Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with Crispy Stuffing Topping
Are you yearning for the rich, comforting flavors of classic Chicken Cordon Bleu but dread the intricate process of stuffing and breading individual chicken breasts? Look no further! This incredible Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole recipe is your ultimate answer. It delivers all the beloved taste and cheesy goodness of the traditional dish in a wonderfully simplified, family-friendly casserole form. Perfect for those busy weeknights or when you simply crave a hearty, satisfying meal without the fuss, this recipe comes together with just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time. Imagine tender chicken and savory ham, blanketed in a luscious, creamy Swiss cheese sauce, all topped with a golden, crunchy stuffing layer – pure comfort food perfection baked right into one dish. It’s also a fantastic way to utilize leftover ham or a store-bought rotisserie chicken, making dinner even quicker and easier to get on the table.
What is Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Before diving into our easy casserole version, let’s appreciate the classic dish that inspired it. Chicken Cordon Bleu is a French-inspired culinary masterpiece that traditionally features a tender chicken cutlet, pounded thin, then carefully wrapped around a slice of savory ham and a piece of melty Swiss cheese. This delicate package is then often breaded and either pan-fried to a crispy, golden exterior or baked until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is oozing. The name “Cordon Bleu” literally translates to “blue ribbon,” often associated with culinary excellence and a sign of a high-quality, impressive dish. While undeniably delicious, preparing traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu can be time-consuming and somewhat challenging for home cooks, especially on a busy schedule. This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, however, ingeniously captures all those beloved, rich flavors and textures – the succulence of chicken, the saltiness of ham, the creamy, nutty notes of Swiss cheese – and transforms them into an effortlessly assembled, baked casserole. It truly embodies the spirit of comfort food, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying family meal without the culinary acrobatics.
If you enjoy comforting and hearty casserole-style meals like this one, you might also love exploring other family favorites. Consider trying my Chili Mac for a nostalgic twist on chili, my Pizza Pasta that combines two crowd-pleasers into one dish, or this incredibly Easy Skillet Tamale Pie, which offers a robust and flavorful experience. All are designed to be simple, satisfying dinner options perfect for any night of the week.
Why This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with Stuffing is a Must-Try
This particular Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole stands out as a true weeknight hero in the realm of easy chicken casserole recipes. What makes it so special and a definite must-try for your family? Firstly, its incredible simplicity. With just 6 main ingredients, this dish requires minimal chopping and assembly, meaning you can have it prepped and ready for the oven in mere minutes. This is a game-changer when you’re short on time but still want to provide a homemade, delicious meal. Secondly, it’s a brilliant solution for using up those leftovers – whether it’s ham from a holiday dinner, a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, or even leftover cooked turkey. These ingredients transform what could be boring leftovers into something exciting and new. The magic truly happens in the harmonious layering: succulent chicken and savory ham are nestled in a creamy, tangy sauce, then generously topped with slices of rich Swiss cheese, and finally crowned with a crispy, golden-brown stuffing layer. This combination of textures – tender meat, gooey cheese, and crunchy topping – creates an undeniably satisfying eating experience. Beyond its ease and deliciousness, this casserole is also incredibly budget-friendly, often utilizing ingredients you already have on hand or can easily find at your local grocery store, making it a practical choice for regular family dinners.
Essential Ingredients for Your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Crafting this comforting casserole requires just a few key ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering that authentic Chicken Cordon Bleu flavor profile. For precise measurements and detailed instructions, please refer to the full printable recipe card located at the bottom of this article.
- Chicken Flavored Stuffing Mix – This is the secret to the wonderfully crunchy topping! A 6-ounce box, prepared according to its package directions, works perfectly. Beyond convenience, it’s a fantastic way to elevate the dish and use up any leftover holiday stuffing you might have. It adds both flavor and texture.
- Cream of Chicken Soup – This forms the creamy, rich base of our casserole sauce, binding all the flavors together. For those who prefer a more homemade touch, feel free to skip the canned version and whip up your own homemade cream of chicken soup.
