Decadent Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

The Ultimate Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe for Family Dinners

Weeknight dinners call for something special, and this hearty chicken cordon bleu casserole delivers comfort on a plate.

Layers of tender chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese create a mouthwatering combination that feels like a restaurant-quality meal.

The crispy breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch to every single bite.

Home cooks love how simple this dish comes together with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Each forkful blends creamy, salty, and rich elements that make dinner feel like a celebration.

Comfort food doesn’t get much better than this classic casserole that turns an elegant dish into an accessible weeknight triumph.

You’ll want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for those nights when deliciousness matters most.

Directions for Baking Chicken Cordon Bleu

Kitchen Adventure

A comforting twist on classic Chicken Cordon Bleu that’ll make everyone smile.

  • Oven Warmup

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F and grab a spacious baking dish, giving it a quick spray of nonstick magic.

  • Pasta Foundation

Boil cavatappi until it reaches that perfect tender-yet-firm stage, usually around 8 minutes of dancing in hot water.

  • Flavor Fusion

Whip together a creamy symphony of chicken soup, half & half, zesty Dijon, fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of seasonings. Fold in swiss cheese, tender rotisserie chicken, and your perfectly cooked pasta until everything mingles like old friends.

  • Casserole Canvas

Pour the dreamy mixture into your prepared dish, spreading it out with love and anticipation.

  • Crunchy Crown

Melt butter and mix with panko and parmesan, creating a golden, crispy topping that’ll make taste buds dance.

  • Bake and Celebrate

Slide the casserole into the oven for 25-30 minutes, watching it transform into a bubbling, golden masterpiece that screams comfort.

  • Delicious Destination

Let the casserole rest briefly, then serve up pure happiness on a plate.

Variations for a Fancier Twist

  • Cooking Tips & Variations
  • Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère, provolone, or a sharp cheddar to add unique flavor profiles to your casserole.
  • Protein Power: Replace rotisserie chicken with ham, turkey, or even crispy bacon for a delightful protein twist that keeps the dish exciting.
  • Veggie Boost: Sneak in some additional nutrition by adding roasted broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach to create a more colorful and nutritious meal.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute panko breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version of this comforting dish.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, making it perfect for busy weeknight meals or entertaining guests.

Serving Up This Comforting Casserole

  • Comfort Food Companion: Pair this creamy chicken cordon bleu casserole with a light, crisp green salad to balance the rich, cheesy flavors.
  • Veggie Sidekick: Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli make excellent vegetable sides that complement the casserole's creamy texture and add nutritional value.
  • Wine Pairing Delight: A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio perfectly cuts through the dish's richness, enhancing the overall dining experience with its subtle, refreshing notes.
  • Bread Basket Bonus: Serve alongside warm garlic bread or crusty French rolls to soak up the delicious sauce and complete this comforting meal.

How to Store Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Keep your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole delicious and fresh with these easy tips.
  • – Refrigerator Rescue: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool the casserole completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain that incredible texture.
  • – Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to keep flavors intact.
  • – Reheating Magic: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or restore the entire dish's crispy top by heating in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness.
  • – Portion Planning: Divide casserole into single-serve containers for quick grab-and-go lunches. Label with the date to track freshness and enjoy convenient meal prep.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 7

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Ingredient Breakdown

For Pasta Base:
  • Cavatappi Pasta: Curly, playful pasta that captures sauce beautifully and provides hearty texture to the casserole.
For Creamy Sauce Components:
  • Cream of Chicken Soup, Half & Half: Luxurious liquid base creating silky, rich foundation with deep comfort food essence.
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds zingy, sophisticated punch that elevates the entire dish's flavor profile.
  • Parsley: Fresh herb bringing bright, verdant notes and visual appeal to the creamy mixture.
  • Season Salt, Black Pepper: Balanced seasoning blend that awakens and harmonizes all ingredients.
For Protein and Cheese Elements:
  • Rotisserie Chicken: Convenient, pre-cooked protein delivering tender, juicy meat with minimal preparation.
  • Swiss Cheese: Melty, nutty cheese that provides creamy richness and authentic cordon bleu character.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty depth and helps create a crispy, golden topping.
For Crunchy Topping:
  • Panko Bread Crumbs, Unsalted Butter: Creates irresistible golden, crispy layer with buttery, light texture that adds delightful crunch.

Gear for Cordon Bleu Casserole

Equipment & Tools:
  • Large Pot: Perfect for boiling pasta to al dente perfection.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients smoothly.
  • 9×13 Casserole Dish: Your canvas for creating this cheesy masterpiece.
  • Cheese Grater: Shred that Swiss and parmesan with ease.
  • Measuring Cups & Spoons: Ensure precise ingredient proportions.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Mix ingredients thoroughly and evenly.
  • Small Bowl: Handy for preparing the crispy bread crumb topping.
  • Colander: Drain pasta quickly and efficiently.
Print
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Decadent Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

Decadent Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe


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4.7 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty chicken cordon bleu casserole brings classic French-inspired comfort to weeknight dinners. Cheesy ham and chicken layers meld with crispy breadcrumbs, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480 ml) rotisserie chicken, diced
  • 1 pound (454 g) cavatappi pasta
  • 3 cups (340 g) Swiss cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups (480 ml) half & half
  • 2 (10.5 oz/298 g) cans cream of chicken soup
  • ¾ cup plain panko bread crumbs
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 3 tbsps Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp Lowry’s season salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F and coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray for effortless release.
  2. Pasta Preparation: Cook cavatappi in salted water until perfectly tender, then drain completely, ensuring no excess moisture remains.
  3. Sauce Composition: Whisk cream of chicken soup, half & half, Dijon mustard, parsley, season salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl until silky smooth and thoroughly integrated.
  4. Ingredient Fusion: Incorporate shredded Swiss cheese, rotisserie chicken, and cooked pasta into the creamy base, gently folding to distribute ingredients evenly throughout the mixture.
  5. Casserole Assembly: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface with a spatula to create a uniform layer.
  6. Crispy Topping Creation: Melt butter and thoroughly coat panko bread crumbs and parmesan cheese, ensuring complete coverage and maximum flavor absorption.
  7. Topping Application: Generously sprinkle the buttery bread crumb mixture across the casserole, aiming for complete and even distribution to achieve a golden, crisp exterior.
  8. Baking Process: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the casserole becomes bubbling hot and develops a rich, bronzed top with appetizing texture.
  9. Resting and Serving: Allow the casserole to rest 5-10 minutes after removing from oven, enabling flavors to meld and facilitating easier, more precise serving.

Notes

  • Pasta Precision: Cook cavatappi al dente to prevent mushiness, checking texture 1-2 minutes before recommended cooking time.
  • Cheese Selection: Use freshly shredded Swiss for maximum melting and creamier consistency, avoiding pre-packaged shredded cheese.
  • Crumb Coating Technique: Toast panko breadcrumbs briefly in butter for extra crunch and golden-brown color before topping the casserole.
  • Resting Rule: Allow casserole to cool 5-10 minutes after baking to help set and make cutting and serving cleaner and more structured.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 1200 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 60 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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