Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a comforting twist on the classic dish, layering tender chicken, ham, and melted Swiss cheese all baked together in one dish. It’s creamy, cheesy, and has just the right amount of crispy topping that makes every bite satisfying and warm. If you love those flavors but want something easy to make for a weeknight dinner, this casserole is a great choice.
I love making this because it comes together so quickly, and it’s perfect for when you want something that feels a little special without a lot of fuss. I usually use cooked chicken and a simple sauce, then top it with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a nice crunch. It’s the kind of meal that everyone in my family asks for again and again, which makes me feel happy and proud as the cook.
Serving this casserole with a simple side salad or some steamed veggies makes it a complete meal. Sometimes I like to add a little extra mustard in the sauce for a tiny bit of tang that cuts through the richness. It’s always a crowd-pleaser around my table, and the leftovers, if there are any, taste just as good the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast works best for tender bites. You can swap with leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
Ham: Diced cooked ham adds a salty flavor. If you prefer, smoked turkey or Canadian bacon can be tasty alternatives.
Swiss Cheese: This cheese brings the classic Cordon Bleu taste. Gruyère or Emmental make great substitutes for a mild, nutty flavor.
Pasta: Rotini’s twists hold onto the sauce nicely, but penne or fusilli work well too.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give a crunchy topping. Regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can replace them if needed.
How Do You Make a Smooth and Creamy Cheese Sauce?
The cheese sauce is key to this casserole’s creamy texture. Use these steps for success:
- First, melt butter and whisk in flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes. This roux helps thicken the sauce without lumps.
- Add milk slowly while whisking constantly to keep it smooth. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat before stirring in shredded cheese so it melts evenly without getting grainy.
- Adding Dijon mustard boosts the flavor and balances the richness.
Take your time in this step—it’s better to cook the roux a bit to avoid flour taste, and whisk milk slowly to prevent lumps.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch casserole dish – I like it because it’s the perfect size for this hearty bake and easy to serve from.
- Large pot – for boiling the pasta quickly and easily.
- Medium saucepan – to make the cheese sauce; it’s just the right size for whisking without splatters.
- Whisk – helps you blend the roux and milk smoothly for a creamy sauce.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the ingredients just right.
- Mixing bowls – for combining pasta, chicken, ham, and sauce.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – for dicing chicken and ham.
- Small bowl – for mixing breadcrumbs and Parmesan topping.
- Baking spatula or spoon – for spreading everything evenly before baking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use cooked turkey instead of chicken for a leaner option.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach into the casserole for extra veggies.
- Swap Swiss cheese with Gruyère or Emmental for a nuttier flavor.
- Mix in a dash of hot sauce or Dijon mustard in the sauce for a little kick.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked rotini pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 ½ cups cooked ham, diced
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prep, including cooking the pasta and making the cheese sauce. Baking takes around 25-30 minutes, so plan for about 45 minutes total from start to finish. It’s a great weeknight meal that feels special but comes together quickly!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pasta:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Then, cook your rotini pasta according to the package directions until it’s just tender (al dente). Drain and set it aside for later.
2. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to create a smooth roux—this will thicken your sauce. Slowly add the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, about 5 minutes.
Next, stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Remove the pan from the heat and mix in the shredded Swiss and mozzarella cheeses until they’re melted and creamy.
3. Combine Everything and Bake:
In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, diced chicken, ham, and creamy cheese sauce. Make sure everything is well coated. Transfer this mixture into your prepared casserole dish.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole for a crunchy topping.
Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley on top for a lovely pop of color and fresh flavor before serving. Dig in and enjoy this warm, cheesy classic with a twist!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Casserole?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken before dicing and adding it to the casserole. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave for quicker results.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, stirring occasionally for even warmth.
What Can I Substitute for Swiss Cheese?
If you don’t have Swiss cheese, try Gruyère, Emmental, or even cheddar for a slightly different but delicious flavor.