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 tablespoons 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 and patted dry; 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that combines rich flavors and comforting textures, you’ve got to try this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe. I absolutely love this recipe because it takes all the best parts of classic chicken cordon bleu—the savory ham, melty cheese, and creamy sauce—and turns it into an easy, cheesy casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll find it becomes an instant favorite in your house.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort Food Classic Made Easy: This casserole captures all those familiar, beloved flavors without any complicated prep or rolling chicken breasts.
Cheesy & Creamy Goodness: The sauce is rich yet balanced with a zing from Dijon and lemon juice that keeps each bite interesting.
Great for Feeding a Crowd: It serves 8 easily, which makes it perfect for family dinners or potlucks without extra fuss.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep it ahead of time and bake just before serving, saving you stress on busy days.

The image shows a white ceramic baking dish filled with a creamy noodle casserole. The top layer is thick with golden brown crumbs mixed with green chopped herbs, giving it a crunchy texture. Below this crust, there is a rich, creamy mix of noodles coated in cheese sauce, with visible bits of ham and sprinkled herbs. A gold spoon is scooping some of the creamy noodle mixture from the dish, revealing the soft, saucy noodles underneath the crumb layer. The dish rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, easy chicken casserole with ham and cheese, cheesy chicken bake recipe, comfort food casserole, weeknight chicken casserole

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe really lies in the mix of creamy sauce, tender chicken and ham, and crispy panko topping. Each ingredient brings its own flair, and knowing what to look for when shopping makes a big difference in the final flavor.

Flat lay of unsalted butter in a small white ceramic bowl, extra virgin olive oil in a small white ceramic bowl, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl of low sodium chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of cornstarch, a small white ceramic bowl of Dijon mustard, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh lemon juice, a small white ceramic bowl of Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley loosely arranged fresh sprigs of parsley, a few whole uncracked brown eggs, loose onion powder and garlic powder sprinkled lightly on the surface, fresh cracked black pepper and smoked paprika sprinkled lightly nearby, freshly shredded Gruyere Swiss cheese piled neatly on a simple white ceramic plate, freshly shredded Monterey Jack cheese on a matching white ceramic plate, thick sour cream dolloped in a small white ceramic bowl, cubed ham on a simple white ceramic plate, shredded rotisserie chicken arranged loosely on a simple white ceramic plate, thawed and dried shredded hash browns in a small white ceramic bowl, golden toasted panko breadcrumbs in a small white ceramic bowl placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, easy chicken casserole with ham and cheese, cheesy chicken bake recipe, comfort food casserole, weeknight chicken casserole

Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter gives you better control over seasoning in the sauce and the panko topping.
Olive Oil: I like to use a good quality extra virgin olive oil to add richness without overpowering the flavors.
All-Purpose Flour: This is your thickening agent for that velvety sauce—make sure it’s fresh for best results.
Milk & Chicken Broth: Combining these creates a flavorful, creamy base that’s not too heavy. Low sodium broth helps you adjust salt to taste.
Cornstarch: This little addition helps thicken the sauce perfectly without clumps.
Dijon Mustard & Lemon Juice: These add a subtle tang that cuts through the richness, keeping the casserole bright and balanced.
Worcestershire Sauce & Chicken Bouillon: For that savory depth—don’t skip them, they really elevate the taste.
Seasonings (onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried parsley, pepper): These add rounded, hearty flavor and a tiny bit of warmth from the smoked paprika.
Gruyere Swiss Cheese & Monterey Jack Cheese: Freshly shredded is best here—they melt better and have fantastic flavor blending salty, nutty, and creamy notes.
Sour Cream: Adds silkiness and a slight tang that makes the sauce extra luscious.
Ham & Rotisserie Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds juicy, tender meat; the ham provides that iconic cordon bleu flavor.
Frozen Shredded Hash Browns: These form the starchy base that absorbs the sauce, making the casserole filling but still light.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Toasted in butter and olive oil for a crispy, golden topping that adds delightful texture contrast.

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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’m all about making a recipe your own, so feel free to customize this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe to fit what you love or have on hand. I’ve tried a few versions and honestly, each one was delicious in its own way.

Vegetarian Version: I swapped the ham and chicken for sautéed mushrooms and spinach once, and it turned out surprisingly rich and satisfying.
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne or a little hot sauce stirred into the sauce gives a nice contrast to the creamy cheese.
Different Cheeses: Feeling adventurous? Try using sharp cheddar or fontina for a different cheese profile—I like to mix and match until I hit the perfect combo.
Gluten-Free: I replaced the flour with a gluten-free blend and panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs and it still came out beautifully.

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Panko Breadcrumbs

Begin by melting butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the panko breadcrumbs and stir to coat evenly. Keep cooking while stirring frequently until the crumbs turn a gorgeous golden brown. This step adds such a lovely crunch and nutty flavor to the casserole topping—I always find it elevates the entire dish. Be careful, though, as panko can go from toasted to burnt quickly.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Base

Next, preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly spray your 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray—prepping this ahead saves you stress later. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring continuously for about two minutes to get rid of any raw flour taste. Then, reduce heat to low and slowly whisk in milk along with 1 ½ cups of chicken broth. In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with the remaining chicken broth to avoid lumps, then add this mixture to the skillet. Stir in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, chicken bouillon, and all your spices. Bring this sauce to a boil, whisking constantly, then lower it to a simmer until it thickens to a creamy, smooth consistency. I like to whisk often at this point to prevent lumps and ensure a silky texture.

