Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a comforting and cheesy dish that takes all the best parts of the classic chicken cordon bleu and turns them into an easy, cozy bake. It’s packed with tender chicken, melty Swiss cheese, and savory ham, all topped with a crunchy breadcrumb layer that adds the perfect texture contrast.
I love making this casserole on busy weeknights because it feels special but comes together without any stress. One of my favorite tricks is adding a little Dijon mustard to the sauce for a gentle tang that brings the whole dish to life. Plus, it’s a hit with kids and adults alike — everyone loves that gooey cheese and ham combo!
To serve, I like pairing this casserole with simple steamed veggies or a crisp green salad to balance out all that richness. It’s the kind of meal that warms you up and makes the house smell amazing while it’s baking. I always find myself thinking about leftovers, which are just as tasty the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using cooked chicken breast is best for a tender, mild flavor. You can swap in rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover cooked chicken. If you need a lighter option, turkey breast works well too.
Swiss Cheese: This cheese gives the casserole its classic mild nuttiness. If you can’t find Swiss, Gruyère or even mozzarella can make a good substitute. For a stronger flavor, try a sharp white cheddar.
Ham: Diced ham adds a salty, smoky contrast. You can use deli ham, leftover ham from a roast, or even cooked Canadian bacon. For a lower-sodium option, look for low-sodium ham or turkey ham.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs create a crispy topping. You can replace panko with regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, but panko gives the best crunch.
How to Make a Smooth, Thick Cheese Sauce Without Lumps?
The cheese sauce is key to creamy texture here. Follow these tips for success:
- Start by melting butter and whisking in flour to form a roux; cook it just until slightly golden to avoid a floury taste.
- Add cold milk slowly, whisking constantly. This prevents lumps and helps the sauce thicken evenly.
- Once thickened, remove from heat before adding cheese. This stops cheese from overheating and becoming grainy.
- Use shredded cheese rather than chunks for quicker, smoother melting.
Take your time whisking and keep the heat steady but moderate. This way, you’ll get a luscious sauce that coats your noodles perfectly!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – perfect size for even cooking and easy serving.
- Medium saucepan – great for making the creamy cheese sauce without spills.
- Whisk – helps you mix the roux and sauce smoothly with no lumps.
- Large pot – for boiling the egg noodles to the right tenderness.
- Mixing bowl – to combine all the ingredients evenly before baking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ham for cooked bacon or pancetta for a smoky twist that adds crunch.
- Use Gruyère instead of Swiss cheese for a nutty, deeper flavor.
- Add steamed broccoli or green peas for a fresh veggie boost and color.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms to introduce earthiness and extra texture.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked egg noodles
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed or shredded
- 1 ½ cups diced ham
- 1 ½ cups shredded Swiss cheese, divided
For The Cheese Sauce:
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare, then about 25-30 minutes to bake in the oven. So, plan for around 45 minutes in total from start to serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Noodles:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until they are just tender (al dente). Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt ¼ cup butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often, to form a roux that is slightly golden. Slowly whisk in the milk to avoid lumps, and keep whisking until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and mix in 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
3. Combine and Bake the Casserole:
In a large bowl, mix the cooked noodles, chicken, diced ham, and cheese sauce until well combined. Spread this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle this breadcrumb topping evenly over the casserole. Finally, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of Swiss cheese over the breadcrumbs for extra cheesy goodness.
4. Bake and Serve:
Bake the casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and golden brown on top. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if you like, and enjoy your creamy, cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Casserole?
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Cook thoroughly before adding it to the casserole.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through or microwave in shorter intervals, stirring occasionally.
Can I Substitute the Swiss Cheese?
Definitely! Gruyère, mozzarella, or white cheddar are great alternatives and will give a slightly different but still delicious flavor profile to the casserole.
