Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole (The Easiest, Creamiest Recipe!)

Get ready to transform a classic French dish into your new weeknight favorite. This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole packs all the savory flavors you love—tender chicken, smoky ham, and nutty Swiss cheese—into an incredibly easy-to-make pasta bake. We’re skipping the canned soup and whipping up a simple, velvety Dijon cream sauce from scratch that takes this dish to a whole new level of deliciousness. It’s comfort food at its absolute best!

Whether you need a guaranteed family-pleaser or a cozy meal for a chilly evening, this casserole is the answer. It’s rich, satisfying, and comes together with minimal fuss, making it a perfect addition to your dinner rotation.

Why This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a Weeknight Winner

You’ll fall in love with this recipe from the very first bite. It’s designed for busy home cooks who crave comforting, flavorful meals without spending hours in the kitchen.

• Classic Flavors, Simplified: Enjoy the iconic taste of chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese without the hassle of stuffing and rolling individual chicken breasts.
• Creamy Homemade Sauce: Our simple, from-scratch Dijon cream sauce is rich, flavorful, and completely free of canned soups. It makes all the difference!
• Perfectly Portioned: This recipe is ideal for family dinners and yields delicious leftovers for lunch the next day.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: The combination of creamy pasta, savory meats, and melted cheese is pure comfort in a dish, guaranteed to get rave reviews.

The Key Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create a truly spectacular dish. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.

For the Casserole

• Rotini Pasta: The corkscrew shape is perfect for catching every bit of the creamy sauce.
• Cooked Chicken: Use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time, or use any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand.
• Diced Ham: Adds a savory, smoky depth that is essential to the cordon bleu flavor.
• Swiss Cheese: Freshly shredded Swiss cheese melts beautifully and provides that signature nutty taste.
• Butter & Flour: These form the roux, the base for thickening our delicious cream sauce.
• Milk: Use whole milk for the richest, creamiest sauce.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a tangy kick that cuts through the richness of the cheese and cream.
• Spices: A simple combination of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper is all you need.

For the Crispy Topping

• Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs provide a superior, airy crunch.
• Melted Butter: Helps the breadcrumbs toast to a perfect golden brown.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds an extra layer of savory, cheesy flavor to the topping.

How to Make The Best Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Follow these simple steps to assemble and bake this irresistible casserole. It comes together faster than you’d think!

Step 1: Prep and Cook the Pasta

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until it’s al dente. You want it to have a slight bite, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Dijon Sauce

In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about one minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. For a different flavor profile, consider adding some of the cheese from our white cheddar beer cheese recipe.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Add the drained pasta, shredded chicken, diced ham, and 1 ½ cups of the shredded Swiss cheese to the pot with the cream sauce. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and every piece is coated in the luscious sauce. Pour this mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. If you’re looking for another comforting bake, our spinach artichoke chicken bake is a fantastic choice.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

In a small bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crispy. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This casserole is as satisfying as a hearty crock pot birria taco dinner!

Pro Tips for the Perfect Casserole

A few simple tips can take your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole from great to absolutely unforgettable.

• Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses are often coated with anti-caking agents that can prevent them from melting smoothly. For the creamiest, gooiest result, buy a block of Swiss cheese and shred it yourself.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking the pasta to al dente is key. It will absorb some of the sauce and finish cooking in the oven, so starting with slightly undercooked pasta prevents it from becoming mushy.
• Use Quality Ham: A good quality smoked or honey-baked ham will add a much deeper, richer flavor to the casserole than standard deli ham.

Delicious Variations to Try

While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also wonderfully versatile. Feel free to customize it to your liking!

• Different Cheeses: Swap out the Swiss for Gruyère, Provolone, or even a sharp white cheddar for a different flavor profile.
• Add Veggies: Stir in some steamed broccoli florets, peas, or sautéed mushrooms for an extra serving of vegetables.
• Keto-Friendly Version: To make a low-carb version, substitute the pasta with steamed cauliflower florets and use a keto-friendly breadcrumb alternative for the topping.

What to Serve with Your Casserole

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side dish. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or a side of healthy sautéed vegetables are all excellent choices to complete your meal. For a truly comforting dinner, serve it alongside some warm butter swim biscuits.

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating

This casserole is just as delicious the next day! Here’s how to properly store and enjoy your leftovers.

• To Store: Let the casserole cool completely, then cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• To Reheat: You can reheat individual portions in the microwave. For best results, place the casserole back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Covering it with foil will prevent the topping from browning further.
• To Freeze: Assemble the casserole but do not bake. Cover it tightly with a layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the bake time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get the Full Recipe

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole (The Easiest, Creamiest Recipe!)

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole features tender chicken, smoky ham, and melted Swiss cheese in a simple homemade Dijon cream sauce. An easy, comforting, and crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner that the whole family will love!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, French

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Casserole

• 12 oz rotini pasta
• 3 cups cooked chicken shredded or cubed
• 1.5 cups diced ham
• 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese divided
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2.5 cups whole milk
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Topping

• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted

Equipment

• 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
• 1 Large Saucepan or Dutch Oven
• 1 Whisk

Instructions

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Cook rotini pasta according to package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tbsp of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook, stirring often, for 5-7 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
3. Remove the sauce from the heat. Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and 1 ½ cups of the shredded Swiss cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Add the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and diced ham to the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of Swiss cheese over the top.
6. In a small bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For the best results, shred your own Swiss cheese. Pre-shredded cheese can contain anti-caking agents that affect how it melts.
Use rotisserie chicken to make this recipe even faster and easier.
Don't overcook the pasta initially, as it will continue to cook in the oven.

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