Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole has all the flavors of the classic dish without the work of rolling, breading, and frying individual chicken breasts. Tender pieces of chicken, savory ham, creamy sauce, melted Swiss cheese, and buttery panko come together in one comforting casserole that is easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
Traditional chicken cordon bleu is delicious, but it can take quite a bit of time to prepare. This casserole gives you that same familiar combination of chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese in a much simpler format. Everything is layered in a 9 by 13 inch baking dish, so there is no complicated preparation and very little cleanup afterward.
The creamy topping is made with sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, and Dijon mustard. The Dijon adds the tangy flavor that pairs so well with chicken cordon bleu. Garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper add plenty of seasoning without overpowering the chicken and ham. Swiss cheese melts over the creamy layer, and the buttery panko topping adds a light, golden crunch to every serving.
Because the ham, soup, and Swiss cheese already contain salt, I do not add any extra salt to the casserole. You can always taste the finished dish and season your serving if needed. Cutting the raw chicken into small, evenly sized cubes is important because it helps the chicken cook evenly and finish in the same amount of time.
Ingredients
1 1/2 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
16 ounces ham, diced into small pieces
1 cup sour cream
1 can cream of chicken soup, 10.5 ounces
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 to 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
8 slices Swiss cheese, or enough to cover the casserole
3 tablespoons salted butter, melted
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Add the cubed chicken breasts and diced ham to the prepared baking dish. Toss them together and spread the mixture into an even layer.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Stir until the cheese mixture is creamy and well combined. A few tiny pieces of cream cheese are perfectly fine, but softening it first will make the mixture easier to spread.
Spoon the cheese mixture over the chicken and ham. Carefully spread it from edge to edge, covering the meat as evenly as possible.
Arrange the Swiss cheese slices over the creamy layer. Slightly overlap the slices if needed so the top of the casserole is covered.
In a small bowl, combine the melted salted butter and panko breadcrumbs. Stir until all the breadcrumbs are lightly coated in butter.
Sprinkle the buttery panko mixture evenly over the Swiss cheese.
Bake uncovered at 375°F for approximately 35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, the topping is golden brown, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Baking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces and the material of your baking dish.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Resting allows the creamy sauce to thicken slightly and makes the casserole easier to scoop.
Helpful Tips
Cut the chicken into small cubes, around 1 inch or slightly smaller, to help it cook within the listed baking time. Before serving, check several pieces from the center of the casserole with a meat thermometer to make sure they have reached 165°F. If the panko becomes golden before the chicken is finished, loosely cover the dish with foil and continue baking.
For easy preparation, dice the ham and chicken ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until you are ready to assemble the casserole. This dish pairs well with green beans, roasted broccoli, asparagus, or a simple salad. You could also serve it with rice or mashed potatoes when you want an extra hearty meal.
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is creamy, cheesy, crunchy, and filled with comforting flavor. It is a simple way to enjoy a classic meal without spending all evening in the kitchen.
