Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

You know that crispy, cheesy, ham-stuffed chicken goodness called Chicken Cordon Bleu? Well, I found a way to make it even better—without all the rolling and frying! This casserole version has all the flavors you love but way less work.

It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken, smoky ham, and a crunchy topping. Every bite is pure comfort. And guess what? You can make it in just one pan!

No more stressing over perfect rolls or deep-frying. Just mix, layer, bake, and enjoy. It’s fancy enough for guests but easy enough for busy nights.

Ready to dig in? Let’s make this simple, no-fuss Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Flavors, No Hassle – Skip the breading and frying! This easy casserole delivers all the taste of traditional chicken cordon bleu in a single dish.
• Creamy and Cheesy – A silky cheese sauce coats the pasta, creating a luscious texture in every bite.
• Crispy Topping – Buttery panko breadcrumbs add a golden, crunchy finish for the perfect contrast.
• Great for Leftovers – This casserole reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour

Servings

• Serves 6-8 people

Difficulty Level

• Beginner-friendly with simple steps

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you begin, gather these essential tools:

• Large pot – For boiling pasta
• Medium saucepan – To prepare the cheese sauce
• Whisk – Helps create a smooth, lump-free sauce
• 9×13 baking dish – For assembling the casserole
• Mixing bowls – To combine ingredients
• Measuring cups and spoons – For precise ingredient amounts
• Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring the sauce

Ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Pasta & Sauce Base

• 1 pound pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup white wine (optional, adds depth of flavor)
• 3 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (or Monterey Jack, or mozzarella)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Protein Additions

• 2 cups cooked chicken (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
• 3/4 cup deli ham (cut into 1-inch squares)

Crunchy Topping

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 tablespoon dried parsley

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that we have our ingredients and tools ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions for a perfectly creamy and crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt.
2. Cook the Pasta: Add the penne or rotini and cook 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest (it will continue cooking in the oven).
3. Drain & Set Aside: Drain the pasta and toss it with a drizzle of olive oil or butter to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
2. Make a Roux: Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until smooth. The mixture should look golden and slightly thick.
3. Add White Wine (Optional): Slowly pour in 1/3 cup of white wine, whisking constantly. Let it bubble for 1 minute to cook off the alcohol. (Skip this step if not using wine.)
4. Incorporate Milk: Gradually whisk in 3 cups of milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let the mixture cook for 3-4 minutes, or until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
5. Melt the Cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in 2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese (or substitute cheese). Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Season to Taste: Add salt and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Mix Pasta & Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat every piece.
3. Add the Chicken and Ham: Gently fold in 2 cups of cooked chicken and 3/4 cup of diced ham until evenly distributed.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

1. Melt the Butter: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of melted butter with 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs. Stir until evenly coated.
2. Add Parsley: Sprinkle in 1/2 tablespoon of dried parsley and mix well.
3. Top the Casserole: Evenly spread the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the casserole for a crispy finish.

Part 3: Baking, Serving, and Storage Tips

Now that the casserole is assembled, it’s time to bake it to golden perfection and serve it in the most delicious way possible. Let’s go!

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake Uncovered: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
2. Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional): If you want an extra-crispy topping, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
3. Rest Before Serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes scooping easier.

How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

This rich and creamy casserole pairs well with lighter side dishes to balance the flavors. Here are a few serving ideas:

• Steamed Vegetables: Serve with roasted or steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a refreshing contrast.
• Side Salad: A crisp Caesar salad or a simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette makes a great accompaniment.
• Garlic Bread: A slice of crusty garlic bread complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the casserole brightens the dish and balances the richness.

Storing & Reheating Leftovers

Refrigeration

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in the microwave for a quick meal or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes to maintain its texture.

Freezing Instructions

• To Freeze Before Baking: Assemble the casserole without the breadcrumb topping, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the breadcrumb topping, and bake as directed.
• To Freeze After Baking: Let the casserole cool completely, portion into airtight freezer containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Tips & Tricks for Success

✔ Don’t overcook the pasta: Since it will continue baking, cook the pasta 1-2 minutes less than the package suggests to avoid a mushy texture.

✔ Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s creaminess. Grate your own cheese for a smoother result.

✔ For extra creaminess: If you love a super rich sauce, add ½ cup of heavy cream along with the milk.

✔ Make it low-carb: Swap the pasta for steamed cauliflower or zucchini noodles for a lighter version.

✔ Enhance the flavor: Add a pinch of garlic powder, Dijon mustard, or smoked paprika to the cheese sauce for a more complex taste.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount (Estimated)
Calories	480 kcal
Protein	35g
Carbohydrates	42g
Fats	20g
Saturated Fat	10g
Cholesterol	90mg
Sodium	720mg
Fiber	2g
Sugar	5g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole without the topping, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the breadcrumb topping right before baking.

How do I make it gluten-free?

Substitute gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free flour in the sauce. Panko breadcrumbs can be swapped for crushed gluten-free crackers.

Can I use a different cheese?

Absolutely! While Swiss cheese gives the classic cordon bleu flavor, you can use mozzarella, Gruyère, provolone, or Monterey Jack.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions.

Conclusion

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and crispy textures. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s a satisfying, easy-to-make dish that everyone will love. Try it out and let us know how it turned out!