This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is everything you love about the classic dish—but way easier and faster to make! Imagine tender chicken, smoky ham, creamy cheese sauce, and a golden, crunchy topping all baked together into one bubbling, comforting dish. It’s cozy, hearty, and deeply satisfying—perfect for busy weeknights when you want something that feels fancy but comes together without a fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortlessly Elegant: This dish tastes like it came from a restaurant, but it’s ridiculously simple to throw together at home.
Family-Friendly: With layers of creamy sauce, savory meat, and melted cheese, this is a hit with kids and adults alike.
Perfect for Make-Ahead: Assemble it in advance, pop it in the fridge, and just bake when you’re ready—ideal for hectic evenings.
One Dish Wonder: Everything bakes together in one casserole dish, making cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients You’ll Need

No complicated ingredients here—just good, honest flavors that come together beautifully:

Chicken: Cooked and chopped. Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and saves time.
Ham: Diced or chopped thin slices. Adds a salty, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy base.
Swiss Cheese: The classic choice for that distinct Chicken Cordon Bleu flavor. Melts beautifully and adds a nutty note.
Cream Cheese: Softened and blended into the sauce for richness and creaminess.
Milk or Half-and-Half: Helps loosen the cream cheese and makes the sauce velvety smooth.
Dijon Mustard: Just a touch to bring a subtle tang and depth to the creamy sauce.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Simple seasonings to round out the flavor without overpowering it.
Salt & Pepper: Season to taste, especially if your ham is on the saltier side.
Breadcrumbs or Crushed Crackers: For that crave-worthy crunchy topping.
Butter: Mixed with the crumbs to get that golden, toasted finish on top.

Variations

Low-Carb Version: Skip the breadcrumb topping or use crushed pork rinds instead.
Different Cheeses: Try Gruyère, provolone, or even mozzarella if Swiss isn’t your favorite.
Add Veggies: Stir in some cooked broccoli or spinach to sneak in greens without changing the flavor too much.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs and double-check your ham and cheese for any hidden gluten.

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Sauce

In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

In the baking dish, layer the cooked chicken evenly. Top with the diced ham, then pour the cream sauce over everything. Use a spatula or spoon to spread it evenly.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded Swiss cheese over the top. Make sure it covers the whole surface—this is where the magic happens as it bakes.

Step 5: Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with melted butter. Stir until everything is evenly coated, then sprinkle the mixture over the cheese layer.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for about 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Rotisserie Chicken: It’s fast, flavorful, and saves loads of time on busy nights.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking helps everything set up nicely and makes serving cleaner.
Taste Your Sauce: Ham and cheese can be salty, so adjust the salt in the cream sauce accordingly.
Breadcrumb Choices: Panko gives a lighter, crispier crunch, while crushed Ritz crackers add a buttery richness. Both are excellent—choose based on your mood!

How to Serve

This casserole is rich and creamy, so it pairs beautifully with lighter sides:

Side Dishes:

Steamed green beans or asparagus
A simple green salad with vinaigrette
Roasted or mashed cauliflower for a low-carb option

Garnishes:

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for color
A little cracked black pepper or a dash of paprika for extra pop

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. The flavors deepen even more overnight!

Freezing

This casserole freezes like a dream. Let it cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or pop the whole dish back in a 350°F oven until warmed through—about 15–20 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold going into the oven.

What type of ham should I use?
Any cooked ham works well—deli slices, leftover holiday ham, or even pre-diced packaged ham. Just make sure it’s not overly sweet (like honey ham), which can throw off the flavor balance.

Can I substitute the cream cheese?
Yes, you can use sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor, though the texture will be slightly less creamy.

Is this casserole good for meal prep?
Yes! It reheats wonderfully and makes an excellent next-day lunch or quick dinner. Store it in individual containers for grab-and-go convenience.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that’s cozy, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is the one to try. It brings all the flavor of a classic dish with none of the fuss—and it’s bound to become one of your go-to comfort meals. So grab your casserole dish and make dinnertime feel a little more special tonight!

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe