If you have a soft spot for cozy, cheesy comfort food with a gourmet twist, then you are going to absolutely fall in love with this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe. Imagine all the classic flavors of the beloved Chicken Cordon Bleu dish—tender chicken, savory ham, and melty Swiss cheese—transformed into a luscious, baked casserole full of creamy pasta and topped with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb crust. It’s one of those dishes that feels both familiar and special, perfect for feeding your family or impressing friends with minimal fuss. Trust me, once you make this, it will become a staple in your recipe rotation for countless weeknights and casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity matched with the quality of each ingredient. Every component plays a crucial role—from the pasta that provides satisfying bite and texture, to the cheeses that blend into a rich, creamy sauce bursting with flavor, and the ham which adds a smoky, savory punch. These straightforward ingredients come together effortlessly to create a dish that’s much greater than the sum of its parts.
- 1 pound pasta (penne or rotini recommended): These shapes hold the sauce well and create a hearty base for the casserole.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Essential for making the smooth, velvety roux that starts the cheese sauce.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to just the right consistency without lumps.
- 1/3 cup white wine (optional): Adds a subtle depth and brightness but feel free to leave it out if you prefer.
- 3 cups milk: The creamy foundation that makes the sauce luscious and smooth.
- 2 cups Swiss cheese (or Monterey Jack, or mozzarella), shredded: Swiss cheese brings the classic chicken cordon bleu flavor with creamy meltiness.
- Salt, to taste: Balances and enhances all the savory flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper, to taste: Adds a pleasant warmth and mild spice.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped into bite-sized pieces: Tender protein that makes this casserole satisfying and filling.
- 3/4 cup deli ham, cut into 1-inch squares: Provides smoky, salty notes that complement the chicken and cheese perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Mixed with breadcrumbs to create a crispy golden topping.
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs: Ensures a light, crunchy crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy casserole body.
- 1/2 tablespoon dried parsley: Gives a subtle herbal freshness and lovely color to the breadcrumb topping.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is warming up, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside. Cooking the pasta properly is key here because you want it firm enough to hold its shape when baked without becoming mushy.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and keep whisking constantly for about 2 minutes to create a smooth roux — this step cooks out the raw flour taste and forms the base of your sauce. Then, slowly whisk in the white wine (if using) followed by the milk. Continue to whisk gently but steadily until the sauce thickens nicely, which should take about 5 minutes. The texture should be creamy and velvety, perfect for melting cheese into.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Seasoning
Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded Swiss cheese until it’s fully melted and the sauce is silky smooth. Add salt and black pepper to taste—don’t be shy here because this seasoning really brings out the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu flavors in your casserole.
Step 4: Combine Chicken, Ham, and Pasta
Next, fold the cooked pasta, chopped chicken, and ham into the cheese sauce. Make sure everything is evenly coated—this mixture will be the hearty, flavorful filling of your casserole. The combination of creamy sauce with savory meat chunks is what makes this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe truly irresistible.
Step 5: Assemble and Add Topping
Pour this beautiful mixture into a greased 9 by 13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with panko breadcrumbs and dried parsley. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly on top of your casserole to create a crunchy, golden topping once baked.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is beautifully golden brown and you see bubbles forming at the edges. This signals the perfect balance of gooey, cheesy interior meeting a crisp topping—the hallmark of great casseroles.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes before serving. This resting time helps everything set so it’s easier to portion and enjoy without losing any of that creamy goodness.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For a pop of color and added freshness, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives just before serving. A light drizzle of Dijon mustard or a squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors and pay homage to the traditional chicken cordon bleu flair.
Side Dishes
This casserole is wonderfully rich, so pairing it with crisp, refreshing sides balances the meal beautifully. Think a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, steamed asparagus, or roasted Brussels sprouts. A crusty bread roll or garlic bread also complements the creamy texture and helps sop up any extra cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get a bit fancy, try serving this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. Alternatively, topping each portion with a thin slice of ham or adding a decorative parsley leaf elevates the presentation while keeping things simple and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the casserole has cooled completely before covering tightly to preserve the flavors and moisture without sogginess.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully if you want to prepare it in advance. Portion into freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire baking dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave until heated through or place the casserole back in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil, for about 20 minutes. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to revive that crispy breadcrumb topping.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is classic for Chicken Cordon Bleu, Monterey Jack or mozzarella are excellent substitutes that melt beautifully and offer a mild, creamy flavor.
Is it okay to skip the white wine in the sauce?
Yes, the white wine is optional and can be omitted if you prefer. The sauce will still be rich and tasty without it, so feel free to leave it out for a non-alcoholic version.
What type of pasta works best?
Penne or rotini are ideal because their shapes hold onto the cheese sauce well. However, you can use other short pasta shapes like shells or macaroni if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I use fresh chicken instead of pre-cooked?
If using fresh chicken, you’ll need to cook it fully before adding it to the casserole to ensure it’s safe and tender. Grilled, poached, or roasted chicken all work great.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Make sure your breadcrumbs are gluten-free as well to keep every element safe.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe is such a wonderful way to bring the classic flavors of cordon bleu into a comforting, easy-to-make meal that everyone will devour. Its creamy, cheesy layers paired with tender chicken and savory ham make it a genuine crowd-pleaser. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite casserole to cherish and share for years to come.
Print
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a delicious and comforting one-dish meal that combines tender chicken, savory ham, and creamy cheese sauce baked with pasta and topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust. It’s perfect for a satisfying family dinner or easy entertaining, offering the flavors of the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu in a convenient casserole form.
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat
- 1 pound pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 3/4 cup deli ham, cut into 1-inch squares
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup white wine (optional)
- 3 cups milk
- 2 cups Swiss cheese (or Monterey Jack or mozzarella), shredded
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Topping
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tablespoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Make Roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes to form a smooth roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Add Liquids: Slowly whisk in the white wine (if using) and milk. Continue whisking constantly until the sauce thickens, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the shredded Swiss cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, chopped chicken, and ham into the cheese sauce, stirring well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the casserole mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, panko breadcrumbs, and dried parsley. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to create a crispy crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes outside the oven before serving to set and cool slightly for easier portioning.
Notes
- To make this dish gluten free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
- If you prefer, substitute white wine with additional milk or chicken broth.
- Leftover casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat cheese and milk, and reduce the butter in the topping.
- Feel free to swap Swiss cheese for Monterey Jack or mozzarella based on your taste preference.