- Dijon Mustard – Don’t underestimate this ingredient! Dijon mustard adds a subtle yet essential tang and depth to the creamy sauce, cutting through the richness of the cheese and enhancing the overall flavor without being overpowering. It’s a classic pairing with chicken and ham.
- Cooked Chicken – The versatility of this recipe shines here. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cubed, or opt for the ultimate shortcut: a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Leftover chicken or even turkey from another meal also works wonderfully, making this a great meal prep solution.
- Ham – Diced into bite-sized pieces, the ham brings a delicious saltiness and complementary flavor to the chicken. Leftover holiday ham is ideal, but pre-cubed ham from the deli or a thick slice that you dice yourself are equally good options.
- Swiss Cheese – The hallmark of Cordon Bleu! Swiss cheese provides that characteristic nutty, slightly sweet, and wonderfully melty goodness. While sliced Swiss cheese is convenient for layering, shredded Swiss cheese also works beautifully, offering an even distribution of cheesiness throughout the casserole.
Simple Steps to Make This Delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
One of the best features of this recipe is how quickly and effortlessly it comes together, proving that gourmet flavors don’t always require hours in the kitchen. Here’s a detailed guide to assembling your casserole:
First, begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the perfect temperature for even baking as soon as your casserole is ready. While the oven preheats, prepare a 2-quart baking dish by lightly coating it with non-stick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents the cheese and sauce from sticking, making for easier serving and cleanup.
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the can of cream of chicken soup with the Dijon mustard. Whisk these two ingredients together thoroughly until they are smooth and well-incorporated. The mustard will add a subtle, tangy kick that complements the creamy soup beautifully, forming the foundation of your casserole’s rich sauce. Once the base is mixed, add your cooked, cubed chicken and diced ham to the bowl. Stir everything gently until the chicken and ham pieces are evenly coated in the creamy soup mixture. This ensures every bite will be bursting with flavor.
Now, carefully transfer the chicken and ham mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to form the base layer of your casserole. Next, arrange the slices of Swiss cheese directly on top of the chicken and ham mixture, ensuring good coverage. The cheese will melt beautifully, creating a gooey, irresistible layer. Finally, spoon the prepared chicken-flavored stuffing evenly over the entire top of the casserole. This will bake into a golden, crispy crust that provides a delightful textural contrast to the creamy interior.
To bake, cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. This helps to steam the casserole, ensuring it heats through evenly and prevents the stuffing from browning too quickly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is thoroughly heated, bubbly around the edges, and the stuffing topping is beautifully golden and crisp. Remove the foil during the last 10-15 minutes if you prefer an extra crispy topping. Once done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
Storing and Freezing Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for Future Enjoyment
One of the many benefits of this casserole recipe is its excellent make-ahead and storage capabilities, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying later. Here’s how to handle your leftovers and future meals:
- Leftovers: Any remaining casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until warmed through, or place the entire dish (covered with foil to prevent drying) in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until bubbling and hot in the center.
- Freezing: This casserole truly shines as a freezer-friendly meal! To freeze, assemble the casserole completely, but do not bake it. Instead, cover the baking dish tightly first with a layer of plastic wrap, then with a layer of aluminum foil. This double-layer protection helps prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, remove the plastic wrap and foil, and bake as directed in the recipe instructions. You can also bake it from frozen, though it will require a longer baking time (likely 60-75 minutes, covered, then uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes).
Love It? Pin It!
If this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole recipe sounds like your next family favorite, don’t forget to save it for later! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest board, whether it’s for easy dinners, comfort food, or make-ahead meals. This way, you’ll always have this fantastic recipe at your fingertips whenever that Cordon Bleu craving strikes!
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Given the rich and cheesy nature of this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, balancing it with lighter, fresh side dishes is key to a perfectly satisfying meal. Here are some excellent suggestions to complement its decadent flavors:
- Crisp Green Salad: A vibrant green salad with a light, tangy vinaigrette (like a lemon-thyme dressing) offers a refreshing contrast. The crispness of fresh greens and the acidity of the dressing help to cut through the richness of the casserole, making each bite enjoyable.
