Name: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 cloves garlic, grated or minced; 3 tablespoons flour; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 1/2 cups milk (skim or full cream); 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon chicken or vegetable stock/Bouillon powder; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (fresh grated); Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish); 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (uncooked); 4 cups cooked or rotisserie chicken (shredded or diced); 2 cups diced ham; 2 cups Swiss cheese (shredded); 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (fresh grated); 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons melted butter

Jump to Recipe

If you are craving a comforting and indulgent dish that brings together all your favorite flavors in one pan, Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is exactly what you need. This casserole transforms the classic chicken cordon bleu into an easy-to-make, creamy, cheesy bake loaded with tender chicken, savory ham, fresh broccoli, and a luscious Dijon cream sauce topped with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb crust. It’s the perfect family-friendly meal that feels special but comes together effortlessly for any night of the week.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is thoughtfully chosen for simplicity and delicious results. From creamy dairy to fresh vegetables, everything works together to create a rich texture and vibrant flavors.

Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Provides a rich base for the sauce and helps crisp up the breadcrumb topping perfectly.
Garlic (2 cloves, grated or minced): Adds fragrant warmth that gives the sauce a subtle depth.
Flour (3 tablespoons): Essential for thickening the creamy Dijon sauce to the perfect consistency.
Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Infuses savory flavor into the sauce, keeping it light and balanced.
Milk (1 1/2 cups, skim or full cream): Offers creaminess that enriches every bite without overpowering.
Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Delivers a gentle tangy kick that brightens the whole casserole.
Chicken or vegetable stock/Bouillon powder (1 teaspoon): Boosts the umami flavor, enhancing every ingredient.
Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, freshly grated): Adds a nutty, salty element that complements the Swiss cheese beautifully.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Balances and elevates all the flavors.
Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): Brings a fresh, herbal note and a pop of color when sprinkled on top.
Fresh broccoli florets (2 cups, uncooked): Introduce a bright, slightly crunchy texture and a healthy dose of green.
Cooked or rotisserie chicken (4 cups, shredded or diced): The hearty protein base that makes this casserole fulfilling.
Diced ham (2 cups): Infuses smoky, savory flavors reminiscent of traditional cordon bleu.
Swiss cheese (2 cups, shredded): Melts into gooey perfection, adding creaminess and a mild tang.
Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, freshly grated): Used again for a cheesy crust that crisps up delightfully.
Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup): Ensures a satisfyingly crunchy texture on top.
Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Helps the breadcrumbs brown evenly and adds buttery richness.

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Step 1: Make The Dijon Cream Sauce

Start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add the garlic to release its wonderful aroma in just about 30 seconds. Lower the heat and whisk in the flour, cooking it for a minute to get rid of any raw taste. Gradually stir in chicken broth and milk, whisking constantly, until the mixture is silky smooth. Then, add the Dijon mustard, stock powder, and Parmesan cheese, continuing to whisk as the sauce thickens. Don’t hesitate to add a splash more milk if the sauce feels too thick. Season with salt, pepper, and stir in fresh parsley if you want a lively burst of color and freshness. This sauce is what will tie all the comforting flavors of the casserole together beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

While your sauce is simmering, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the broccoli florets for about 2 to 3 minutes. The goal is to make them tender but still crisp and vibrant green—the perfect textural contrast in your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Spread the shredded chicken evenly at the bottom of your casserole dish. Next, layer the tender broccoli and diced ham on top. Pour your luscious Dijon cream sauce evenly over these layers, making sure every bite is coated. Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese and Parmesan cheese on top for maximum cheesiness. Finally, toss together the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle that golden mixture on the surface, creating the irresistible crunch you’ll love.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30 minutes until the top is beautifully golden and the casserole bubbles invitingly. As you wait, your kitchen will fill with the amazing scents of garlic, mustard, and melted cheese, making it impossible to resist.

How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Garnishes

A fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley or chives on top of the casserole adds vibrant color and a subtle herbal brightness that complements the richness perfectly. If you want an extra punch, a tiny drizzle of lemon juice right before serving can elevate the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole practically stands on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, roasted baby potatoes, or a light cucumber and tomato salad. These sides balance the richness with freshness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

To make your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole feel special, serve it in individual ramekins for a personalized touch at dinner parties. Or pile it onto colorful plates and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens to impress your guests visually as well as with taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your casserole, cool any leftovers to room temperature and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.

Freezing

If you want to save Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for longer, freeze it before baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn, and keep it frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake it straight from the freezer, adding extra baking time until hot and bubbly.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers in a preheated oven at 350 degrees until warmed through and the breadcrumb topping is crisp again. Microwaving also works for a quicker option, but the oven method retains the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh for this casserole?

Yes, frozen broccoli can be used if fresh isn’t available. Just thaw and drain it well to avoid excess water making the casserole soggy.

Is it necessary to use both Parmesan and Swiss cheese?

Using both cheeses adds layers of flavor and texture; Parmesan contributes a sharp, nutty note while Swiss offers mild, creamy meltiness, which together create that classic cordon bleu taste.

Can I substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth?

Absolutely! Vegetable broth works well as a substitute if you prefer a lighter or vegetarian-friendly base for the sauce.

What can I use instead of Panko breadcrumbs?

If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can be used, but keep in mind panko gives the crispiest topping texture.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly after baking?

It’s best to freeze the casserole before baking for optimal texture. After baking, freezing can affect the creaminess and crisp topping, so reheating leftovers from the fridge is preferable.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole has quickly become one of my go-to comfort food recipes because it brings all the familiar deliciousness of chicken cordon bleu with none of the fuss. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or cooking for guests, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels both comforting and special. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy that perfect harmony of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and crunchy topping yourself.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 8 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a creamy, cheesy comfort dish inspired by the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu. Featuring tender chicken, ham, broccoli, and layers of Swiss and Parmesan cheese topped with a buttery panko breadcrumb crust, it’s perfect for a hearty family meal that’s easy to prepare and bakes to golden perfection.

Instructions

Make The Dijon Cream Sauce: Melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat in a small saucepan. Add 2 cloves garlic, grated or minced, and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Reduce heat to low, whisk in 3 tablespoons flour, and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
Add Liquids and Flavorings: Gradually pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1 1/2 cups milk while continuously whisking until smooth. Stir in 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon chicken or vegetable stock/Bouillon powder, and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens. Add extra milk in 1-2 tablespoon increments if the sauce is too thick. Season with salt and pepper, and stir in 2 tablespoons fresh parsley if using.
Prepare Broccoli: While making the sauce, bring a medium pot of water to a boil with generous salt. Add 2 cups fresh broccoli florets and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until crisp-tender. Drain and set aside.
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to preheat.
Assemble the Casserole: In a casserole dish, spread 4 cups of cooked or rotisserie chicken evenly as the base. Layer the cooked broccoli florets followed by 2 cups diced ham. Pour the prepared cream sauce evenly over the layers. Top with 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Add Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, mix 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter until well combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to create a crunchy topping.
Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling hot underneath.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful shortcut.
You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like cauliflower or asparagus if preferred.
Adjust the thickness of the sauce with milk depending on your preference.
For a lower fat version, use skim milk and reduce butter, but the casserole might be less creamy.
Make sure not to overcook the broccoli so it retains a slight crunch.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish, Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American