The Golden Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe Everyone Loves

Chicken cordon bleu casserole brings unexpected comfort to weeknight dinner adventures.

Layers of savory ham and tender chicken create a delightful twist on the classic French dish.

Melted swiss cheese blankets each bite with creamy richness.

Crispy breadcrumbs add a satisfying crunch that contrasts perfectly with soft ingredients.

Quick to assemble and even faster to devour, this casserole feels like a warm culinary hug.

Simple pantry staples combine into something magical on your plate.

Why Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Hits the Spot

• Quick Comfort Food: Transforms the classic chicken cordon bleu into an easy, one-dish meal that delivers rich, cheesy flavors without complicated preparation.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Pleasing Delight: Combines kid-friendly pasta with creamy sauce and crispy breadcrumb topping, ensuring everyone at the table will be satisfied and asking for seconds.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Works wonderfully for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, offering a crowd-pleasing dish that's both familiar and exciting.

What You’ll Need for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Main Ingredients:

• Rotisserie Chicken: Tender, pre-cooked chicken ready for a delicious casserole.
• Swiss Cheese: Creamy and mild cheese that melts perfectly.

• Cavatappi Pasta: Curly, fun-shaped pasta that catches sauce wonderfully.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Smooth, creamy base for the casserole.
• Half & Half: Rich dairy that adds luxurious texture.

• Dijon Mustard: Tangy condiment that adds depth.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb for color and flavor.
• Season Salt: Balanced seasoning mix.
• Black Pepper: Classic spice for warmth.

• Panko Bread Crumbs: Light and crispy coating for crunch.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty cheese that browns beautifully.

• Butter: Rich ingredient that helps bind the topping.

Steps to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab your 9×13 baking dish and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil a pot of water and toss in the cavatappi pasta.

Let it dance in the bubbling water for 7-8 minutes until it reaches perfect al dente texture.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce

• Cream of chicken soup
• Half & half
• Dijon mustard
• Fresh chopped parsley
• Season salt
• Black pepper

Blend until the mixture is smooth and tantalizing.

Step 4: Combine Pasta Ingredients

• Shredded Swiss cheese
• Diced rotisserie chicken
• Cooked cavatappi pasta

Stir everything until it’s perfectly combined and looks absolutely mouthwatering.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the creamy mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 6: Prepare Crispy Topping

• Melted butter
• Plain panko bread crumbs
• Grated parmesan cheese

Sprinkle this golden mixture over the top of the casserole for a crunchy crown.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Handy Hints for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

• Cook cavatappi precisely 7-8 minutes for perfect al dente consistency, preventing mushy or hard noodles.
• Whisk Dijon mustard into the creamy base for a tangy punch that complements the rich chicken and Swiss cheese.
• Swap rotisserie chicken with leftover grilled chicken, turkey, or even ham to match your preference or pantry ingredients.
• Mix panko with melted butter and parmesan to create a golden, crunchy layer that adds delightful texture contrast.
• Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Storing and Warming Up Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place single serving in microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm. Add splash of milk to maintain moisture.

Tasty Pairings for Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to complement the rich, creamy casserole and cut through its heavy flavors.
• Craft Beer Match: Select a Belgian-style wheat beer or light lager that offers refreshing carbonation and helps balance the dish's decadent cheese and cream components.
• Perfect Side Salad: Toss a light green salad with arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and toasted almonds to add a zesty, fresh contrast against the casserole's robust and creamy texture.
• Herbal Beverage Complement: Brew a fresh, cold herbal iced tea with mint or lemon notes to provide a clean, palate-cleansing accompaniment that brightens the meal's overall richness.

Fun Twists on Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

• Gluten-Free Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: Replace regular panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup to ensure the entire dish is safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Swap cavatappi pasta with riced cauliflower or cauliflower florets. Reduce cooking time to 15-20 minutes and maintain the same creamy sauce and cheese elements for a nutritious alternative.
• Vegetarian Ham and Cheese Adaptation: Substitute rotisserie chicken with plant-based chicken alternatives or extra firm tofu. Replace ham with vegetarian ham slices or smoked tempeh to maintain the classic flavor profile.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Add diced roasted red peppers, chopped kalamata olives, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top. Replace Dijon mustard with Greek yogurt and incorporate dried oregano for a Mediterranean touch.

FAQs

• What are the key flavor elements in this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole?

The key flavor elements include Dijon mustard for tanginess, Swiss cheese for richness, rotisserie chicken for depth, and parmesan breadcrumbs for a crispy, savory topping.

• Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Cavatappi works best due to its curved shape that helps hold the creamy sauce, but you can substitute with similar short pasta like rotini or shells that will catch the sauce effectively.

• Is this recipe considered budget-friendly?

Yes, it uses affordable ingredients like cream of chicken soup, rotisserie chicken, and pantry staples, making it an economical meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.

• What makes the casserole creamy and rich?

The combination of cream of chicken soup, half & half, and Swiss cheese creates a luxurious, smooth texture that coats the pasta and chicken perfectly.

Notable Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this chicken cordon bleu casserole, blending classic French-inspired flavors with hearty American baking techniques. Creamy, cheesy layers of tender chicken and savory ham create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups rotisserie chicken, diced
• 3 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
• 1 pound cavatappi pasta

Liquid and Creamy Components:

• 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups half & half
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

Seasoning and Topping:

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon season salt (Lowrys brand)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3/4 cup plain panko bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a toasty 375°F and coat a 9×13 baking vessel with nonstick spray for effortless serving.
2. Submerge cavatappi pasta in rapidly boiling water, allowing it to dance and cook until perfectly tender, approximately 7-8 minutes.
3. Craft a luxurious sauce blend by whisking cream of chicken soup, half & half, Dijon mustard, chopped parsley, season salt, and black pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
4. Incorporate shredded Swiss cheese, tender rotisserie chicken pieces, and the freshly cooked pasta into the creamy mixture, ensuring each ingredient mingles harmoniously.
5. Transfer the sumptuous filling into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer.
6. Prepare a crisp topping by combining melted butter with panko breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese, creating a golden, crunchy crown.
7. Generously sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb mixture across the casserole’s surface, covering it completely for maximum texture and flavor.
8. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown top and bubbling edges that signal culinary perfection.

Notes

• Swap rotisserie chicken with leftover grilled or baked chicken to reduce cost and use what’s already in your kitchen.
• Replace cavatappi pasta with any short pasta like penne or rigatoni for similar texture and easy substitution.
• Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and gluten-free cream of chicken soup to make this recipe celiac-friendly and accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Consider adding sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to boost nutritional value and introduce extra flavor complexity to the casserole.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 525
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 890 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg