introduction

If you’re craving something warm, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy, Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole might just be your new go-to comfort food. Inspired by the classic French dish, this baked casserole keeps all the beloved flavors—tender chicken, savory ham, melty Swiss cheese, and creamy Dijon sauce—but skips the fuss of rolling, breading, and frying. It’s simple to prep, comes together in one dish, and is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday dinners with the family.

What makes this version truly special is the buttery cracker topping that crisps up beautifully in the oven, adding that perfect crunch to every bite. This recipe is satisfying enough for a family dinner, but elegant enough to serve to guests. If you’ve got leftover rotisserie chicken and a few pantry staples, you’re halfway there.

Let’s walk through everything you need to make this crowd-pleasing casserole a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Key Benefits

This casserole checks all the right boxes for a weeknight dinner or a make-ahead dish:

• Easy to Make: No rolling, toothpicks, or frying. Just mix, layer, and bake.

• Comfort Food Classic: Creamy, cheesy, and indulgent in the best way.

• Great for Leftovers: A smart way to use up cooked chicken or leftover ham.

• Kid-Approved: Mild flavors, cheesy goodness, and a crunchy topping—what’s not to love?

• Meal Prep Friendly: Make it ahead and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.

This is the kind of recipe that works hard for you—whether you’re feeding a crowd or stocking the freezer.

Suitable For

One of the best parts about this recipe is how flexible it is. It works beautifully for:

• Busy Weeknights: From fridge to table in under an hour.

• Family Gatherings: It’s easy to double or halve for any crowd.

• Beginner Cooks: No special skills needed—just follow the steps.

• Leftover Lovers: If you have extra chicken or ham, this is their moment to shine.

This casserole is forgiving, adaptable, and always delicious.

Ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Core Ingredients

You probably already have most of these in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cooked Chicken (3 cups): Shredded or diced—use rotisserie to save time.

• Cooked Ham (1½ cups): Diced into small, bite-sized pieces.

• Swiss Cheese (2 cups shredded): Melts beautifully and gives that classic flavor.

• Cream of Mushroom or Chicken Soup (1 can): Adds creaminess and binds everything together.

• Mayonnaise (½ cup): Makes the filling extra rich and smooth.

• Dijon Mustard (1 tsp): Gives it a subtle tang that brightens up the whole dish.

• Garlic Powder (1 tsp) & Onion Powder (1 tsp): Easy pantry spices that boost flavor.

• Salt & Pepper: Adjust to taste.

• Buttery Crackers (1½ cups crushed): Ritz works great for the crunchy topping.

• Butter (2 tbsp, melted): Mixes with crackers for that golden finish.

• Fresh Parsley (optional): A sprinkle at the end for color and freshness.

This blend of savory, creamy, and cheesy layers is what makes the casserole so comforting.

Substitutions and Tips

Want to put your own spin on it? Go for it. This recipe welcomes creativity:

• Swiss Cheese: Swap with mozzarella for milder flavor or Gruyère for a more gourmet taste.

• Cream Soup: Use either cream of chicken or mushroom—or make your own béchamel if you’re up for it.

• Ham: Leftover holiday ham works great. Or try turkey or even cooked bacon.

• Mayonnaise: If mayo isn’t your thing, sour cream or softened cream cheese are good substitutes.

• Cracker Topping: No Ritz? Panko breadcrumbs or even crushed cornflakes can step in.

You don’t need to stick to the script. This dish is flexible, so use what you’ve got.

Best Cheese for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Swiss cheese is the classic for a reason—it melts smoothly and has just the right amount of sharpness to cut through the richness of the sauce. But you’re not locked into Swiss.

• Gruyère: A more robust, nutty flavor that melts like a dream.

• Mozzarella: Creamy and mild, but lacks the sharpness of Swiss.

• Cheddar: A punchier choice that can give the dish a more familiar comfort food vibe.

Avoid pre-shredded cheese if you can. Shredding it yourself gives you better melt and flavor since it doesn’t have anti-caking agents.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Must-Have Tools

No fancy gadgets required. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• 9×13-inch Casserole Dish: The perfect size to hold all that creamy goodness.

• Large Mixing Bowl: For combining the filling.

• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accuracy matters with creamy casseroles.

• Cheese Grater: Freshly shredded cheese melts better and tastes richer.

