Effortless & Decadent: Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with Rice
Discover the ultimate weeknight hero: a rich and savory **Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with Rice**. This delightful dish reimagines the classic French inspiration into a comforting, oven-baked masterpiece. Imagine tender pieces of chicken and savory ham, layered over fluffy rice, all bathed in a luxurious, creamy sauce and topped with perfectly melted Swiss cheese. It’s a truly decadent yet incredibly easy meal, perfect for transforming leftover chicken or ham into something extraordinary, or simply for a quick and satisfying family dinner.
The Inspiration: A Casserole Evolution
When I first set out to create this recipe, my initial plan was to whip up my classic Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, a tried-and-true favorite that’s my “go-to” for repurposing leftover holiday ham. However, a spark of inspiration hit, and I decided to elevate it by incorporating rice. My family absolutely adores rice; it makes an appearance on our dinner table at least two to three times a week. We especially love it when it’s baked into a hearty casserole, where those delectable, slightly crunchy bits around the edges of the pan become the most coveted part. As soon as this casserole goes into the oven, a friendly “dibs” war usually breaks out for those crispy edges!
Why This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with Rice Will Become Your New Favorite
This recipe for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with Rice is unbelievably simple and remarkably quick to prepare. I can typically get it ready for the oven in about 10 minutes – that’s less time than it takes to decide what to watch on TV! Baked in a standard 9×13 Pyrex baking dish, it’s usually perfectly cooked in about 35 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. This dish truly embodies comfort food, offering a warm, satisfying meal that can even be prepared in advance. Simply assemble it, pop it in the fridge, and then bake it when you’re ready for a quick, hassle-free dinner. And the best part? Leftovers are absolutely fantastic the next day, often tasting even better!
For ultimate convenience, a store-bought rotisserie chicken works wonders for the cooked chicken component. If you don’t have any leftover ham from a previous meal, don’t fret! A few slices of quality ham from the deli counter will do the trick perfectly. With these simple shortcuts, you’re just moments away from serving up a delicious, family-friendly meal that’s sure to garner rave reviews.
If your family shares my love for easy and flavorful casseroles, then you absolutely must add this to your rotation alongside other crowd-pleasers like Cheesy Hash Brown Potato Casserole, a comforting Corn Pie Casserole, or my beloved Mom’s Broccoli, Rice, and Cheese Casserole.
Essential Ingredients for Your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with Rice
One of the many charms of this casserole is that it relies on readily available, simple ingredients, making dinner time truly stress-free. It’s also incredibly adaptable, allowing you to easily use whatever you might already have on hand!
You’ll find the complete list of precise measurements and detailed instructions at the very bottom of this post in the convenient printable recipe card.
The Building Blocks of Flavor:
- Cooked Chicken: The star of the show! A pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut, offering tender, flavorful meat with minimal effort. Any leftover cooked chicken you have (shredded or diced) works perfectly, or simply cook up a couple of chicken breasts specifically for this recipe.
- Ham: Adds that signature Cordon Bleu savoriness. I often opt for a few slices of high-quality ham from the deli section, chopped into bite-sized pieces. Leftover holiday ham is, of course, a dream ingredient here!
- Prepared Rice: This casserole is designed for speed, so minute rice is an excellent choice as it cooks up incredibly fast. This ensures you can get the dish on the table before hunger truly sets in. If you have leftover cooked white rice, that will work beautifully too.
- Sour Cream: The secret to an irresistibly rich and creamy sauce. Sour cream adds a lovely tang and luscious texture that elevates the entire dish.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: A classic casserole staple, providing a quick and easy creamy base. Any brand, including store-brand varieties, will work well to build the sauce.
- Chicken Stock: Helps to thin the sauce to the perfect consistency and intensifies the savory chicken flavor. If you don’t have chicken stock, chicken broth is a fine substitute.
- Dijon Mustard: Don’t skip this! Dijon mustard is crucial for that authentic cordon bleu flavor. It provides a subtle, sophisticated kick and depth that yellow mustard simply cannot replicate.
- Swiss Cheese: Essential for both its signature flavor and its incredible melting capabilities. Everything tastes better with cheese, and this casserole is no exception. It blankets the dish in a bubbly, golden layer.
- Fresh Parsley: A few sprigs of fresh parsley, chopped and sprinkled over the top, add a pop of color and a touch of freshness that brightens the rich flavors of the casserole.
Crafting Your Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these easy steps to bring this comforting casserole to life:
First, begin by preheating your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). While the oven heats, give a 9×13-inch baking pan a generous spray with non-stick cooking spray to ensure an easy cleanup later.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken stock, Dijon mustard, and a tablespoon of fresh parsley. Whisk them together until you achieve a smooth and well-combined mixture. Then, gently fold in the shredded Swiss cheese. This creates the rich, creamy, and flavorful sauce that makes this casserole so special.
Next, evenly spread your prepared rice across the bottom of the greased baking pan. This will form the delicious, starchy base of your casserole. On top of the rice, evenly distribute the shredded chicken and chopped ham, creating a hearty layer of protein.
Finally, pour the creamy sauce mixture you just prepared over the entire top of the rice, ham, and chicken. Make sure to spread it out so everything is nicely covered and ready to bake.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After this initial baking period, carefully remove the cover and continue to bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
Serve your delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole hot, straight from the baking dish, and get ready for a symphony of flavors!
Love it? Pin it!
