Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: A Cheesy Twist on a Classic Dish
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole combines the elegant flavors of Swiss cheese, ham, and tender chicken in a simple-to-make layered dish. It’s a cheesy, creamy twist on the classic French dish that’s beloved for its rich flavors and crunchy breadcrumb topping. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole offers the comfort of a home-cooked meal with a gourmet flair. The creamy Dijon sauce and crispy topping are sure to make this a memorable dish for any occasion.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a cozy meal for two, or making a midweek family favorite, this casserole is versatile, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make. Packed with protein and full of flavor, it’s guaranteed to satisfy and impress.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: Creamy, cheesy, and slightly tangy, with savory notes from the ham and chicken.
- Texture: A dreamy combination of tender chicken, gooey cheese, and crispy, buttery breadcrumbs on top.
- Aroma: The casserole fills your kitchen with the enticing scents of Swiss cheese and thyme, creating a comforting ambiance.
- Visual Appeal: A golden, crispy topping atop creamy layers makes this a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
- Skill Level Needed: Easy enough for beginners but impressive enough for seasoned cooks to enjoy preparing.
- Special Equipment: A meat mallet for pounding chicken breasts and a 9×13-inch baking dish for assembling the casserole.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: This dish is categorized as easy. Flattening the chicken is straightforward, and the layering process makes it simple to prepare. The creamy sauce comes together in mere minutes.
- Category: Perfect as a comforting main course for lunch or dinner.
- Cuisine: While its roots lie in French cuisine, this casserole incorporates a hearty, family-friendly twist.
- Cost: Moderate. The use of deli ham, Swiss cheese, and chicken makes this affordable for a group.
- Season: This casserole shines in cooler months, but its universal appeal makes it a year-round favorite.
- Occasion: Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or hosting a small gathering with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole delivers all the flavors of the classic dish in a way that’s so much easier to prepare. Say goodbye to endless rolling and frying—the casserole format makes the process stress-free, giving you more time to enjoy the experience of cooking. The rich, creamy sauce elevates the dish with just the right amount of decadence.
The casserole is versatile; you can easily customize it to cater to different palates, diets, or ingredient availabilities. It reheats well and stores beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers. Plus, its golden topping and melty interiors make it kid-friendly, turning dinnertime into a family favorite.
The Recipe
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Meat mallet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Small saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Aluminum foil (optional)
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 8 slices of deli ham
- 8 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a small amount of butter.
- Pound the chicken breasts to 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet for even cooking.
- Layer two slices of ham and two slices of Swiss cheese on each chicken breast, then roll tightly and secure with toothpicks.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, stir together heavy cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and black pepper. Warm until combined, avoiding boiling.
- Arrange the chicken rolls in the prepared baking dish and pour the creamy sauce over the top.
- Combine the panko breadcrumbs and melted butter in a bowl. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the chicken, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. Top with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature: 165°F) and the topping turns golden and crispy.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Recipe Notes
- For extra crunch, broil the casserole in the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- You can substitute provolone or Gruyere cheese for Swiss if preferred.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.