Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

Chicken Cordon Bleu emerged during Switzerland's culinary renaissance, transforming from an elegant restaurant dish to a beloved home-cooked comfort meal. You'll want to learn how this classic French-inspired recipe became a hearty, crowd-pleasing casserole that simplifies traditional preparation. By reimagining the intricate rolled chicken into an easy-to-assemble baked dish, home cooks can now enjoy gourmet flavors without complex techniques. Curious how you can recreate this restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen with minimal effort?

Recipe Highlights

• Combine diced cooked chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese in a baking dish, layering ingredients to create a classic Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole base.
• Pour cream of chicken soup over the chicken and ham layer to provide moisture and enhance the casserole's creamy texture.
• Generously top the casserole with panko breadcrumbs to create a crispy golden-brown crust that mimics traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu preparation.
• Bake at 350°F, first covered with foil for 25 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Serve warm with a side salad or steamed vegetables, and optionally pair with a complementary dipping sauce to elevate the dining experience.

History

While Chicken Cordon Bleu might sound quintessentially French, its origins are somewhat more complex and debated in culinary circles.

You'll discover that despite its French-sounding name, the dish isn't traditionally French at all. The term "cordon bleu" historically referred to highly skilled knights who wore blue ribbons, and later evolved to describe exceptional chefs.

The modern dish likely emerged in Switzerland during the mid-20th century, where chefs began stuffing chicken breasts with ham and cheese.

Culinary historians believe Swiss restaurants popularized this technique, transforming simple ingredients into an elegant presentation.

You might be surprised to learn that the breaded, rolled chicken we know today became internationally famous in the 1960s, spreading quickly through Europe and then to America as a symbol of sophisticated home cooking.

Recipe

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole brings the beloved flavors of the classic French dish into a simple, comforting one-pan meal. This recipe transforms the traditional rolled and breaded chicken into an easy casserole that's perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that captures the essence of Chicken Cordon Bleu without the complex preparation. The combination of tender chicken, smoky ham, and melted Swiss cheese creates a rich and indulgent dish that's sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked, diced chicken
• 2 cups diced ham
• 2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
• 2 cans cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a large baking dish. Begin by layering the diced chicken evenly across the bottom of the dish, followed by a layer of diced ham.

Pour the cream of chicken soup over the meat, ensuring it covers the entire surface. Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese generously over the soup layer.

Top the casserole with panko breadcrumbs, creating an even layer that will turn golden and crispy during baking. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling hot.

For the best results, use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor. The casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator before baking.

If baking from cold, add 10-15 minutes to the covered cooking time. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Cooking Steps

You'll start by gathering all your ingredients, ensuring you have the diced chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, cream of chicken soup, and panko breadcrumbs ready to assemble.

Layer the ingredients systematically in your baking dish, creating a structured base with chicken, then ham, followed by an even pour of cream of chicken soup.

Sprinkle the Swiss cheese across the top, finish with a generous coating of panko breadcrumbs, and get ready to transform these simple components into a mouthwatering casserole.

Step 1. Gather All Ingredients

Gather precisely four key ingredients to transform this classic French-inspired dish into a creamy, comforting casserole. You'll need diced chicken, preferably from a rotisserie bird for maximum flavor and convenience. Select high-quality ham—deli-cut or leftover holiday ham works perfectly—and dice it into uniform, bite-sized pieces.

Next, grab a bag of Swiss cheese, shredding it fresh for optimal melting potential. Don't skimp on quality; a good Emmental or Gruyère will elevate your dish. For the topping, choose panko breadcrumbs, which'll provide a delightful golden-brown crispness.

Pro tips:

• Measure ingredients precisely
• Check freshness of dairy products
• Ensure chicken is fully cooked
• Pre-shred cheese for easier mixing

Step 2. Layer Ingredients in Dish

With your ingredients prepped and ready, grab a large baking dish to begin assembling this mouthwatering casserole.

Start by spreading the diced chicken evenly across the bottom of the dish, creating a uniform first layer that'll provide a sturdy foundation for your creation.

Next, distribute the diced ham directly over the chicken, ensuring even coverage and a balanced meat-to-cheese ratio.

Carefully pour the cream of chicken soup over the meat layers, using a spatula to spread it smoothly and create a creamy binding element.

Generously sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese across the top, allowing it to melt and create those irresistible golden, bubbly patches.

Finally, crown your casserole with a crisp layer of panko breadcrumbs, which will add a delightful crunch to each bite.

Your layers are now perfectly set for baking.

Step 3. Sprinkle Cheese Layer

The Swiss cheese layer is your casserole's crowning glory, transforming a simple dish into a golden, melty masterpiece. Shred 2 full cups of high-quality Swiss cheese, ensuring even, fine strands that'll melt beautifully across your chicken and ham layers.

Sprinkle the cheese evenly, covering every inch of the meat – you'll want consistent coverage to guarantee each bite delivers that classic Cordon Bleu flavor. Pro tip: Let the cheese sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before sprinkling to help it distribute more smoothly.

Use a light hand when spreading, creating a thin, even blanket that'll transform into a crispy, bubbling top during baking. Your goal is complete, uniform coverage that promises maximum cheesy goodness.

Step 4. Sprinkle Breadcrumbs on Top

Since crispy, golden breadcrumbs are the final textural flourish for your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, you'll want to sprinkle them strategically for maximum crunch.

Use panko breadcrumbs for optimal texture, distributing them evenly across the entire surface of the cheese layer. Aim for a light, uniform coating that will transform into a beautifully golden, crisp topping during baking.

Gently shake the breadcrumbs from your hand or use a spoon to ensure complete coverage. Press very lightly to help the breadcrumbs adhere to the cheese, but don't compress them too firmly.

The goal is a loose, airy layer that will crisp up nicely in the oven, creating a delightful contrast to the creamy, cheesy casserole underneath.

Step 5. Bake Until Cheese Melts

After sprinkling those perfectly distributed panko breadcrumbs, you'll slide the casserole into a preheated 350°F oven, where magic happens.

Cover the dish with foil initially, trapping moisture and ensuring even heating. Bake for 25 minutes, allowing the cream of chicken soup to bubble and ingredients to meld seamlessly.

Then, remove the foil to let those golden breadcrumbs transform into a crispy, bronzed topping. Watch for visual cues: the cheese should melt completely, creating enticing golden pools across the surface. Bake an additional 10-15 minutes, checking periodically to prevent over-browning.

The casserole's done when:

• Cheese is fully melted
• Breadcrumbs are golden brown
• Edges are bubbling
• Internal temperature reaches 165°F

A perfect, tempting finish awaits.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're a busy home cook or a weekend culinary enthusiast, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole offers a delightful twist on a classic French dish that'll become a family favorite.

You'll appreciate how this one-dish meal simplifies traditional preparation while maintaining rich, complex flavors. The recipe's flexibility allows you to adapt ingredients based on what's in your pantry, making it a reliable go-to for last-minute dinners.

Pro tip: always use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting texture, and don't be afraid to experiment with different breadcrumb varieties.