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and let it do the work.

Nice-to-Have Tools

These aren’t necessary, but they can make things smoother:

• Food Processor or Rolling Pin: To crush crackers quickly and evenly.

• Silicone Spatula: Helps you scrape every bit of filling into the dish.

• Cooking Spray or Butter Brush: To grease your baking dish without mess.

Having the right tools can make cooking feel less like a chore and more like a joy.

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Now that you’ve got everything prepped, it’s time for the fun part—bringing it all together. This casserole is a breeze to make, and the steps are straightforward. Just layer, bake, and enjoy the rich, creamy magic that happens in the oven. Let’s get started.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish

First things first—set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to go when you are.
Then grab your 9×13-inch casserole dish and give it a quick grease. You can use a bit of butter, cooking spray, or even olive oil. This step ensures the casserole comes out cleanly and prevents any sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced ham, shredded Swiss cheese, cream soup, and mayonnaise.
Now stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Mix it all up until everything is evenly coated in that creamy, cheesy goodness.
This is your base—savory, hearty, and already smelling like something special.

Tip: Taste the mixture before baking. It’s the best way to check seasoning and make any last-minute adjustments.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the filling into your greased casserole dish and spread it out into an even layer. You want every bite to have a little bit of everything: juicy chicken, salty ham, and creamy sauce.

Step 4: Prepare the Crunchy Topping

In a small bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers with melted butter. Stir until the crackers are fully coated.
Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. This golden topping adds a buttery crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy filling underneath.

Step 5: Bake

Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are bubbling and the top is golden brown.

Tip: If the top isn’t browning as much as you’d like, pop it under the broiler for the last 2–3 minutes—just keep a close eye on it.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven. This helps everything set slightly, making it easier to serve.
If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve it hot, and don’t be surprised if everyone goes back for seconds.

Tips for Success

Even though this recipe is simple, a few pro tips can help take it from good to great:

• Use freshly shredded cheese if possible—it melts better and gives a richer flavor.

• Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving so it holds together nicely.

• Taste before baking. The filling should be well-seasoned before it goes into the oven.

• Use room-temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and more even baking.

• Double the topping if you love extra crunch—just add a little more butter to balance it out.

And if something doesn’t go perfectly? Don’t stress. It’s hard to mess this one up.

How to Store Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

This casserole is just as good the next day—and it stores beautifully.

At Room Temperature

Don’t let it sit out too long. Once it’s cooled a bit, cover it or transfer leftovers to a container within 2 hours of baking.

In the Refrigerator

Store any leftovers in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in the casserole dish. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days.
To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual servings for about 1–2 minutes.

Freezing Tips

Want to make this ahead for a future meal? You can absolutely freeze it.

• To freeze before baking: Assemble the casserole, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

• To freeze after baking: Let it cool completely, then wrap and freeze. Reheat in the oven, covered with foil, until heated through.

This makes it a great option for meal trains, new baby gifts, or your own freezer stash.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, and it’s one of the best shortcuts you can take. Just remove the skin, shred the meat, and you’re good to go.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely. You can assemble the entire casserole a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just remove it from the fridge while the oven preheats.

Is there a low-carb version?

You can make a lower-carb version by skipping the cracker topping or replacing it with crushed pork rinds or almond flour mixed with butter.

Can I use different cheeses?

Yes! While Swiss or Gruyère gives it that classic flavor, feel free to use mozzarella, cheddar, or even provolone depending on what you have on hand.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, try these delicious dinner ideas next:

• Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne – A quick, creamy pasta dish loaded with veggies and chicken.

• Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole – A cheesy, hearty one-dish meal that’s always a hit with kids.

• Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Creamy Garlic Sauce – Crispy chicken with a garlicky, velvety sauce you’ll want to put on everything.

• Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta – Buttery, garlicky, and full of rich chicken flavor.

• Sloppy Joe Casserole with Cornbread – A savory-sweet twist on the casserole game.

Conclusion

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is one of those feel-good meals that hits the spot every time. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but satisfying enough to serve when company’s over. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for something comforting to make ahead, this recipe fits the bill.

If you try it, be sure to share your experience or pass it along to someone who could use a little cheesy comfort. There’s something special about a warm, bubbling casserole—and this one’s sure to earn a permanent place in your rotation.

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