Name: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk; 3 cups low sodium chicken broth; 1 ½ tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 2 teaspoons dried parsley; 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 ¼ cups freshly shredded Gruyere Swiss cheese (6 ounces); 1 ¼ cups freshly shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 cups cubed ham; 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (or cubed cooked chicken); 16 oz frozen shredded hash browns, thawed, patted dry; 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 73 reviews

If you’re craving all the comforting, cheesy goodness of classic Chicken Cordon Bleu but want something easy to prep for a crowd, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to. I absolutely love how this casserole layers savory ham, juicy chicken, melty Gruyere and Monterey Jack cheeses, and a luscious, flavorful sauce all topped with a golden, crispy panko crust. It’s like all the best parts of the fancy dish re-imagined as a fuss-free, cozy meal you’ll want to make again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: You don’t need to fuss with stuffing chicken breasts or frying anything — everything comes together in one dish.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this; it’s perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday dinners.
Flavor-Packed Sauce: The creamy, tangy mustard sauce with a hint of lemon and Worcestershire sauce is what really sets this casserole apart.
Crispy Topping: The toasted panko topping adds the perfect golden crunch that makes every bite irresistibly satisfying.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe - Recipe Step

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe comes down to combining creamy cheeses, tender chicken, and savory ham with some pantry staples. I always recommend fresh shredding your cheese if you have time — it melts better and tastes so much brighter!

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe - Ingredients

Unsalted butter: Essential for that rich sauce base and to toast the panko breadcrumb topping perfectly.
Olive oil: Adds a subtle depth of flavor and helps balance the butter for the sauce and breadcrumbs.
All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the sauce — make sure to cook it a few minutes for that perfect roux.
Milk: Whole milk works best here for creaminess.
Low sodium chicken broth: Keeps the sauce flavorful without being overpowering.
Cornstarch: Gives the sauce a nice, smooth finish and perfect thickness.
Dijon mustard: That little tangy kick that chicken cordon bleu is famous for.
Lemon juice: Brightens the sauce and cuts through the richness just right.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth to the flavor profile.
Dried parsley: A mild herbaceous note to enhance freshness.
Chicken bouillon: Boosts the savory flavor without extra salt.
Onion powder and garlic powder: Classic aromatics for flavor layering.
Pepper and smoked paprika: Add gentle heat and smoky warmth.
Gruyere Swiss cheese: My personal favorite — it melts beautifully and has a nutty, sweet flavor.
Monterey Jack cheese: Smooth melting cheese that balances the Gruyere.
Sour cream: Gives the sauce a velvety texture and slight tang.
Cubed ham: Use good quality smoked ham for the best flavor.
Shredded rotisserie chicken: Perfect shortcut; juicy and tender without the extra work.
Frozen shredded hash browns: A fun and filling base that gets crispy edges during baking.
Panko breadcrumbs: Creates that irresistible crunchy topping.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love tweaking this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe depending on what I have on hand or my mood. Feel free to get creative and make it your own — that’s the joy of casseroles!

Swap Cheeses: I’ve tried Swiss and provolone instead of Gruyere with great results — it changes the flavor but still melts nicely.
Use Turkey: If you’re watching red meat intake, lean turkey ham or leftover turkey breast works well.
Vegetarian Twist: Skip the ham and chicken; add mushrooms and spinach with extra cheese for a meatless version.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little heat that wakes up the whole dish.

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Panko Topping

Start by heating butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the panko breadcrumbs and stir frequently — this toasting process brings out a wonderful nutty flavor and ensures a perfectly crisp topping. Keep an eye on them, stirring until golden brown, then transfer to a plate so they don’t burn. This step only takes a few minutes but makes such a difference!

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet or Dutch oven (big enough to hold everything later), melt the butter with olive oil. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes — this cooks out the raw flour taste, which is vital to a smooth sauce. Then lower the heat and slowly whisk in the milk and part of the chicken broth. Separately, mix cornstarch with the remaining broth to avoid lumps, then add that in. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, chicken bouillon, parsley, onion and garlic powders, pepper, and smoked paprika. Bring the sauce to a boil while whisking constantly, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened. This takes patience but the creamy, tangy sauce is worth every second.

Step 3: Combine Cheese, Meat & Hashbrowns

Off the heat, stir in a cup each of Monterey Jack and Gruyere until melted, then whisk in the sour cream until silky smooth. Add the ham and chicken and give everything a good stir so the meat is well coated. Finally, fold in the thawed, patted-dry hash browns — this creates a hearty, comforting base that absorbs all those great flavors while baking.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 pan, then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheeses evenly on top. Finish with the golden toasted panko crumbs you prepared earlier. Cover tightly with foil so it steams and cooks evenly. Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes, then uncover and bake an extra 10-15 minutes to get everything bubbling and that cheese fully melted — the topping will turn perfectly golden and crisp. Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh cracked pepper and salt if you like.

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Pro Tips for Making Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

Don’t Rush the Roux: Taking those extra minutes to cook out the flour makes your sauce silky and lump-free every time.
Drain Hash Browns Well: Patting the thawed hash browns dry prevents the casserole from becoming too watery.
Toast the Panko Separately: Toasting panko in butter and oil before topping makes it crisp and adds a richer flavor than baking it plain.
Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting; shredding your own will give a creamier texture.

How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving—it adds a burst of color and freshness that cuts through the richness. A few lemon wedges on the side are lovely too if you want an extra tangy brightness.

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty on its own, but my favorite sides include a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some steamed green beans tossed with lemon and garlic. For something more indulgent, garlic butter roasted asparagus pairs beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try serving portions individual-sized in small ramekins with fresh herb sprigs on top. It makes it feel extra fancy but still keeps the comfy vibe. I once took this casserole to a potluck and garnished it with edible flowers for a stunning presentation that got so many compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I transfer leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the fridge. It keeps well for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches during a busy week.

Freezing

I’ve had success freezing this casserole either before or after baking. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container and wrap it tightly. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually pop individual portions in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until bubbly. This restores the crispy topping better than the microwave, but if you’re short on time, microwaving on medium power works—just sprinkle some extra toasted panko on top to bring back that crunch.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken in this casserole?

Absolutely! You can poach or roast chicken breasts ahead of time, then shred or cube the meat before adding it to the casserole. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before combining with other ingredients to avoid undercooked chicken in the final dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for the sauce and replace the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Just make sure to double-check your chicken broth and seasonings for hidden gluten.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate it overnight before baking. This makes it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy days or entertaining. Just add an extra few minutes to the baking time if baking right from the fridge.
What can I substitute for Gruyere cheese if I can’t find it?

Emmental, Swiss, or even a good quality mozzarella can work as alternatives, but keep in mind that Gruyere has a unique nutty flavor that really defines this dish. Mixing with Monterey Jack, as in the recipe, also helps balance the flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it takes all the elements of a classic, elegant dish and turns them into something comforting, simple, and downright delicious. Whether you’re feeding the family or looking for a show-stopping weeknight dinner, you’ll enjoy the thick, cheesy sauce and crispy topping every single time. Give it a try—you might find yourself making this one a lot more often than you expected!