There’s nothing quite as comforting as a creamy, cheesy casserole fresh from the oven. This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole transforms the classic dish into a simple, yet indulgent, one-pan meal. The combination of tender pasta, rotisserie chicken, and Swiss cheese creates a rich, satisfying bite in every forkful. Topped with buttery panko breadcrumbs, this dish delivers the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or cozy gatherings, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this easy-to-make dish will bring warmth and flavor to your table. Serve it with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables for a complete, hearty meal.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound cavatappi pasta
- 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups half & half
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, diced
For the Topping:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup plain panko bread crumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cavatappi pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, half & half, Dijon mustard, fresh parsley, seasoned salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Stir in the shredded Swiss cheese, diced rotisserie chicken, and cooked pasta until well combined. Pour into the prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix melted butter with panko bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings
The Inspiration Behind Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu is a dish with a rich history, originating from Switzerland but made famous in France. The original version consists of thinly pounded chicken breast stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, breaded, and then fried or baked to perfection. While undeniably delicious, it can be time-consuming to prepare, requiring precise rolling, breading, and cooking techniques.
That’s where this casserole version comes in. It takes all the beloved flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu but simplifies the process into an easy-to-make dish that requires minimal effort. By layering the ingredients in a casserole dish and baking everything together, you get the same creamy, cheesy, and crispy experience without the extra work. This makes it an excellent option for home cooks who want a gourmet meal without the hassle.
Why This Casserole Works
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is more than just a convenient alternative to the traditional dish—it offers a well-balanced combination of flavors and textures that make it a standout meal. Here’s why this casserole is a must-try:
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Creamy and Indulgent – The base of this casserole includes a rich, velvety sauce made with cream of chicken soup, half-and-half, and Dijon mustard. This creates a luscious, flavorful coating for the chicken and pasta, ensuring every bite is packed with comfort-food goodness.
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Savory and Cheesy – Swiss cheese is a key ingredient in traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu, and it shines in this casserole. It melts beautifully into the sauce, adding a nutty and slightly tangy flavor that perfectly complements the chicken. If you love cheese, this dish will not disappoint.
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Crispy Topping for Texture – One of the best things about Chicken Cordon Bleu is its crispy breaded coating. While this casserole isn’t breaded in the traditional way, it still delivers on crunch thanks to a golden-brown topping of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. This adds a satisfying contrast to the creamy interior.
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Easy to Make and Serve – Unlike the classic rolled version, this casserole doesn’t require any stuffing, breading, or frying. Everything is mixed together in one dish and baked until golden brown. Plus, it’s easy to portion out and serve, making it a great choice for feeding a crowd.
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Customizable and Versatile – This dish is highly adaptable, allowing you to tweak it to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs. You can add ham for a more authentic Chicken Cordon Bleu flavor, include vegetables like broccoli or spinach for added nutrition, or swap out the Swiss cheese for Gruyère or Havarti for a different taste profile.
Serving Suggestions
While this casserole is delicious on its own, pairing it with the right sides can elevate the meal and make it even more satisfying. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Fresh Green Salad – A crisp, refreshing salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the casserole. Try a simple mix of arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon dressing.
- Roasted Vegetables – Oven-roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots make excellent side dishes that add color and nutrients to your meal.
- Garlic Bread – A warm, buttery slice of garlic bread is perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce from the casserole.
- Steamed Green Beans – Lightly steamed green beans with a sprinkle of sea salt and a drizzle of olive oil provide a fresh contrast to the cheesy casserole.
- Mashed Potatoes – If you want to go all out, creamy mashed potatoes make a comforting addition to this meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
One of the great things about this casserole is that it stores and reheats well, making it a fantastic meal-prep option. Here’s how to make the most of your leftovers:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheating: To maintain the creamy texture, reheat the casserole in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes, covering it with foil to prevent drying out. If reheating a single portion, the microwave works fine just heat in 1-minute increments until warm.
- Freezing: If you want to freeze this dish, assemble everything except the breadcrumb topping, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the topping, and bake as usual.
Variations and Customization
One of the best aspects of this recipe is how easily it can be modified to fit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few ideas for customizing your casserole:
- Add Ham for a Traditional Touch – Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu includes ham, so adding diced ham to the casserole gives it an even more authentic flavor.
- Make It Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives to make this dish celiac-friendly.
- Increase the Protein – Swap the rotisserie chicken for shredded turkey or grilled chicken breast for a slightly leaner version.
- Vegetable Boost – Mix in steamed broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms to add more nutrients and depth of flavor to the dish.
- Spicy Kick – If you love heat, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle some hot sauce over the finished casserole.
Conclusion:
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a delightful twist on a classic dish, offering all the indulgent flavors of the original in a simple, one-pan meal. With its creamy sauce, melty Swiss cheese, tender chicken, and crispy topping, it’s a comfort food favorite that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or meal prep for the week ahead, this casserole is a delicious and practical choice. Plus, with endless variations and customization options, you can easily tailor it to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
If you’re looking for a new go-to comfort food recipe that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is the perfect dish to add to your repertoire. Try it out, experiment with different ingredients, and enjoy a cozy, satisfying meal that brings warmth and happiness to your table.
