Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a cozy, comforting dish that brings together the classic flavors of chicken, ham, and melted cheese all baked into one easy meal. It’s like having all the best parts of a Chicken Cordon Bleu sandwich without the trouble of wrapping and frying. The creamy sauce and crispy topping add just the right amount of texture to make every bite so satisfying.
I love making this casserole on those busy weeknights when I want something tasty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s super simple to put together, and the whole family always asks for seconds. My favorite trick is to sprinkle a little extra cheese on top, so it gets golden and bubbly as it bakes. It feels like a little celebration every time it comes out of the oven.
This dish also pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed veggies or a fresh green salad to keep things balanced. I sometimes like to make it the day before and then just pop it in the oven when I’m ready to eat. It’s one of those recipes that feels both special and everyday, perfect for sharing over dinner or packing up for leftovers the next day. Everyone always enjoys it, and I love how it brings a bit of homemade comfort to the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Egg noodles: These add a soft and comforting base. If you can’t find egg noodles, regular pasta like rotini or penne works well too. Just cook until al dente.
Chicken breast: Using cooked chicken breast gives the casserole a tender texture. You can use leftover roasted chicken or even store-bought rotisserie for convenience.
Ham: Dice smoked or cooked ham for that classic Cordon Bleu flavor. If you prefer, turkey or Canadian bacon makes a tasty substitute.
Swiss and Parmesan cheese: Swiss cheese melts nicely and adds a mild nutty taste. Parmesan gives a sharp, salty kick. If you don’t have Swiss, Gruyère or mozzarella fit well.
Butter and flour: These make the roux, the thickener for the creamy sauce. For gluten-free, substitute flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
Panko breadcrumbs: They toast up crisp and add a nice crunch on top. If unavailable, regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can be used.
How Do I Make a Smooth, Creamy Cheese Sauce Without Lumps?
The cheese sauce starts with making a roux (butter + flour) which thickens the milk into a creamy base.
- Melt butter over medium heat, then add flour and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes. This cooks the raw flour taste away.
- Slowly whisk in the milk bit by bit. Whisking keeps the sauce smooth and stops lumps from forming.
- Keep stirring until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and mix in the cheeses slowly so they melt evenly.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk until it’s just right for coating the noodles.
Taking it slow and whisking often is key. This makes sure your casserole has that rich, velvety sauce everyone loves.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – perfect size to hold all the casserole ingredients and bake evenly.
- Large pot – you’ll cook the egg noodles here; choose one big enough to boil pasta comfortably.
- Medium saucepan – ideal for making the creamy cheese sauce without crowding.
- Whisk – helps keep the sauce smooth and lump-free when mixing milk and flour.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – great for mixing the casserole ingredients gently.
- Small skillet – handy for toasting the breadcrumbs in butter to get a crunchy topping.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ham for cooked bacon bits for a smoky twist that adds extra crispiness.
- Use Gruyère or mozzarella cheese instead of Swiss for a creamier, milder flavor.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach for a veggie boost that pairs well with the cheesy sauce.
- Mix in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the cheese sauce for a subtle tangy kick.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked egg noodles
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For The Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping:
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. Allow an extra 5 minutes for the casserole to rest before serving. So, plan for roughly 45 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Noodles
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Then, cook the egg noodles according to the package directions until they’re tender but firm (al dente). Drain and set aside.
2. Making the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to make a roux—this thickens the sauce. Slowly whisk in the milk bit by bit to keep it smooth, cooking until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and stir in 1 ½ cups of Swiss cheese and all the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
3. Combining Ingredients and Baking
In a large bowl, gently mix the cooked noodles, chicken, ham, and cheese sauce until everything is coated evenly. Spread the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Melt the remaining butter in a small skillet, add the Panko breadcrumbs, and cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly toasted. Sprinkle the last ½ cup of Swiss cheese over the casserole, then evenly top with the buttered breadcrumbs.
4. Baking and Serving
Bake the casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling. Let it sit for 5 minutes once out of the oven. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if you like, and serve this creamy, cheesy dish warm. Enjoy your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Casserole?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken before dicing. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quicker thawing.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely. Prepare the casserole up to step 9, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the breadcrumb topping crispy.
What Can I Serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole?
This casserole pairs wonderfully with steamed green vegetables, a fresh garden salad, or simple roasted veggies to balance the richness.
