Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole transforms the classic restaurant dish into a comforting, easy-to-make family favorite. Layers of shredded chicken, Black Forest ham, and Swiss cheese are topped with a creamy sauce and a crispy Panko breadcrumb crust for a meal that’s rich, satisfying, and perfect for weeknights or weekend dinners.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic flavors made easy: All the taste of Chicken Cordon Bleu without the hassle of breading and frying.
• Creamy and cheesy: The homemade sauce is rich, flavorful, and perfectly coats every layer.
• Crispy topping: Panko breadcrumbs and butter create a golden, crunchy finish.
• Family-friendly: Perfect for dinners, gatherings, or meal prep.

---

Ingredients

Filling

• 5 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 9 ounces Black Forest ham, sliced into strips (about 9 slices)
• 8 ounces Swiss cheese, sliced (about 12 thin slices)

Sauce

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk

Topping

• 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

---

Instructions

1. Prep the oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Layer the base: Spread shredded chicken evenly in the baking dish. Top with sliced ham, followed by Swiss cheese.
3. Make the sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, nutmeg, and cayenne. Stir in flour to form a paste. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until smooth. Simmer for 4 minutes until thickened.
4. Assemble casserole: Pour sauce evenly over the cheese layer, making sure to reach all corners.
5. Add topping: Combine Panko breadcrumbs with softened butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
6. Bake: Uncovered, bake for 30–40 minutes, until sauce is bubbling and breadcrumbs are golden brown.
7. Rest and serve: Let the casserole sit 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

---

Tips & Variations

• Gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Cheese swaps: Use Gruyère, Fontina, or your favorite melting cheese for variation.
• Extra veggies: Add a layer of spinach or other vegetables for added nutrition.
• Serving suggestions: Pair with steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or roasted potatoes.

---

Chef Insights

• Gordon Ramsay: Let casseroles rest before serving to allow the sauce to set.
• Ina Garten: High-quality ham and cheese enhance flavor.
• Jamie Oliver: Experiment with herbs and spices for a personalized twist.

---

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a crowd-pleasing, comforting dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor—a perfect recipe for any family meal or special occasion