If you love classic comfort food with a twist, you are absolutely going to adore the 7 Irresistible Reasons to Make This Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe. This dish takes the beloved flavors of chicken cordon bleu—tender chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese—and turns them into a creamy, cheesy casserole that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just craving something cozy on a weeknight, this casserole promises to deliver warmth and satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this casserole lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one adds a unique flavor or texture that builds the layers of deliciousness, making your finished dish rich, creamy, crunchy, and utterly comforting.
- Cooked chicken (4 cups, chopped): Using rotisserie chicken keeps things quick and adds juicy, seasoned meat for your casserole.
- Chopped ham (1½ cups): Deli or leftover ham provides that signature salty, smoky element essential to cordon bleu.
- Swiss cheese (8 oz, shredded or sliced): Melts beautifully, creating gooey layers of nutty flavor.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Acts as the creamy base, binding everything together perfectly.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Adds tang and rich creaminess balancing the cheese and meats.
- Dijon mustard (1 tbsp): Brings subtle heat and depth to elevate every bite.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): A hint of garlic enhances the savory profile without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper: To taste—essential seasoning to make all flavors pop.
- Crushed butter crackers (1½ cups): Like Ritz, for that irresistible golden, buttery crunch topping.
- Butter (4 tbsp, melted): Mixes with crackers to create a perfectly crisp and rich crust.
- Fresh parsley (optional garnish): Brightens the dish with a fresh, herbal note when sprinkled on top.
How to Make 7 Irresistible Reasons to Make This Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This sets the stage for even cooking and ensures your casserole won’t stick when it’s done.
Step 2: Layer the Chicken
Spread your chopped cooked chicken evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. This first layer is packed with juicy protein and forms a hearty base layer that will soak up the creamy sauce to come.
Step 3: Add Ham and Swiss Cheese
Next, layer the chopped ham over the chicken, then distribute the Swiss cheese evenly on top of the ham. This combination builds the iconic flavor profile that makes chicken cordon bleu so beloved.
Step 4: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until you have a smooth and flavorful sauce. This blend will marry the layers and provide a luscious creaminess.
Step 5: Spread the Sauce
Pour and spread this sauce evenly over the layered chicken, ham, and cheese. Make sure every corner is covered so each bite is deliciously moist and flavorful.
Step 6: Prepare the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, combine the crushed butter crackers with melted butter until each crumb is luxuriously coated. This will become your golden, crispy topping that adds irresistible texture contrast.
Step 7: Add and Bake the Topping
Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the casserole, then bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes. Your kitchen will soon fill with the amazing aroma of melting cheese and toasted butter crumbs as the top browns to perfection.
Step 8: Rest and Garnish
Once baked, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set up slightly for easier serving. If you like, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley across the top for a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that compliments the rich flavors.
How to Serve 7 Irresistible Reasons to Make This Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley or finely chopped chives work wonderfully as garnishes, adding that burst of vibrant green that visually lifts the dish and adds a touch of freshness to balance the creamy richness. A light drizzle of Dijon mustard or even a sprinkle of paprika can also enhance both look and flavor.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, steamed or roasted vegetables, or buttery mashed potatoes. The light sides help balance the luxuriousness of the casserole, making for a well-rounded, satisfying meal that doesn’t feel too heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this casserole straight from the dish family-style for cozy gatherings or spoon it into individual ramekins for a charming dinner party touch. You can also add a layer of sautéed spinach or mushrooms between the meat and cheese for an elevated twist that steals the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making your leftovers just as tasty—if not more so—than the first serving.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully. After baking and cooling completely, cover the dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap to protect it from freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through and the topping crisps back up. Adding a little extra butter on top before reheating can revive that crispy crust.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! You can poach, bake, or grill fresh chicken breast and then chop it for the casserole. Rotisserie chicken just saves time and adds extra flavor, but fresh cooked chicken works just as well.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Traditional butter crackers contain gluten, so this casserole is not gluten-free as is. However, you can substitute with gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free breadcrumbs to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I substitute the Swiss cheese?
Yes! Gruyère, mozzarella, or even mild cheddar can be used if you don’t have Swiss cheese on hand. Each will bring a slightly different flavor but still melt beautifully.
How spicy is this dish?
It’s very mild and family-friendly in heat, with just a subtle tang from the Dijon mustard. You can add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce if you want a little kick.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
You could swap the chicken and ham for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or artichokes and use vegetable broth in place of chicken soup. It won’t be traditional cordon bleu, but it can still be delicious!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that comes together quickly and tastes like a dream, don’t wait to try the 7 Irresistible Reasons to Make This Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe. It’s a perfect blend of creamy, savory, and crunchy that will have everyone asking for seconds and maybe even thirds. Trust me—this recipe is a keeper you’ll turn to again and again.
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7 Irresistible Reasons to Make This Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole combines tender cooked chicken, savory ham, and Swiss cheese with a creamy, flavorful sauce. Topped with buttery crushed crackers for a delightful golden crust, it’s a comforting and irresistible dish perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. Ready in under an hour, this casserole offers a delicious twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients
Protein
- 4 cups cooked chicken, chopped (rotisserie works great)
- 1½ cups chopped ham (deli or leftover works fine)
- 8 oz Swiss cheese, shredded or sliced
Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1½ cups crushed butter crackers (like Ritz)
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, optional
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Layer Chicken: Spread the chopped cooked chicken evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish forming the first layer.
- Add Ham and Cheese: Layer the chopped ham over the chicken, then top evenly with the shredded or sliced Swiss cheese, creating distinct layers.
- Make Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Spread Sauce: Evenly spread the prepared creamy sauce over the layered chicken, ham, and cheese to coat them thoroughly.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed butter crackers with melted butter until all crackers are evenly coated.
- Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the casserole. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness if desired.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor but you can use any leftover cooked chicken.
- Substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyère or mozzarella if preferred.
- The cracker topping adds a crunchy texture; for a lower-carb option, omit or use crushed pork rinds.
- Ensure casserole is bubbly before removing from oven to guarantee it’s heated through.
- Allowing the dish to rest before serving helps the sauce thicken slightly for better serving consistency.
