Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a comforting and satisfying baked dish combining tender chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese in a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with a crispy golden breadcrumb crust. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it offers all the classic flavors of chicken cordon bleu in a hassle-free casserole form.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices of ham
- 8 slices of Swiss cheese
Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or gluten-free alternative)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko (use gluten-free if needed)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Seasoning and Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Chicken: Trim and lightly pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat olive oil in a pan and lightly sauté the chicken until golden on the outside but not fully cooked. This step locks in juices and builds flavor.
- Layer the Ingredients: Grease a casserole dish and place the chicken breasts flat inside. On each breast, layer slices of ham followed by Swiss cheese. This classic layering ensures balanced flavors in every bite.
- Mix and Pour the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, Dijon mustard, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the layered chicken, ham, and cheese to keep the casserole moist and flavorful during baking.
- Add the Topping: Mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole. This creates a crispy, golden crust once baked.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and the topping turns golden brown. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to enhance creaminess and lock in flavors.
Notes
- Use thin chicken slices by pounding to ensure even cooking and tender bites.
- Opt for freshly sliced Swiss or Gruyère cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Don’t skip the Dijon mustard; it brightens flavors without overpowering the dish.
- Watch baking time carefully to avoid drying out the chicken.
- Let the casserole rest 5 minutes before serving to enhance creaminess.
- Customize by adding veggies like broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- For a low-carb version, substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
- Gluten-free adaptations require gluten-free soup and breadcrumbs.
- Add chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper for a spicy twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: chicken cordon bleu casserole, easy chicken casserole, creamy chicken recipe, family dinner, weeknight meal, cheesy casserole