This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
A casserole version of the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe. With layers of chicken, cheese, ham, sauce and Panko crumbs, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Casseroles are a real dinnertime hero. They’re simple, they’re satisfying, and they really do make the perfect weeknight dinner. This is one of our favorite recipes, along with Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole and Taco Casserole.
Everyone Loves a Casserole
Are you scouring Pinterest for dinner ideas for the week? If so, look no further! I have another great casserole dish, that I think you’re going to like. And surprisingly, it doesn’t call for cream of chicken. 🙂
Instead, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole calls for yummy ingredients like ham, Swiss cheese, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and is topped with crunchy Panko crumbs.
This recipe was a big hit with the adults AND the kids, which always makes for a perfect, new, go-to recipe that makes life easier! You guys know that we are all about easy dinner recipes, and we really think you’ll love this one. It’s obviously a take on Chicken Cordon Bleu but in a casserole form and since everyone loves casserole, we know you’ll love this dish.
Simple layers
With so many delicious layers, this casserole is so flavorful and still simple.
MEAT & CHEESE. Begin by spreading the shredded chicken onto the bottom of a greased 9×13 dish. Scatter chopped ham over the top of the chicken. Lay Swiss cheese slices on top of the ham, and then make your sauce mixture.
SAUCE. This is made by melting butter in a pot, and then adding flour to create a roux. Once smooth, whisk milk in until the sauce thickens. Add lemon juice, dijon mustard, salt, smoked paprika and white pepper. Bring to a boil and then remove from heat. Pour the sauce over the top of the casserole.
TOP & BAKE. Top with buttered Panko crumbs and parsley, if desired. Bake for about 45 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Slow Cooker Version
Absolutely! Follow the directions as written in the recipe except you’ll put it in a slow cooker instead of a baking dish. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 3-4 hours. When the casserole is about finished preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
In a separate bowl mix the topping ingredients, pour onto a baking sheet and bake the topping for 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned and crisp. Sprinkle the topping over the casserole.
variations
- Add green veggies such as broccoli florets or peas
- Substitute swiss cheese with another of your favorite cheese such as, cheddar, gauda, pepper jack or mozzarella.
- Replace breadcrumbs with stuffing mix
- Serve over or next to cooked noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Storage Tips
Can I freeze cordon bleu casserole? Prepare casserole according to recipe instructions except for the bread crumbs. Wrap dish with plastic wrap then again with aluminum foil. Label and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight. Add bread crumb topping and hake according to recipe instructions.
How to store and reheat leftovers: Discard if the casserole has been sitting out for longer than 2 hours. Otherwise store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Use a baking dish to reheat in the oven. If you’re in a hurry you can also reheat in the microwave.
What to serve with chicken casserole?
There are so many great sides for this casserole dish, but some of our favorites include:
For more chicken casseroles, check out:
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Casserole
- 4 cups chicken cooked and shredded
- ½ lb honey ham thin sliced, chopped
- ¼ lbs baby swiss cheese thin sliced
Sauce
- 8 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 2 tbsp lemon juice fresh squeezed
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- ¾ tsp salt
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp white pepper
Topping
- 1 ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 4 tbsp butter melted
- ½ tsp seasoning salt
- 1 ½ tsp parsley crushed and dried
Instructions
Casserole
- Spread shredded chicken on the bottom of a buttered 9×13″ baking dish. Scatter chopped ham over the top of the chicken. Lay Swiss cheese on top of the ham.
Sauce
- In a large sauce pot, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, quickly stir in the flour to form a smooth roux. Once smooth and bubbly, slowly pour in milk while whisking. Stir until sauce thickens. Add lemon juice, dijon mustard, salt, smoked paprika and white pepper to the sauce. Bring to a boil and turn off heat. Pour evenly over the casserole and around the edges of the pan.
Topping
- Melt butter in the microwave. Remove from microwave and stir in the Panko bread crumbs and dried parsley. Sprinkle over the top of your casserole.
- Bake at 350 for 45 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. ENJOY!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Very tasty; my family has enjoyed it several times. But I think your prep time estimation is way off even if you don’t include the chicken shredding, topping mixing and sauce preparation. 5 minutes is not at all accurate. So I do remember to allow more time. 😉
Thanks for the feedback! I’m so glad you family enjoys the recipe!
This is the only recipe I use for cordon bleu..when you have a hit with your toddlers you keep doing the same thing over and over again:)
Absolutely you do! 😉 So glad you all enjoy the recipe!
This has quickly become a favorite in my family. I make it exactly as is (I typically use pre-cooked slow cooker chicken) and it comes out delectable every time. This is one of the few dishes that even my picky toddlers eat up. Excellent dish!
Yay!! That makes me so happy to hear! I’m glad it’s a hit for your family.
When you Use the stuffing instead of the bread cruMbs do you need to miX it with butter or just put the stuffing on tOp and bake?
I personally would just sprinkle the stuffing on top. I haven’t tried mixing it with butter, but that would also work, too 🙂
Will adding broccoli work with this recipe
It sure would 🙂 Enjoy!!
Can ritz crackers be used insread of BREADCRUMBs, if so how much?
Yes, and I would use the same amount 🙂
i JUST MADE THIS TONIGHT. IT WAS DELICIOUS!! i DID FIND THE SAUCE MIXTURE TO RUNNY FOR ME THOUGH. i INCREASED THE FLOUR AND ADDED MORE HONEY DIJON AND LEMON. oNCE THICKENED i USED THAT. 3 of us almost ate the entire casserole tonight. Good COMFORT DISH!!
Thank you for letting me know!
I am getting ready to make 10 batches of this recipe for a party tonight. I purchased all the ingredients, but now see that while the list of ingredients has paprika, the instructions refer to smoked paprika. is smoked paprika correct? If so, I will make a fast trip to the store. I want to make it correctly. Thanks!
Regular paprika works just as great 🙂 Have fun & hope everyone likes it!
My Family loved this recipe! Adding it to our recipe rotation!
This was a major hit with the family!