Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: A Blue Ribbon Weeknight Winner

The elegant taste of classic French cuisine meets weeknight convenience in this simplified Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. This family favorite transforms the traditionally fussy dish into an effortless delight that still captures all the rich flavors without the complicated preparation.

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What is Chicken Cordon Bleu?

Chicken cordon bleu is a classic French dish (cordon bleu translates to blue ribbon). This recipe is an easy riff on traditional chicken cordon blue and is still worthy of a blue ribbon award!

True Chicken Cordon Bleu can be fussy and requires considerable effort. It involves pounding out the chicken, rolling it up with ham and cheese, breading it, and frying it. This recipe is much easier, and people love this easy-to-make chicken cordon bleu dish.

This recipe uses boneless skinless chicken breasts. They are topped with ham and cheese and baked in cream of mushroom soup. Serve these up with some mashed potatoes, or buttery noodles, and consider dinner done.

Why This Recipe Works

The science behind this recipe’s success lies in its layering technique. By placing the ham and cheese on top of the chicken rather than rolling it inside, you get perfect flavor distribution without the fussy preparation. The creamy soup base creates a self-basting environment that ensures juicy chicken every time, while the cheese forms a beautiful golden crust when baked.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts – Form the protein base of this dish, becoming tender and juicy when baked
• Canned cream of mushroom soup – Creates a rich sauce that keeps the chicken moist during baking
• Deli ham slices – Provides the traditional “cordon bleu” element with its smoky, savory flavor
• Monterey Jack cheese slices – Creates a melty, creamy top layer that browns beautifully
• Milk – Thins the soup to create the perfect consistency for the sauce
• Salt – Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken
• Ground black pepper – Adds a mild heat that balances the creamy elements

For Optional Dijon Cream Sauce

• Butter – Creates the base for a roux that thickens the sauce
• All-purpose flour – Works with butter to create a smooth, thickened sauce
• Milk – Forms the liquid base of the cream sauce
• Dijon mustard – Adds tangy depth that cuts through the richness
• Parmesan cheese – Contributes savory umami flavor and helps thicken the sauc

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

1. Combine soup and milk in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
2. Place the chicken breasts into the casserole dish.
   

   

3. Sprinkle salt and pepper on the chicken breasts.
4. Place a slice of ham on top of each chicken breast.
5. Top with the cheese slices.
   

   

6. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes.

Recipe Variations

• Try different cheeses (and mix them up) – Swiss and havarti have nice flavors and melt really well.
• You could substitute prosciutto for the ham.
• Instead of cream of mushroom soup, you could go with golden mushroom soup or garlic mushroom soup. 
• When you remove this dish from the oven, top it with thinly sliced green onions, parsley, or chives.
• Serve it with a simple Dijon cream sauce.

How to Make Dijon Cream Sauce

1. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add flour and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add half of the milk and whisk until everything is well blended.
4. Add the remaining milk, cheese, and mustard.
5. Cook for about 3 minutes, whisking constantly, until the mixture starts to thicken.
6. Remove the sauce from the heat and add salt and pepper to taste.

Recipe Tips for the Cook

• Consider splitting a raw chicken breast and stuffing it with additional ham and cheese for extra flavor.
• Layer on an extra piece of cheese and place the oven on the broil mode for the last five minutes of cooking.
• Please don’t use shredded cheese. Cheese slices provide a thicker cheese layer; shredded cheeses can melt into the chicken.

What to Serve with Chicken Cordon Blue

This cordon bleu is a rich chicken casserole dish full of bold flavors, so the perfect complement is a light side. Here are some suggestions:

• Air Fryer Broccoli
• Oven Roasted Asparagus
• Garden Salad or Caesar Salad
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes
• Noodles

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
• Freezer (Uncooked): Place prepared chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 2 hours. Transfer to freezer bags and store for 3-4 months.
• Freezer (Cooked): Cool completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 4 months.

Reheating

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Place chicken on a baking sheet.
3. Bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
4. Microwave option: Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking halfway through.

Looking for fantastic chicken recipes? Try these!

• Baked Chicken Quarters
• Hunan Chicken
• KFC Chicken Pot Pie
• Keto Chicken Divan
• Shoyu Chicken

More Casseroles to Make for Dinner

• Chicken and Rice Casserole
• Chicken Tetrazzini
• Chili Relleno Casserole
• Crab Casserole
• Ground Beef Casserole
• Leftover Chicken Casserole
• Sausage Casserole
• Spaghetti Casserole
• Taco Casserole

Check out my easy dinner casserole recipes and the best recipes for chicken here on CopyKat!

Before you go, be sure to share your favorite oven-baked chicken recipe!