Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish that brings together tender chicken, ham, and melty Swiss cheese all baked under a crispy topping. It’s like the classic chicken cordon bleu but made cozy and easy in casserole form, perfect for a family dinner or a simple weeknight meal.
I love making this casserole when I want something satisfying without lots of fuss. The creamy sauce ties all the flavors together, and the crunchy topping adds a nice contrast that everyone appreciates. One tip I have is to use good quality ham and fresh Swiss cheese—it really makes a difference in flavor and texture.
This casserole is great served with a simple green salad or steamed veggies to balance out the richness. I often make it ahead and let it rest a bit before serving; it helps the flavors blend and makes it even more delicious the next day. It’s one of those dishes that always brings smiles and requests for seconds whenever I bring it to the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breast: Using cooked chicken breast keeps the casserole tender and meaty. Rotisserie or leftover chicken works great and saves time.
Pasta: Elbow macaroni and penne are both good choices. You can swap in shells or fusilli if that’s what you have; just cook them al dente so the casserole doesn’t get mushy.
Ham: Diced cooked ham adds a salty contrast. If you want a lighter option, turkey ham or smoked chicken can work well.
Swiss cheese: It gives that classic nutty flavor. Gruyère or mozzarella can be tasty substitutes if you can’t find Swiss.
Cracker topping: Ritz crackers add buttery crunch. If unavailable, plain breadcrumbs or panko work fine—just toss them with melted butter for browning.
How Do I Get a Creamy Yet Crispy Casserole Top?
The secret is layering moisture and crunch carefully. First, mix soup, sour cream, and mayo to create a smooth sauce that coats each bite. Then, add a cracker or breadcrumb topping tossed in butter; this crisps up nicely during baking.
- Sprinkle half the cheese inside the casserole mix for gooeyness.
- Top with the buttery cracker crumbs and the rest of the cheese for a golden crust that melts over the crispy bits.
- Bake uncovered so moisture can evaporate, keeping the topping crunchy.
Let the casserole rest a few minutes after baking; this helps the sauce thicken so each spoonful holds together without being runny.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish – perfect size to hold all the ingredients and bake evenly.
- Large mixing bowl – makes it easy to combine chicken, pasta, cheese, and sauce.
- Medium bowl – for mixing the cracker topping with melted butter.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep seasoning and ingredient amounts accurate.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring the casserole mix without scratching bowls.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ham for cooked bacon or pancetta for a smokier flavor.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies and earthiness.
- Use Swiss cheese mixed with Gruyère for a deeper, nuttier taste.
- Stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce for a subtle tangy kick.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or penne)
- 1 1/2 cups diced cooked ham
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 2 cups crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 30-35 minutes to bake. Allow an additional 5 minutes to let the casserole rest before serving. Overall, about 50 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so the casserole won’t stick.
2. Mix the Main Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked pasta, diced ham, 1 1/2 cups of shredded Swiss cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. This will be your flavorful base.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Combine and Transfer:
Pour the creamy sauce mixture over the chicken and pasta mixture. Stir everything well until evenly coated. Then, spread this mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
5. Prepare and Add the Topping:
Mix the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle this buttery crumb mixture evenly over the casserole. Then, sprinkle the remaining Swiss cheese and Parmesan cheese on top to create a cheesy golden crust.
6. Bake and Serve:
Bake the casserole uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and the topping is nice and golden brown. Remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving warm.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Casserole?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking. Thaw it safely in the refrigerator overnight or in cold water. Properly cooked chicken ensures the casserole stays moist and flavorful.
Can I Substitute the Ham with Another Meat?
Absolutely! Turkey ham, cooked bacon, or even smoked chicken make great alternatives. Just make sure the meat is cooked and diced before adding it to the casserole.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if the casserole seems dry.
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it. When ready, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if the casserole is cold from the fridge.
