All the beloved elements of traditional chicken cordon bleu—tender chicken, savory ham, Swiss cheese, and a tangy Dijon cream—come together in this hearty and comforting casserole. This oven-baked version simplifies the classic recipe into a one-dish meal that’s rich, creamy, and topped with a buttery panko crust. Ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings, it’s an easy and satisfying way to enjoy the flavors of a timeless favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole delivers all the rich, cheesy indulgence of the classic dish without the need for rolling, breading, or individual portions. It’s incredibly easy to assemble and can be prepared in advance, making it a fantastic option for busy evenings. The creamy blend of sour cream, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard gives the dish depth and tang, while the golden panko topping provides a satisfying crunch. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this dish is sure to become a regular on your dinner rotation.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 1 1/2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, diced ham, sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in half of the shredded Swiss cheese.
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
- In a small bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter until evenly coated. Distribute the breadcrumb mixture over the casserole.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories per serving: 485 kcal
Variations
- Low-Carb Version: Replace the panko breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or omit the topping entirely for a keto-friendly option.
- Vegetable Add-In: Mix in steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms for added texture and nutrition.
- Different Cheeses: Substitute Gruyère or provolone for Swiss for a new flavor profile.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the cream mixture for a subtle kick.
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the casserole up to one day in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. Add the panko topping just before baking.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes. For best results, cover with foil when reheating to prevent the topping from burning. Freezing is also possible; allow the casserole to cool completely before wrapping tightly. Freeze for up to 2 months, and bake from frozen or thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken in this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and saves time in preparation.
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter, higher-protein option.
What’s the best ham to use?
Cooked deli ham or leftover holiday ham both work well in this recipe.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble it ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
Can I use other cheeses?
Yes, Gruyère, provolone, mozzarella, or a blend can be substituted for Swiss.
How do I keep the panko topping crispy?
Bake uncovered and avoid adding the topping until just before baking.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, assemble and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight or bake directly from frozen, adjusting time as needed.
Can I make this without mayonnaise?
You can replace the mayonnaise with more sour cream or a dairy-free alternative if preferred.
What sides go well with this dish?
Try serving with green beans, roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or rice pilaf.
How can I reduce the fat content?
Use light sour cream, reduced-fat mayonnaise, and lean chicken breast to make the dish lighter.
Conclusion
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole offers a modern, simplified take on a beloved classic—rich, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting. With its creamy Dijon-infused base and golden, crunchy topping, it’s a satisfying meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for guests. Whether you’re using up leftover chicken or planning a make-ahead dinner, this casserole is bound to become a staple in your recipe collection.
PrintChicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole brings all the cheesy, creamy goodness of the classic dish into an easy, comforting bake. With tender chicken, smoky ham, Swiss cheese, and a golden breadcrumb topping, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner or make-ahead meal for the whole family.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
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1 1/2 cups cooked ham, diced
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1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
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1 cup sour cream
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 cup panko breadcrumbs
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2 tablespoons melted butter
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Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, ham, sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in half of the shredded Swiss cheese.
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Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
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In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
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Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
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Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before garnishing with chopped parsley and serving.
Notes
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Great way to use up leftover cooked chicken or ham.
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Can be assembled ahead and baked when ready to serve.
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Serve with a green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.