Enjoy all the comforting flavors of classic Chicken Cordon Bleu in a hassle-free, family-friendly casserole. This easy-to-make dish features tender shredded chicken, savory black forest ham, and melty Swiss cheese layered in a creamy Dijon sauce and topped with crispy, buttery Panko breadcrumbs. Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners, it’s a recipe everyone will love!
Ingredients
Main Layers:
- 5 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 9 oz deli-style black forest ham, sliced into strips
- 8 oz Swiss cheese, thinly sliced (about 12 slices)
Creamy Sauce:
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 6 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
Topping:
- 1½ cups Panko breadcrumbs
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray.
- Spread the shredded chicken evenly in the bottom of the dish.
- Layer the sliced ham over the chicken.
- Top with Swiss cheese, overlapping slices as needed to cover evenly.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add mustard, lemon juice (if using), garlic powder, salt, nutmeg, and cayenne. Whisk to combine.
- Stir in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture forms a thick paste (1-2 minutes).
- Slowly add the milk, about ¼ cup at a time, whisking until smooth after each addition. Continue whisking until sauce thickens (about 4 minutes).
- Pour the sauce over the cheese layer, spreading it evenly into all corners.
- In a small bowl, mix Panko breadcrumbs with softened butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Serving & Storage Tips
- Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
- Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, use the oven for best texture or microwave individual portions.
Helpful Notes
- Substitute Gruyère for Swiss cheese for extra richness.
- Make it gluten-free with GF flour and breadcrumbs.
- Add spinach or peas for a veggie boost.
Pro Tips from Chefs:
- Gordon Ramsay: Let the casserole sit briefly after baking to help the sauce set.
- Ina Garten: Quality ham and cheese make all the difference.
- Jamie Oliver: Customize spices and herbs to make it your own.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8