Step 3: Melt the Cheese and Add the Creamy Touches

Once your sauce has thickened, remove it from heat and whisk in a cup each of Monterey Jack and Gruyere Swiss cheese until melted and silky. Then stir in the sour cream until everything is perfectly blended. This cheese combo melts beautifully and lends a rich but balanced flavor to the casserole—plus, that touch of sour cream gives the sauce a lovely tang and creaminess that makes it super comforting.

Step 4: Combine the Meats and Hash Browns

Fold in the diced ham and shredded rotisserie chicken, mixing well so all the meat gets coated in that luscious cheese sauce. Taste and adjust salt if needed (the chicken broth and bouillon already add some saltiness). Finally, gently stir in the thawed and patted-dry shredded hash browns until they’re evenly coated. They’ll absorb some of the sauce and create a comforting base once baked.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour your mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining Gruyere and Monterey Jack cheeses on top, then finish with the toasted panko crumbs. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes. Then uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the casserole is bubbly, the cheese is melted, and that golden breadcrumb topping is perfectly crisp. Serve immediately, seasoned with freshly cracked salt and pepper to taste. Honestly, I’ve found the panko topping is what steals the show every single time!

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Pro Tips for Making Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

Toast the Panko Slowly: I learned the hard way that browning panko too fast results in burnt crumbs; gentle heat and constant stirring is the secret to perfect golden crunch.
Use Rotisserie Chicken: Using already cooked chicken saves a ton of time and infuses extra flavor—you can even shred leftover chicken from a roast!
Whisk the Sauce Constantly: To avoid lumps and ensure smoothness, I keep a whisk handy and stir often when combining the liquids and thickening agents.
Pat Dry Hash Browns: Moisture is the enemy of crispy casserole; pressing out excess water before mixing in helps keep the dish from becoming soggy.

How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a creamy pasta bake. The dish has a thick, golden brown crumb topping that covers most of the surface, sprinkled with bright green chopped herbs. Under the topping, you can see a gooey, melted cheese layer with a slightly browned, bubbly texture. A golden spoon is scooping out a portion, revealing layers of soft, creamy pasta beneath the crunchy topping. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, easy chicken casserole with ham and cheese, cheesy chicken bake recipe, comfort food casserole, weeknight chicken casserole

Garnishes

I love topping this casserole with a sprinkling of fresh chopped parsley or chives—it adds a pop of color and a subtle fresh note that balances all the richness. Sometimes I also grate a little extra Parmesan on top after baking for an extra cheesy finish.

Side Dishes

This dish is pretty hearty on its own, but I often serve it with a bright side salad—think mixed greens with a light vinaigrette—or some roasted veggies like asparagus or green beans. Something fresh and crisp contrasts wonderfully with the creamy casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked this casserole in individual ramekins for cute single servings that are easy to plate. Another fun idea is to layer the casserole in a clear glass dish so you can see the colorful layers of cheese, chicken, and hash browns—it always looks stunning on the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they keep well for 3-4 days. The casserole might firm up as it cools, but a quick reheat in the oven or microwave restores the creamy indulgence nicely.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen this casserole both before and after baking. To freeze, just cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, then bake as usual. Freezing does change the texture of the hash browns a bit, but the flavor still shines through.

Reheating

To reheat, I find warming the casserole in a 350°F oven covered with foil helps keep it moist, about 20-25 minutes depending on the portion. Uncover for the last 5 minutes to crisp the topping back up. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the hash browns a tad softer.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken in this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! If you want to use fresh chicken, cook and cube it beforehand—poaching, baking, or pan-searing works well—and make sure it’s fully cooled before mixing into the casserole. Just keep in mind this adds an extra step and a bit of time compared to using rotisserie chicken.
What’s the purpose of cornstarch in the sauce?

Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, helping the sauce become nicely thick and creamy without lumps. It also gives the sauce a smooth, velvety texture that’s essential for coating the chicken and hash browns perfectly.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and swap panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs. Just be sure to check that your chicken broth and other seasonings are gluten-free as well.
How do I keep the casserole from getting soggy?

Make sure to pat dry the thawed hash browns to remove excess moisture and toast the panko until golden before topping. Also, covering with foil while baking helps retain moisture, but removing foil at the end crisps the top up nicely.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

While you can shred fresh potatoes, frozen hash browns are convenient and have the right texture after thawing. If using fresh, be sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible and consider par-cooking them to avoid excess liquid in the casserole.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it feels like a hug on a plate—rich, satisfying, and just a bit fancy without the fuss. Whether it’s for feeding family or impressing friends at a potluck, it never disappoints. I can’t recommend giving it a try enough; once you taste that melty cheese, tender chicken, and crunchy topping all in one bite, you’ll be hooked too. So grab your ingredients, and let’s bring this delicious casserole to your dinner table soon!