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Cozy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: Easy 30-Minute Recipe

chicken cordon bleu casserole - featured image

A quick and easy chicken cordon bleu casserole that comes together in just 30 minutes. Tender chicken, salty ham, and melted Swiss cheese in a creamy Dijon sauce make this a perfect weeknight comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 8 oz deli ham, chopped
  • 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 ยฝ cups whole milk
  • ยฝ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • ยฝ teaspoon salt
  • ยผ teaspoon black pepper
  • ยผ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a smear of butter.
  2. Layer the chicken and ham. Spread the shredded chicken evenly across the bottom of the dish. Top with the chopped ham, distributing it evenly so every bite gets some salty goodness.
  3. Make the sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantlyโ€”this gets rid of the raw flour taste.
  4. Add the liquids. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon.
  5. Season the sauce. Stir in the Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Taste it and adjust if neededโ€”I always add a tiny pinch more mustard because I love that tang.
  6. Pour the sauce over the chicken and ham. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, making sure everything gets coated.
  7. Add the cheese. Sprinkle the shredded Swiss and mozzarella evenly over the top. Don’t skimp hereโ€”this is what makes it so wonderfully gooey.
  8. Make the topping. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter and grated Parmesan. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer.
  9. Bake. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. If you want extra crispy topping, switch to broil for the last 1-2 minutesโ€”but watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.
  10. Rest and serve. Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set slightly so it doesn’t run all over your plate. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Rushing the sauce can cause lumps; add milk slowly while whisking. Grate your own cheese for best melting. Let casserole rest 5 minutes before serving. For extra crispy topping, broil last 1-2 minutes. Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours (add 10 minutes to bake time). Freezes well for up to 3 months (add topping after thawing).

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken cordon bleu casserole, easy casserole, weeknight dinner, comfort food, 30-minute meal, chicken and ham casserole