If you adore the classic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu but want a fuss-free way to enjoy them any night of the week, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. Combining tender shredded chicken, savory ham, and melty Swiss cheese in a creamy base, all topped with a golden, buttery cracker crust, this dish takes all the heavenly elements of cordon bleu and transforms them into a warm, comforting casserole that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, straightforward ingredients come together to create layers of flavor and texture in this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe. Each element plays an important role, from the richness of the sour cream to the satisfying crunch of the cracker topping.
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Provides the hearty, juicy base that makes this casserole extra comforting.
- 1 cup diced ham: Adds a smoky, salty punch that perfectly complements the chicken.
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully to give the casserole that signature creaminess and mild nuttiness.
- 1 cup sour cream: Brings luscious creaminess and a slight tang to the dish’s sauce.
- ½ cup cream of chicken soup: Acts as a rich binder, making the casserole irresistibly moist and flavorful.
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers: Give a buttery, crunchy topping that contrasts the smooth casserole beneath.
- 2 tbsp butter: Used to coat the cracker crumbs for a golden, crisp finish.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients
Start by shredding your cooked chicken to create bite-sized pieces that will meld nicely with the other ingredients. Toss the chicken with diced ham, shredded Swiss cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup in a large bowl. This mixture is the flavor bomb of the casserole—creamy, rich, and full of that classic cordon bleu savory goodness.
Step 2: Prepare the Casserole Dish
Lightly grease your baking dish to prevent sticking and to ensure easy serving. Spread the chicken mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish, making sure every bite will be packed with that delicious blend of meats, cheese, and creamy sauce.
Step 3: Create the Topping
In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with softened butter. This buttery topping will bake up crisp and golden, adding a perfect contrasting texture to your creamy casserole base.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the top of the chicken mixture. Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350 °F (175 °C) for about 25 minutes. You’re looking for bubbling edges and a beautifully browned topping. Once it looks hot and inviting, it’s ready to come out!
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a touch of color and a fresh note that brightens the richness of the casserole. For an extra burst of flavor, a dash of cracked black pepper or a few red pepper flakes can really liven things up.
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides. Consider serving it alongside a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed green beans tossed with lemon and garlic. Roasted veggies or a warm baguette can also complement the creamy richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, try serving your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. You can also add a sprinkle of extra Swiss cheese on top for the last few minutes of baking to give it a gooey, melty finish that will wow any crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, making the next meal just as delicious as the first.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well before baking. Assemble the dish as usual, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed for a quick and easy meal.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350 °F oven until heated through, usually about 15-20 minutes. To keep the topping crisp, remove any covering for the last 5 minutes of reheating.
FAQs
Can I use cooked turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Cooked turkey works just as well in this casserole, giving you a slightly different but equally tasty twist on the traditional recipe.
Is there a way to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Swap out the Ritz crackers for gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free bread crumbs, and ensure your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely. Chopped broccoli or sliced mushrooms fold in nicely, adding more texture and nutrients without overpowering the classic flavors.
What’s the best type of Swiss cheese for this recipe?
Look for mild to medium Swiss cheese for that perfect melt and flavor balance. Gruyère can be a fancy substitute if you want a nuttier taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, try using cooked and shredded plant-based chicken substitutes and replace ham with diced smoked tofu or tempeh.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe, it will become a staple in your home-cooked meal rotation. It’s the perfect way to enjoy all those classic flavors with minimum effort and maximum comfort. So grab your ingredients, take a little time to prepare it, and watch how this creamy, cheesy, golden-topped dish wins over everyone at the table—because good food brings people together in the best way.
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Experience all the delightful flavors of classic Chicken Cordon Bleu in an easy-to-make creamy casserole. This recipe combines shredded cooked chicken, diced ham, Swiss cheese, and a creamy sour cream and chicken soup base, topped with buttery crushed crackers for a crunchy finish. Perfect for a comforting family dinner without the hassle of rolling individual pieces.
Ingredients
Protein and Cheese
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
Dairy and Soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup cream of chicken soup
Topping
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, diced ham, shredded Swiss cheese, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated to create a creamy filling.
- Assemble in baking dish: Grease a casserole dish lightly to prevent sticking. Spread the mixed filling evenly into the prepared dish, ensuring a smooth even layer.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. This will create a flavorful, crunchy topping for the casserole.
- Top the casserole: Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the surface of the chicken mixture in the casserole dish, covering it completely.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 25 minutes. Bake until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
Notes
- Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyère or mozzarella if preferred.
- You can add a pinch of black pepper or garlic powder for extra flavor.
- For a lower-fat version, use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
