Chicken Cordon Bleu

Category: Inspiring Dinner Ideas

Layer chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese, top with homemade cream sauce and buttery Panko, bake until golden and bubbly.
Sarah
Created By Sarah John
Updated on Wed, 19 Feb 2025 16:48:05 GMT
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Save
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole | kitchenscroll.com

Transform classic Chicken Cordon Bleu into an easy, comforting casserole with this layered delight. The combination of tender shredded chicken, black forest ham, and Swiss cheese, all enveloped in a creamy Dijon sauce and crowned with crispy Panko breadcrumbs, creates a dish that's both elegant and approachable.

After perfecting this recipe in my home kitchen, I've found it brings the same joy as traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu with half the effort.

Essential Ingredients Guide

  • Chicken: Use tender, shredded chicken for best texture
  • Ham: Black Forest ham provides optimal flavor depth
  • Swiss Cheese: Fresh-sliced melts beautifully
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds classic tangy note
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates perfect crispy topping
  • Whole Milk: Ensures creamy, rich sauce

Creating Casserole Magic

Layer The Base:
Arrange chicken evenly for proper distribution.
Add The Meats:
Layer ham carefully for complete coverage.
Build The Cheese:
Place Swiss slices with slight overlap.
Perfect The Sauce:
Whisk carefully for smooth, creamy results.
Crown With Crumbs:
Top evenly with buttered Panko mixture.
Delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Save
Delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole | kitchenscroll.com

In my experience, the key to perfect sauce lies in patient whisking and gradual milk addition. 'Take your time with the sauce,' my culinary mentor would say, 'it's the heart of the dish.'

Enhance Your Meal

Serve alongside roasted asparagus, a fresh green salad, or buttered egg noodles. For special occasions, add a white wine sauce drizzle.

Creative Variations

Transform this casserole by using Gruyère cheese, adding sautéed mushrooms, or incorporating spinach layers. For extra flavor, try herbs in the breadcrumb topping.

Storage Success

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to maintain topping crispiness.

Through extensive testing in my kitchen, I've discovered that this casserole represents the perfect balance of classic technique and modern convenience. When each element is prepared with care, the result is a dish that brings elegance to everyday dining.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe Save
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe | kitchenscroll.com

Common Questions About Cooking

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken works great and saves prep time.
→ Can I make this ahead?
Assemble up to a day ahead, but add the Panko topping just before baking.
→ What can I serve with this?
Serve with steamed vegetables or a green salad for a complete meal.
→ Can I freeze this casserole?
Freeze before adding Panko topping. Thaw overnight and add fresh topping before baking.
→ Why isn't my sauce thickening?
Make sure to whisk constantly and cook until flour is well incorporated before adding milk.

Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

A deconstructed version of the classic French dish featuring layers of chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese with a creamy sauce and crispy topping.

Preparation Time
20 minutes
Cooking Duration
40 minutes
Total Time Required
60 minutes
Created By: Sarah John

Recipe Category: Dinner Delights

Skill Level Required: Moderate Skills Needed

Cuisine Style: French-American

Recipe Output: 8 Number of Servings (1 9x13-inch casserole)

Dietary Preferences: ~

What You'll Gather

→ Base Layer

Contains 01 items 5 cups shredded chicken
Contains 02 items 9 ounces sliced black forest ham, cut into strips
Contains 03 items 8 ounces sliced Swiss cheese

→ Sauce

Contains 04 items 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
Contains 05 items 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Contains 06 items 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
Contains 07 items 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Contains 08 items ½ teaspoon salt
Contains 09 items ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Contains 10 items ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Contains 11 items 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Contains 12 items 3 cups whole milk

→ Topping

Contains 13 items 1½ cups Panko breadcrumbs
Contains 14 items 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Contains 15 items Chopped parsley (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 9x13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray

Step 02

Layer shredded chicken, ham strips, and Swiss cheese in dish

Step 03

Melt butter, add seasonings, whisk in flour. Gradually add milk until thickened, about 4 minutes

Step 04

Pour sauce over cheese. Mix Panko with softened butter, spread over top

Step 05

Bake uncovered 30-40 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest 5 minutes before serving

Important Tips

  1. Allow casserole to rest for proper sauce setting. Ensure Panko topping gets golden brown for best texture

Essential Tools

  • 9x13-inch casserole dish
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Guidance

Double-check ingredients for allergens and consult a health expert if needed.
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains wheat