Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole (Easy Baked Version with Ham and Swiss Cheese)
This easy chicken cordon bleu casserole is one of the recipes I have made for many years and never really get tired of making. It is simple, creamy, and full of familiar flavors like chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese baked together in a rich and delicious Dijon cream sauce.
If you are looking for a chicken cordon bleu casserole with ham and Swiss cheese that does not require breading or rolling chicken, this is it. Everything goes into a baking dish, gets covered in sauce, and bakes until hot and bubbling. Simple as that!
I usually make this as a creamy chicken ham and cheese casserole when I need something filling that does not take much effort. It also works well as a make ahead chicken cordon bleu casserole for busy weeknights since you can assemble it earlier in the day and bake it when needed.
You can use chicken breast or chicken thighs for this recipe. Both work well, so it really depends on what you have on hand.
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Why This Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Works
There are a few reasons this simple baked chicken cordon bleu casserole has stayed in my regular rotation.
First, it uses basic ingredients most people already have. Cooked chicken, ham, cheese, and a few pantry staples come together quickly.
Second, it has all the flavor of traditional chicken cordon bleu without the extra steps. There is no stuffing, breading, or frying involved and it is a low carb option if you are being cautious about that. When I was on the keto diet, this was something I made a lot.
Third, the creamy Dijon sauce ties everything together and makes it feel like a full meal in one dish. It is rich, but still balanced with the tang from the mustard and lemon juice.
This is also a great family friendly chicken casserole with Dijon cream sauce because it tends to be something both kids and adults will eat without much complaint. That is always a win in my book!
Ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Casserole base
- 2 pounds cooked chicken breast or chicken thighs, chopped or shredded
- 6 oz ham cut into bite sized pieces
- 5 oz shredded Swiss cheese or you can use sliced cheese (this is what I usually do)
Creamy Dijon sauce
- 4 oz melted butter
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon white cooking wine (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 oz lemon juice
Optional topping
- Crushed buttery crackers or sourdough breadcrumbs
- Fresh parsley
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole (step-by-step)
Step 1: Preheat oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish.
Step 2: Assemble the casserole
First, add the cooked chicken to the baking dish and spread it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the ham pieces over the top.
Step 3: Make the creamy Dijon sauce
In a large bowl or blender (I like to use my Ninja for this step), combine the melted butter, cream cheese, white wine (if you are using), dijon mustard, lemon juice, and salt.
Whisk well or blend until a thick sauce is formed.
Spread this over the chicken and ham layers in the baking dish. I like to give everything a quick stir to make sure everything is nice and coated with the sauce.
Lastly, layer the swiss cheese over the top of the casserole. You can also sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a nice crisp layer but this is optional.
A Tip From My Kitchen: If you prefer a richer version, this is where you can double the sauce for an extra creamy chicken cordon bleu casserole. (Honestly this is my favorite way to make this dish.)
Step 4: Bake
Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges. You can also broil this for a couple of minutes to give the cheese a little browning. It really adds a nice flavor to the casserole. Just make sure you watch it because this can go south very fast and your casserole can burn if not careful! Maybe I have done this before?? Hmm….
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so it thickens slightly.
Easy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Ingredients
- 6 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 2lbs)
- 6 oz ham cut into bite sized pieces
- 4 oz butter melted
- 6 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 TBSP Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp white wine *optional
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 5 oz swiss cheese shredded or slices
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease the bottom of a 13×9 baking dish.
- In the bottom of the baking dish, add the cooked chicken and the sprinkle the ham pieces on top.
- In a mixing bowl or blender, combine the melted butter, cream cheese, white wine (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and salt. Whisk or blend well until a thick sauce forms.
- Spread the sauce over the meat layers. I personally like to give everything a good mix to make sure the sauce is well distributed.
- Top with the swiss cheese and bake for 30-40 minutes until the casserole is hot and bubbly. You can broil for about 2 minutes afterward to brown the cheese slightly. This will create an even deeper flavor. It is easy to burn so make sure you stay nearby. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Notes
Tips For the Best Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Use rotisserie chicken for an easy dinner
This is a fantastic hack for busy moms. Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even faster and is one of the easiest ways to turn it into a quick weeknight meal.
Chicken breast vs chicken thighs
Chicken breast makes a leaner casserole, while chicken thighs add more richness and flavor. Either works well in this easy baked chicken cordon bleu casserole.
Do not skip the sauce balance
The Dijon mustard and lemon juice balance the richness of the cream and cheese. Without them, the casserole can feel too heavy.
Fresh cheese melts better
Freshly shredded Swiss and Parmesan melt more smoothly than pre-packaged shredded cheese. We like to use the slices and simply place on top on busy nights.
Double the sauce for a creamier texture
I personally am a sauce girl…I like to double the sauce in this recipe to give it extra creaminess but I wanted to give you the option to have it a little leaner just in case you aren’t particularly fond of a lot of sauce.
Let it rest before serving
Letting the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking helps it set and makes serving easier.
What to Serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
This creamy chicken ham and cheese casserole works well with simple sides like:
- Mashed potatoes
- White rice or brown rice
- Buttered egg noodles
- Roasted green beans
- Steamed broccoli (one of my go-tos for this!)
- Simple garden salad (a must try with my homemade ranch)
- Warm sourdough garlic toast or dinner rolls
It also works well as a standalone meal since it already has protein, sauce, and cheese built in.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
Make ahead
This make ahead chicken cordon bleu casserole can be assembled earlier in the day or the night before. Store it covered in the refrigerator or freezer and bake when ready. Allow extra baking time when cooking from frozen. The casserole is done when the center is warm and the edges are nice and bubbly.
Storage
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container.
Reheating
Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Add a splash of cream or milk if it thickens too much.
Freezing
This casserole can be frozen before or after baking. We like to buy packs of these disposable baking pans to store premade meals in the freezer. They are so convenient to just throw in the oven on busy weeknights or weekends! Simply prepare the casserole, cover with plastic wrap, then cover with foil and label. They stack really well so it makes it nice. Just make sure you remove the plastic wrap before you bake!
FAQ About Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Can I make chicken cordon bleu casserole ahead of time?
Yes. This is a great make ahead chicken cordon bleu casserole. Assemble it in advance and bake when needed.
What is the best cheese for chicken cordon bleu casserole?
Swiss cheese is the classic choice. Gruyère or mozzarella can also be used depending on preference.
Can I use uncooked chicken?
No. The chicken should be fully cooked before assembling the casserole.
Why is my sauce too thin?
It may need more time to thicken in the oven or slightly more cheese. Letting it rest after baking also helps it set.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Broccoli, spinach, peas, or mushrooms can be added for extra volume. Make sure they are cooked or thawed first.
Is chicken cordon bleu casserole keto or low carb?
Yes, this chicken cordon bleu casserole is naturally low in carbs and can be made keto-friendly. To keep it keto, skip the breadcrumb topping and serve it with low carb vegetables instead of starches like potatoes or rice.
Final Notes from My Kitchen
This easy chicken cordon bleu casserole is an easy dinner that works well with everyday life. It is simple to put together, flexible with ingredients, and reliable when you need something filling without a lot of effort.
It also reheats well, which makes it a good option for leftovers or meal prep during busy weeks.
I usually come back to this recipe when I want something warm and comforting that does not require much planning ahead.
I really hope that you enjoy it! Let me know how it went in the comments! 🙂
XO, Bri
More Chicken Recipes You Might Enjoy
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