Quick & Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

As a busy mom who loves bringing comfort to the dinner table, I’ve transformed classic Chicken Cordon Bleu into this easy, crowd-pleasing casserole. It combines tender rotisserie chicken, smoky ham, and a velvety homemade cheese sauce that never fails to bring smiles to my family’s faces. Best of all? It’s ready in under an hour with minimal hands-on time.

Why This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Will Be Your New Go-To

• The homemade cheese sauce comes together in minutes and tastes incredibly rich, with Dijon mustard and lemon juice adding the perfect balance
• Using rotisserie chicken saves precious prep time while keeping the dish moist and flavorful, much like other ultimate sheet pan chicken for quick dinners options.
• The crispy Panko topping provides that satisfying crunch without the hassle of breading individual chicken pieces

Essential Equipment for Your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

• 9×13 casserole dish: Provides the perfect depth for proper layering
• Medium saucepan: Essential for making the smooth, creamy cheese sauce
• Whisk: Ensures your sauce stays lump-free and silky

Key Ingredients for an Amazing Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

• Swiss cheese: Creates that classic, nutty flavor that makes this dish authentic
• Dijon mustard: Adds tanginess and depth to the sauce while cutting through the richness
• Panko breadcrumbs: Delivers the perfect golden-brown, crispy topping that makes every bite memorable

Ingredients

• 5 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 2 cups cubed smoked turkey ham
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purposed flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (add more to taste)
• 1 1/4 cups shredded Swiss cheese (5 ounces)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter (melted)

Instructions: How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole (From Scratch Sauce)

1. Prepare the oven. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9×13 casserole dish with cooking spray.
2. Layer the proteins. Layer the chicken on the bottom of the casserole dish. Layer the smoked turkey ham on top of the chicken.
3. Make the cheese sauce. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour on top and cook for 1-2 minutes or until mixture gets dry and clumpy. Whisk in the milk slowly. Add the mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder and salt. Simmer for 3-5 minutes whisking constantly until mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the Swiss and Parmesan cheese. Taste and add more salt if needed. Pour evenly over smoked turkey ham and chicken mixture.
4. Prepare the topping. In a small bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs and melted butter well. Sprinkle over the casserole.
5. Bake and serve. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes or until breadcrumbs are golden brown and casserole is bubbly. Let cool for about 5-10 minutes then serve. You can serve this by itself or over pasta or rice.

Make Your Own Cooked Chicken (If You Don’t Have Leftovers)

To make your own shredded chicken, simply boil chicken breasts in water for 20-25 minutes until cooked through. Let cool slightly, then shred using two forks or a hand mixer for quick shredding.

Quick Shortcut Option: Make This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Even Faster!

For an ultra-quick version, substitute the homemade sauce with two cans of cream of chicken soup mixed with 1 cup of milk. While this version saves time, the homemade sauce offers better flavor control and a silkier texture.

Aisha’s Top Tips for a Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Cheese Sauce Perfection (Troubleshooting)

For a smooth sauce, keep whisking constantly while adding milk. Learn more tips for making perfect sauces to elevate your dishes. If it’s too thick, add milk one tablespoon at a time. If too thin, continue cooking while whisking until it reaches desired consistency.

Achieving a Crispy Panko Topping

Ensure the melted butter coats every breadcrumb for even browning. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil while the casserole finishes baking.

Layering for Success

Spread each layer evenly, especially the chicken and ham. This ensures every bite has the perfect balance of flavors and helps the casserole heat evenly.

Serving Suggestions for Your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

• Steamed green beans with almonds
• Roasted asparagus
• Light mixed green salad
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls
• Simple roasted Brussels sprouts

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To make ahead, assemble the casserole without the Panko topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Customize Your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?

Yes, you can use any cooked, shredded chicken. Explore other delicious smothered chicken dishes or simply boil or bake chicken breasts and shred them before using for this casserole.

What size casserole dish should I use?

A 9×13 inch casserole dish is perfect for this recipe and ensures even cooking.

What if I don’t like Swiss cheese?

Feel free to substitute with Gruyère, provolone, or even a mild cheddar for a different flavor profile.

Can I make this dairy-free or gluten-free?

Yes! Use plant-based milk and cheese alternatives for dairy-free, or substitute regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

How long does this casserole last in the fridge?

Properly stored in an airtight container, it will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

This chicken cordon bleu casserole brings together all the flavors you love in a way that’s perfect for busy weeknights. I’d love to see your creation! Share a photo on Instagram and tag @AishaRecipes, or leave a comment below telling me how it turned out. Remember, cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious!

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

This comforting chicken cordon bleu casserole features layers of shredded rotisserie chicken and smoked turkey ham, topped with a creamy Swiss and Parmesan cheese sauce and a crispy Panko breadcrumb topping. It's an easy-to-make, satisfying dish perfect for a weeknight meal.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 5 1/2 cups rotisserie chicken shredded
• 2 cups smoked turkey ham cubed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt add more to taste
• 1 1/4 cups Swiss cheese shredded, 5 ounces
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter melted

Equipment

• 9x13 casserole dish
• saucepan
• whisk
• small bowl
• oven

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a 9x13 casserole dish with cooking spray.
2. Layer the shredded rotisserie chicken at the bottom of the dish, then top with the cubed smoked turkey ham.

Cheese Sauce

1. Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk, then add mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in Swiss and Parmesan cheeses, adjust salt, then pour over chicken and ham.

Topping and Baking

1. Combine Panko breadcrumbs and melted butter in a small bowl, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
2. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving, optionally with pasta or rice.

Notes

Taste and adjust salt as needed in the cheese sauce. Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This dish can be enjoyed on its own or served over pasta or rice.