If you’ve fallen in love with this incredibly easy and delicious **Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole**, make sure you don’t lose track of it! Pin this fantastic dinner idea to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you leave. It’s the perfect way to save it for your next busy weeknight or when you’re craving ultimate comfort food!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Chicken Cordon Bleu
Let’s clarify some common questions about this classic-inspired dish:
Why is this dish called ‘Cordon Bleu?’ The name “Cordon Bleu” is French for “blue ribbon,” and it harks back to L’Ordre des Chevaliers du Saint-Esprit, the highest order of knighthood instituted by Henri III of France in 1578. Members of this prestigious order wore a blue ribbon. Over time, the term became associated with excellence, particularly in culinary arts. Thus, “Cordon Bleu” in cooking signifies a dish prepared to a very high standard, often with a rich filling and exquisite presentation.
Is chicken cordon bleu traditionally fried? Yes, indeed! The classic, traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu typically involves a butterflied chicken breast, pounded thin, filled with ham and Swiss cheese, then breaded and pan-fried or deep-fried until golden and crispy. While our casserole version embraces the beloved flavor profile, it offers a healthier and much simpler baked alternative, skipping the breading and frying entirely for a more effortless comfort food experience.
Creative Variations & Savory Substitutions
My easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, making it a brilliant way to use up leftover ham, chicken, or even turkey. You can quickly whip up this adaptable recipe for a hearty family meal without an extra trip to the grocery store. Serve it with some crisp green beans or a fresh green salad, and you’re all set for a complete and satisfying dinner.
- Cheese Choices: While Swiss cheese is the traditional choice and provides that authentic flavor, feel free to experiment with other melty cheeses. Gruyere offers a nutty depth, while a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella can add a different, but equally delicious, cheesy pull. It might not be “authentic” Cordon Bleu, but it will certainly be tasty!
- Soup Swaps: If cream of chicken soup isn’t on hand, or if you prefer a different flavor profile, cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup are excellent alternatives that will still provide a rich and creamy base for your casserole.
- Extra Creaminess: For an even more luxurious and velvety texture, try stirring in a spoonful or two of softened whipped cream cheese into your sauce mixture. It adds a delightful richness that takes this casserole to the next level.
- Crunchy Topping: If you miss the crispiness of traditional fried Cordon Bleu, consider adding a crunchy topping. Before baking, sprinkle the casserole with some buttery breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter. Bake uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes to achieve a golden, irresistible crunch.
- Add Veggies: Boost the nutritional value and texture by incorporating vegetables. Frozen peas, steamed broccoli florets, or sautéed mushrooms can be stirred into the rice layer or even mixed into the sauce.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of garlic powder or onion powder can enhance the savory notes of the sauce. For a very subtle kick, a tiny dash of smoked paprika or a hint of cayenne pepper can add another layer of flavor.
Chef’s Tips & Smart Tricks for Success
To ensure your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole comes together quickly and flawlessly, here are a few extra tips and tricks:
- Rice Matters: While Minute Rice is fantastic for its speed, if you happen to have leftover cooked white rice in the fridge, that will work perfectly too! Just make sure it’s completely cooled before layering it in the dish. For best results, use a par-cooked or quick-cooking rice to ensure it absorbs the flavors without becoming mushy.
- Perfectly Cooked Layers: Ensure your chicken and ham are cut into roughly similar, bite-sized pieces for even distribution and cooking. This also makes for easier serving.
- Storage Savvy: Any glorious leftovers of this casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. This makes it an excellent option for meal prepping throughout the week.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until heated through, or cover the entire casserole dish with foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven until bubbly, adding a splash of milk or broth if it seems dry.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can assemble the entire casserole (up to the point of baking) a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before baking, and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through evenly.
More Easy Meals for Busy Nights
If you’re a fan of this easy chicken casserole recipe and its blend of simple ingredients and incredible flavor, you’re sure to enjoy these other family-favorite recipes. Each one is designed for busy nights and often features chicken or ham as a star ingredient:
- Easy Weeknight Chicken Parmesan Bake (pictured above) – A quick, cheesy classic!
- Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili – Spicy, hearty, and hands-off.
- Hawaiian Ham Balls – A sweet and savory delight.
- Five Bean Ham & Rice Salad – A refreshing and filling option.
- Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki – Asian-inspired flavors with minimal effort.
- Ham & Smoked Gouda Quiche – Perfect for brunch or a light dinner.
- Apple Chicken Salad – A fresh and crisp meal.
See ALL of my Casserole Recipes for more inspiration!
This easy Chicken Cordon Bleu bake is truly my favorite take on the traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu, and I can confidently say it absolutely measures up in terms of flavor and satisfaction. You certainly won’t be disappointed with the rich, creamy texture and the incredible cheesiness of this casserole. The best part? You don’t need to wear a blue ribbon to serve or enjoy it! Just gather your loved ones, prepare this delightful dish, and let me know how much your family enjoys it. I’m confident it will become a new staple in your meal rotation.
Now, let’s get to the full recipe details, shall we? 
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Print Recipe
Chicken and Rice Cordon Bleu Casserole
Equipment
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12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
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9×13 Pyrex Baking Dish with a Lid
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 2 cups chopped ham
- 2 cups prepared rice I used Minute rice, or use any leftover cooked white rice
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 1 1/2 cups Swiss cheese shredded
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
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Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
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Layer the Base: Spread the prepared rice evenly across the bottom of the greased baking pan. Top with the shredded chicken and chopped ham, distributing them well over the rice layer.
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Make the Creamy Sauce: In a separate bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken stock, Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley until thoroughly combined and smooth. Gently fold in 1 cup of the shredded Swiss cheese. Spread this creamy sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, ham, and rice layers in the baking dish.
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Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded Swiss cheese over the top, and continue to bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are lightly golden.
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Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy this comforting Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with Rice hot!
Notes
Nutrition
This delightful recipe was originally shared on April 13, 2016. It has since been updated and re-shared on November 30, 2022, with improved user experience, additional tips, and more detailed information to make your cooking experience even better!
