Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

Imagine a creamy, cheesy classic reinvented for effortless weeknight comfort — that’s exactly what you get with this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. It brings together tender chicken, smoky ham, crisp broccoli, and gooey Swiss cheese under a golden, crunchy topping, all drenched in a rich Dijon cream sauce. With just the right mix of flavors and textures, this casserole transforms the traditional French favorite into a cozy, shareable bake that’s sure to win hearts with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole lies in its simple, familiar ingredients — each one shines, bringing depth, creaminess, or a pop of color to the dish. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters for the perfect harmonious bite.

• Unsalted Butter: The starting point for a luxurious, velvety cream sauce.
• Garlic: Freshly grated or minced, it adds a fragrant base that lifts every flavor.
• Flour: Essential for thickening your sauce to luscious perfection.
• Chicken Broth: Infuses the sauce with savory depth.
• Milk: Use skim or full cream for creaminess; it’s the backbone of the sauce’s richness.
• Dijon Mustard: Delivers classic Cordon Bleu tang and character.
• Chicken or Vegetable Bouillon Powder: Amplifies the umami notes in the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese (fresh grated): Adds salty, nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: Season everything to your own taste — don’t skip!
• Fresh Parsley (optional): For a bright finish and color contrast.
• Fresh Broccoli Florets: Provide tender-crisp bites and a pop of green.
• Cooked or Rotisserie Chicken (shredded or diced): Makes assembly a breeze and ensures tender, juicy bites.
• Diced Ham: Adds a classic smoky note and salty bite that’s essential for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole.
• Swiss Cheese (shredded): Melts beautifully for gooey, tangy layers.
• More Parmesan Cheese (fresh grated): For a deeply savory topping that won’t go unnoticed.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: The secret to a light, irresistible crunch up top.
• Melted Butter: Helps the panko bake to perfect golden crispness.

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Step 1: Whip Up the Dijon Cream Sauce

Begin with your homemade Dijon cream sauce — the soul of this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Lower the heat and whisk in the flour, letting it cook for a minute to eliminate any raw taste. Slowly add the chicken broth and milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened. Add the Dijon mustard, bouillon powder, and parmesan cheese, letting it all simmer together for a couple of minutes. Adjust your seasoning and whisk in fresh parsley if you like a vibrant touch.

Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli

While your sauce bubbles away, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in fresh broccoli florets for a quick 2–3 minute blanch — you want them vivid and just-tender, not mushy. This step keeps the casserole bright and stops the broccoli from going soggy in the oven.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Now, everything comes together in your casserole dish. Add the cooked chicken to the bottom, then scatter the broccoli and diced ham over the top. Pour that luscious Dijon cream sauce evenly over everything, letting it coat each nook and cranny. Sprinkle with the shredded Swiss cheese and an extra dusting of parmesan for maximum melty goodness.

Step 4: Add the Crunchy Topping

Mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter in a bowl until every crumb glistens. Spread them generously over the Swiss cheese so you get that signature golden crunch once baked — this layer takes the casserole from good to truly unforgettable.

Step 5: Bake to Bliss

Slide your assembled Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole into a preheated 400 degree oven. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is deeply golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving, giving those flavors time to settle.

How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Garnishes

A shower of freshly chopped parsley over your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole not only brightens the look but also adds a fresh finish that cuts through the creaminess. For extra sparkle, sprinkle a touch more parmesan just before serving.

Side Dishes

This casserole already boasts protein, cheesy sauce, veggies, and crunch — but it loves some light accompaniments. Try a crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette or simple roasted asparagus to balance the richness. Warm, crusty bread is never out of place for scooping up every saucy bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Portion your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole into individual ramekins for a dinner party-worthy touch, or serve scoops over fluffy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles for extra comfort. A sprinkle of toasted almonds on top offers delightful contrast and a nod to French tradition.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole lasts beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Once cooled, cover your casserole dish tightly with foil or transfer slices into airtight containers. The flavors meld and deepen, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

To freeze, assemble your unbaked casserole (hold back the panko topping until ready to bake), wrap it tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, add the breadcrumb topping, and bake as usual for that irresistible crispness.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat leftovers in a 350 degree oven, covered with foil, until warmed through. If you like the topping extra crispy, remove the foil for the final 5 minutes. A microwave works in a pinch, but oven-warming preserves both the creamy interior and crunchy topping.

FAQs

Can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole without ham?

Absolutely! Simply leave out the ham for a chicken and broccoli casserole, or swap in cooked turkey or even sautéed mushrooms for a delicious twist.

What kind of chicken works best?

Rotisserie chicken is perfect for ease, but any cooked chicken — roasted, grilled, or poached — works well. Shredded chicken ensures every scoop is juicy and flavorful.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

You can use frozen florets in a pinch, just thaw and pat dry first to avoid excess moisture in your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. The texture may be softer, but it still tastes great.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the flour for cornstarch (mix with a bit of cold milk), use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping, and double-check your broth and ham are gluten-free.

Can I prep Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole in advance?

Yes, assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the panko topping just before baking to ensure it stays crisp.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal, Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is sure to become a regular at your table. All the dreamy flavors you love in the French classic are wrapped up in layers of creamy, cheesy goodness — and easier than ever to make. Don’t wait to try this twist on tradition; every bite is pure cozy happiness!

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