Hearty Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe: Comfort in Minutes

Comfort food takes on a delightful twist with this irresistible chicken cordon bleu casserole that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Layers of tender chicken, savory ham, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering symphony of flavors in every single bite.

Swiss cheese adds a creamy richness that perfectly complements the golden-brown breadcrumb topping.

The classic combination of ingredients brings a nostalgic warmth to your dinner table, making it an instant crowd-pleaser.

Each forkful delivers a harmonious blend of crispy and creamy textures that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more exciting with this simple yet impressive dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 536 kcal

Servings: 7

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Ingredient Breakdown

• Pasta: Provides hearty foundation for the casserole, choose medium-sized pasta that holds sauce well.
• Chicken: Lean protein that adds substantial texture and flavor, select boneless skinless chicken breasts for consistent cooking.
• Ham: Brings rich, salty dimension to the dish, opt for high-quality deli ham for best taste.

• Milk: Creates smooth liquid base for sauce, use whole milk for richer consistency.
• Cream Cheese: Adds luxurious thickness and tangy undertone, allow to soften at room temperature before mixing.
• Onion: Introduces subtle aromatic depth, finely mince for even distribution.
• Swiss Cheese: Delivers classic cordon bleu flavor, select freshly grated for optimal melting.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning, use kosher salt for balanced taste.
• Black Pepper: Provides gentle heat and complexity, freshly ground offers superior flavor.
• Cayenne Pepper: Introduces subtle spicy kick, adjust according to heat preference.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates delightful crunchy layer, choose Japanese-style breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
• Butter: Helps breadcrumbs achieve golden brown color, use unsalted for better control of saltiness.

Tools for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Prep

• Large pot: For boiling pasta with salted water.
• Colander: To drain cooked pasta thoroughly.
• Medium saucepan: Perfect for creating smooth, creamy cheese sauce.
• Baking dish: Needed to assemble and broil the casserole.
• Cutting board: For cubing chicken and ham.
• Sharp knife: Essential for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring cups: To accurately measure cheese, milk, and breadcrumbs.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring pasta and sauce mixture.
• Broiler: Final step for creating crispy golden topping.

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

• Pasta Preparation

Boil salted water and cook pasta until perfectly tender. Once done, drain and keep in the pot.

• Protein Combination

Mix cubed chicken and ham with the cooked pasta, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.

• Creamy Sauce Creation

In a saucepan, blend milk, cream cheese, and onion over gentle heat until silky smooth. Pour the luxurious sauce over pasta mixture, stirring thoroughly. Fold in Swiss cheese and season with spices for a flavor explosion.

• Crispy Topping Assembly

Transfer the creamy pasta blend into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle Panko breadcrumbs across the surface and drizzle with melted butter for golden crunch.

• Final Broiling

Slide the dish under the broiler, watching carefully. Allow the top to transform into a beautiful golden brown crust, which should take approximately 4 minutes. Remove immediately and serve piping hot for maximum deliciousness.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Tips & Variations

• Cheese Swap: Trade Swiss cheese for Gruyère or provolone to add a different flavor profile and creamy texture. Each cheese brings its own unique taste to the dish.
• Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken with turkey or swap ham for crispy bacon pieces to create exciting new flavor combinations that keep the meal interesting.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to match your heat preference. Start with a pinch for mild warmth or increase for a spicier kick that tantalizes taste buds.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers to make the recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
• Vegetable Boost: Mix in roasted broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms before baking to increase nutritional value and add extra layers of flavor and texture to the casserole.

How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

• Party Night Platter: Transform this casserole into a stunning dinner centerpiece by arranging it on a large wooden board with fresh herb sprigs and lemon wedges around the edges.
• Cheesy Sidekick Selections: Pair the casserole with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables to balance the rich, creamy flavors.
• Wine and Dine Companion: Complement the dish's decadent profile with a chilled glass of dry Riesling or a light Chardonnay, which will cut through the creamy texture and enhance the meal's overall taste.
• Leftover Magic Makeover: Repurpose any remaining casserole by stuffing it into warm, toasted bread for a gourmet-style sandwich the next day, adding extra Swiss cheese and fresh arugula for crunch.

Keeping Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Fresh

• Smart Batch Cooking: Whip up this casserole in a large quantity and divide into individual serving containers for quick weeknight meals throughout the week. Perfect for busy families and meal preppers looking to save time.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover casserole in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Keep the dish sealed tightly to maintain moisture and prevent flavor loss. Always refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking to ensure food safety.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. This dish can be stored frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
• Reheating Hack: Revive leftovers by adding a splash of milk when warming to restore creamy texture. Use the oven instead of microwave to keep the crispy breadcrumb topping crunchy and delicious.

Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty chicken cordon bleu casserole brings classic French flavors into a comforting one-dish meal. Creamy layers of chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese create a satisfying dinner that invites you to savor each delicious bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups Swiss cheese (shredded)
• 1 lb pasta (penne or fun-shaped)
• 1 cup chicken breasts (cooked and cubed)
• 1 cup ham (cooked and cubed)
• 1 ½ cups milk
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup Panko crumbs
• ½ cup butter (melted, divided)
• 2 tbsps dried minced onion
• salt (to taste)
• pepper (to taste)
• cayenne pepper (to taste)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Cook pasta in salted water until perfectly tender, drain completely, and return to the pot.
2. Protein Integration: Fold cubed chicken and ham into the cooked pasta, ensuring uniform distribution throughout the dish.
3. Sauce Creation: Whisk milk, cream cheese, and minced onion in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring continuously until transforming into a silky, smooth sauce.
4. Flavor Enhancement: Pour sauce over pasta and protein mixture, blending Swiss cheese, salt, pepper, and cayenne for a delightful flavor profile.
5. Casserole Assembly: Transfer mixture to a baking dish, creating an even layer and topping with Panko breadcrumbs.
6. Butter Drizzle: Coat breadcrumbs with melted butter to promote golden, crispy texture.
7. Final Broiling: Position casserole under broiler for 3-4 minutes, watching carefully to achieve a perfectly golden-brown crust without burning.
8. Serving: Remove from oven and let rest briefly before serving hot, showcasing the dish’s creamy interior and crisp topping.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness and maintain a delightful texture in the final casserole.
• Protein Distribution: Cube chicken and ham uniformly for consistent flavor and even cooking throughout the dish.
• Sauce Smoothness: Whisk sauce ingredients slowly and steadily to prevent lumps and achieve a silky, creamy consistency.
• Broiler Caution: Watch the casserole carefully during the final broiling stage to achieve golden-brown crispiness without burning the breadcrumbs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 536
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 860 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 94 mg