Chicken Bakes

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Name: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces; 6 slices of ham, diced; 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 large onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons butter, melted

By Yara Larkin · June 19, 2026 · Chicken Bakes

Prep20 min

Cook40 min

Total60 min

Serves6

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole — Golden, cheesy, and utterly delicious

As a Midwestern girl at heart, I've always had a soft spot for comforting, one-dish casseroles that can feed a crowd. And when it comes to crowd-pleasers, my Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is always at the top of the list. This easy, cozy casserole is made with tender chicken, salty ham, and creamy Swiss cheese, all wrapped up in a crispy, golden-brown package.

I love making this casserole for special occasions, like holidays or family gatherings, because it's so easy to scale up or down depending on the number of guests. And the best part? It's incredibly versatile - you can serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, a simple green salad, or even some crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

One of the things that sets this casserole apart from others is the way the flavors meld together. The chicken, ham, and cheese are all classic components of a cordon bleu, but when you add in some sautéed onions and a sprinkle of paprika, the dish takes on a whole new level of depth and complexity. And let's not forget the crispy, golden-brown crust on top - it's the perfect finishing touch to an already-delicious dish.

As a busy home cook, I know that it can be tempting to rely on convenience foods or pre-packaged mixes to get dinner on the table quickly. But trust me, this casserole is worth the extra effort. Not only is it made with wholesome, real ingredients, but it's also surprisingly easy to put together. So go ahead, give it a try, and see for yourself why it's become a staple in my household.

Over the years, I've perfected the recipe for this casserole, and I'm excited to share it with you today. From the initial prep work to the final, golden-brown finish, I'll walk you through every step of the way. So grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and let's get started on this delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is easy to make and can be prepared in under an hour
It's a crowd-pleaser, perfect for special occasions or family gatherings
The combination of chicken, ham, and cheese is a classic for a reason - it's delicious!
This casserole is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides
It's made with real, wholesome ingredients, so you can feel good about what you're serving
The crispy, golden-brown crust on top is the perfect finishing touch
This casserole is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion

Why This Recipe Works

So what makes this casserole so special? For starters, it's all about the layers. By layering the chicken, ham, and cheese in a specific order, we can create a dish that's both flavorful and visually appealing. The chicken provides a nice base for the casserole, while the ham adds a salty, savory element that complements the cheese perfectly. And let's not forget the cheese - a blend of creamy Swiss and melted cheddar that adds a rich, velvety texture to the dish.

Another key element of this casserole is the way it's cooked. By baking the dish in a hot oven, we can achieve a crispy, golden-brown crust on top that's just perfect for serving. And because we're using a combination of sautéed onions and paprika to add flavor, the dish takes on a deep, slightly smoky flavor that's just irresistible.

Finally, it's worth noting that this casserole is incredibly versatile. Whether you're serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it's sure to be a hit. And because it's made with real, wholesome ingredients, you can feel good about what you're serving your family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making this casserole, there are a few key ingredients you'll want to have on hand. First and foremost, you'll need some boneless, skinless chicken breasts - I like to use 1 1/2 pounds of chicken, cut into 1-inch pieces. You'll also need some diced ham, Swiss cheese, and cheddar cheese, as well as some sautéed onions and paprika for added flavor.

In addition to these main ingredients, you'll also need some olive oil, salt, and pepper for cooking. And because we're making a casserole, you'll need some breadcrumbs and butter to create a crispy, golden-brown crust on top.

1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch piecesI like to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this casserole because they're easy to work with and cook evenly. You can also use thighs if you prefer, just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
6 slices of ham, dicedI like to use a good-quality ham for this casserole, something with a nice balance of salt and sweetness. You can also use prosciutto or other cured meats if you prefer.
1 cup Swiss cheese, shreddedSwiss cheese is a classic component of cordon bleu, and it adds a rich, creamy element to the dish. You can also use other cheeses, such as cheddar or mozzarella, if you prefer.
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shreddedI like to use a combination of Swiss and cheddar cheese for this casserole, as it adds a nice balance of flavors. You can also use other cheeses, such as mozzarella or Parmesan, if you prefer.
1 large onion, dicedI like to use a large onion for this casserole, as it adds a nice depth of flavor to the dish. You can also use shallots or other sweet onions if you prefer.
2 cloves garlic, mincedI like to use a couple of cloves of garlic for this casserole, as it adds a nice punch of flavor to the dish. You can also use more or less garlic, depending on your personal preference.
1 teaspoon paprikaI like to use a good-quality paprika for this casserole, something with a nice balance of sweet and smoky flavors. You can also use other spices, such as thyme or oregano, if you prefer.
1/2 teaspoon saltI like to use a good-quality salt for this casserole, something with a nice balance of flavor and texture. You can also use other seasonings, such as pepper or herbs, if you prefer.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperI like to use a good-quality pepper for this casserole, something with a nice balance of flavor and texture. You can also use other seasonings, such as salt or herbs, if you prefer.
2 tablespoons olive oilI like to use a good-quality olive oil for this casserole, something with a nice balance of flavor and texture. You can also use other oils, such as avocado or grapeseed, if you prefer.
1 cup breadcrumbsI like to use a good-quality breadcrumb for this casserole, something with a nice balance of texture and flavor. You can also use other toppings, such as crushed crackers or chopped nuts, if you prefer.
2 tablespoons butter, meltedI like to use a good-quality butter for this casserole, something with a nice balance of flavor and texture. You can also use other fats, such as oil or margarine, if you prefer.

Ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Equipment You’ll Need

Large skillet or sauté panCutting boardChef's knifeMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatula9x13 inch baking dishInstant-read thermometer

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

1
Preheat your oven to 375 F (190 C).
2
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it's translucent and starting to caramelize, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4
Add the diced ham to the skillet and cook until it's lightly browned, about 3-5 minutes.
5
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until it's browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken with an instant-read thermometer, it should reach 165 F (74 C).
6
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, ham, and onion mixture. Stir in the shredded Swiss and cheddar cheese until well combined.
7
In a separate bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and melted butter until well combined.
8
In a 9x13 inch baking dish, create a layer of the chicken and cheese mixture. Top with a layer of breadcrumbs, then repeat the process until all of the ingredients have been used, ending with a layer of breadcrumbs on top.
9
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
10
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
11
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
12
Serve the casserole hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika if desired.

Expert Tips

Make sure to use a good-quality cheese for this casserole, as it will melt nicely and add a rich, creamy element to the dish.
If you're using a different type of cheese, be sure to adjust the amount of cooking time accordingly.
Don't overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough.
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving, as it will help the flavors to meld together and the cheese to set.
You can also make this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use.
To add some extra flavor to the casserole, you can sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs or a pinch of paprika on top before baking.
If you're looking for a vegetarian version of this casserole, you can substitute the chicken with some sautéed mushrooms or eggplant.
To make this casserole more substantial, you can serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not cooking the chicken to a safe internal temperature, which can lead to foodborne illness.
Overcooking the casserole, which can cause the cheese to become dry and the chicken to become tough.
Not letting the casserole rest before serving, which can cause the cheese to be runny and the flavors to be unbalanced.
Using low-quality ingredients, which can affect the overall flavor and texture of the dish.
Not adjusting the amount of cooking time based on the type of cheese used, which can cause the casserole to be undercooked or overcooked.
Not using a good-quality breadcrumbs, which can affect the texture and flavor of the crust.

Variations and Substitutions

You can add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrients.
You can use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or feta, for a unique flavor profile.
You can add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for extra flavor.
You can use different types of meat, such as turkey or pork, for a different twist.
You can add some spice to the casserole, such as red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos, for an extra kick.
You can serve the casserole with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.
You can make individual servings of the casserole in ramekins or small baking dishes for a fun and easy meal.

What to Serve With Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

This casserole is perfect for serving with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, a simple green salad, or some crusty bread. You can also serve it with a side of roasted potatoes or a fruit salad for a more substantial meal.

Some other ideas for serving this casserole include:

Roasted vegetablesSimple green saladCrusty breadRoasted potatoesFruit salad

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use. To refrigerate, simply assemble the casserole and cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To freeze, assemble the casserole and cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake, simply thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

When reheating the casserole, make sure to cover it with foil to prevent the top from burning. You can reheat it in the oven at 350 F (180 C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until it's hot and bubbly.

It's also important to note that this casserole is best served fresh, as the crust can become soggy if it's refrigerated or frozen for too long. However, it's still delicious even after a few days, and it's a great option for meal prep or leftovers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use. Simply assemble the casserole and cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and it will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can use different types of cheese for this casserole. Just be sure to adjust the amount of cooking time accordingly, as some cheeses can melt more quickly than others.

Can I add some extra ingredients to the casserole?

Yes, you can add some extra ingredients to the casserole, such as diced bell peppers or mushrooms, for extra flavor and nutrients. Just be sure to adjust the amount of cooking time accordingly, as some ingredients can affect the texture and flavor of the dish.

How do I know if the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when it's hot and bubbly, and the top is golden brown. You can also check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should be at least 165 F (74 C).

Can I serve this casserole at a party?

Yes, this casserole is perfect for serving at a party. It's easy to make in large quantities, and it's a great option for a crowd. You can also serve it with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables or a simple green salad, for a well-rounded meal.

How do I reheat the casserole?

To reheat the casserole, simply cover it with foil and bake it in the oven at 350 F (180 C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until it's hot and bubbly. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it, as the cheese can become runny and the crust can become soggy.

Can I make individual servings of the casserole?

Yes, you can make individual servings of the casserole in ramekins or small baking dishes. Simply assemble the casserole and bake it in the oven at 375 F (190 C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until it's hot and bubbly.

How do I store the casserole?

You can store the casserole in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Simply assemble the casserole and cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and it will keep fresh for a few days.

The Full Recipe

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