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Simple steamed or roasted vegetables are always a healthy and delicious choice. Consider classic green beans, asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts. A light seasoning of salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice is often all they need to shine alongside the casserole.
- Buttered Egg Noodles or Rice: For those who prefer a heartier meal, a side of warm buttered egg noodles or fluffy white rice can be a delightful addition. They provide a wonderful base to soak up any extra creamy sauce from the casserole, ensuring no delicious drop goes to waste.
- Crusty Bread: A freshly baked baguette or a slice of crusty artisan bread is perfect for scooping up every last bit of that savory sauce and melted cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Here are some common questions and helpful answers to ensure your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole turns out perfectly every time:
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, absolutely! This casserole is excellent for meal prep. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook, remove the plastic wrap, cover with foil, and bake as directed, possibly adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through evenly.
- Can I freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole? Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully! For the best results, we recommend freezing it before baking. Assemble the casserole as instructed, then cover it tightly with both plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Remember to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking, or add significant extra baking time if cooking from frozen.
- How do I reheat leftovers? Leftovers can be easily reheated. For individual servings, simply microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. If reheating a larger portion, cover it loosely with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until piping hot in the center.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? While Swiss cheese is traditional for Cordon Bleu and offers a distinct flavor, you can certainly experiment! Provolone, Gruyere, or even a mild cheddar could work, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
- What if I don’t have Dijon mustard? If you’re out of Dijon, a small amount of yellow mustard or even a touch of white wine vinegar could offer a similar tangy note, but the unique flavor of Dijon is highly recommended for authenticity.
Discover More Delicious Casserole Recipes to Love
If this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole has won your heart and stomach, you’re in for a treat! There are countless other comforting casserole creations waiting to be explored. You might particularly enjoy my Chicken & Rice Cordon Bleu Casserole (as pictured above), which offers a delightful variation by incorporating rice into the mix, making it an even more complete and satisfying meal. Beyond the Cordon Bleu theme, consider these other yummy casserole ideas:
- Slow Cooker Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole: A flavorful and convenient Tex-Mex inspired dish that cooks itself.
- Slow Cooker Ravioli Lasagna: Layered with cheesy ravioli, rich sauce, and meat, this is a simplified take on classic lasagna.
- Tuna Tetrazzini: A classic creamy pasta casserole, perfect for a budget-friendly and delicious weeknight dinner.
- Chicken & Doritos Casserole: A fun, kid-friendly casserole with a crunchy, cheesy Doritos topping that’s always a hit.
- My Mom’s Taco Casserole recipe: A family favorite, bringing all the festive flavors of tacos into a convenient baked dish.
These recipes demonstrate the incredible versatility and ease of casseroles, making them perfect additions to your regular meal rotation.
Now, it’s time to get cooking and bring this incredibly simple yet flavorful Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole to your table. I’m confident that its creamy, cheesy goodness, combined with the savory chicken and ham, and that irresistible crispy stuffing topping, will make it an instant hit with your family. I would absolutely love to hear your thoughts and experiences when you make it – please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below with your feedback!
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Print Recipe
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 (6 ounce) package chicken flavored stuffing mix prepared according to package instructions
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 5 small boneless skinless chicken breasts cooked and cubed
- 2.5 cups ham cooked, chopped
- 6 slices Swiss cheese
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees, prepare a 2 quart casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
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Whisk soup and mustard together in a medium sized bowl, stir in the chicken and ham. Pour into the casserole, top with cheese slices.
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Spoon prepared stuffing over the top.
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Bake 35-40 minutes or until heated through.
Notes
Storing and Freezing Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted on September 18, 2015. It has been meticulously updated and enhanced to improve user experience, add valuable tips, and ensure it remains a beloved family favorite. This refreshed version was proudly reshared on March 18, 2025.