Some nights call for comfort without complication. When the day has been long and energy is low, a warm casserole bubbling in the oven feels like a small victory. This Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole was created for exactly those moments, when you want the familiar, cozy flavors of a classic dish but need a streamlined approach that fits into real life.
The inspiration comes from the timeless appeal of chicken cordon bleu, a dish often reserved for special occasions because of its layered preparation. By transforming it into a casserole, all the beloved elements come together in one baking dish, making it perfect for busy weeknights, relaxed family dinners, or even meal prep for the days ahead. Creamy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying, this casserole brings comfort food back to basics while keeping your schedule intact.
Why This Casserole Works for Busy Nights
Traditional chicken cordon bleu can feel intimidating, with rolling, stuffing, breading, and frying. This casserole version keeps the soul of the dish but removes the stress. Everything is layered and baked together, allowing flavors to meld while you focus on other parts of your evening.
Another reason this recipe works so well is its flexibility. You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie-style cooked chicken, or freshly cooked chicken breasts. It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers, lunches, or make-ahead dinners. The result is a rich, creamy casserole with tender chicken, savory turkey slices, and a golden topping that feels indulgent without being complicated.
Ingredients Overview and Measurements
Using simple, accessible ingredients ensures this dish stays practical. Each element has a purpose, contributing to texture, flavor, or richness.
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Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – 900 g (about 2 lb), cooked and diced
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Turkey deli slices or smoked turkey – 200 g (7 oz), chopped
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Cooked pasta (penne or rotini) – 300 g (10½ oz)
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Butter – 60 g (¼ cup)
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All-purpose flour – 30 g (¼ cup)
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Milk – 480 ml (2 cups)
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Heavy cream – 240 ml (1 cup)
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Dijon-style mustard – 2 tablespoons
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Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
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Onion powder – 1 teaspoon
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Salt – 1 teaspoon
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Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
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Shredded Swiss-style cheese – 200 g (7 oz)
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Shredded mozzarella cheese – 200 g (7 oz)
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Breadcrumbs – 60 g (½ cup)
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Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
Each ingredient is easy to find and can often be adjusted based on what you already have in your kitchen.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken and Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Season it generously with salt, which is essential for flavoring the pasta from the inside out. Add the pasta and cook it until just al dente, following the package instructions but stopping about one minute before the recommended time. This step is important because the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, and slightly firm pasta prevents the casserole from becoming mushy. Once cooked, drain thoroughly and set aside, giving it a gentle toss to release excess steam.
If your chicken is not already cooked, this is the perfect time to prepare it. You can bake the chicken breasts in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for about 20–25 minutes or pan-cook them over medium heat with a small amount of oil until they are fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking; this helps retain moisture. Once rested, dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces so it distributes evenly throughout the casserole, ensuring every serving includes tender chicken.
2. Make the Creamy Sauce
The sauce is the heart of this casserole, providing richness and tying all the ingredients together. In a large saucepan set over medium heat, melt the butter completely but do not let it brown. Once melted, whisk in the flour, stirring constantly for about one minute. This creates a smooth roux, which thickens the sauce while removing the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously. Adding the milk gradually is key to avoiding lumps and achieving a silky texture. Once the milk is fully incorporated, add the heavy cream and continue whisking. Allow the mixture to cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Next, stir in the Dijon-style mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. These seasonings enhance the sauce without overpowering it. Reduce the heat to low and gently fold in half of the Swiss-style cheese and half of the mozzarella. Stir slowly until the cheese melts completely, creating a smooth, creamy sauce. Keep the heat low to prevent the cheese from separating.
3. Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly grease a large baking dish to prevent sticking. Begin assembly by spreading the cooked pasta evenly across the bottom of the dish. This creates a sturdy base that absorbs the sauce and supports the layers above.
Next, evenly scatter the diced chicken over the pasta, followed by the chopped turkey slices. Distributing these ingredients evenly ensures balanced flavor and texture in every bite. Pour the creamy sauce over the entire dish, using a spoon or spatula to gently stir and coat all ingredients. Take care not to overmix; a gentle fold is enough to ensure even coverage while keeping the layers distinct.
4. Add the Topping
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with olive oil, stirring until the crumbs are lightly coated. This simple step helps the topping bake into a crisp, golden layer. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole, ensuring full coverage for consistent texture.
Finish by scattering the remaining Swiss-style and mozzarella cheeses over the top. This final layer melts during baking, creating a rich, bubbly surface with a lightly crisp finish that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
5. Bake Until Golden
Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. During baking, the sauce will bubble around the edges, and the top will gradually turn golden brown. If the top begins to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil for the final few minutes.
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the layers set, making it easier to serve clean portions while allowing the flavors to fully settle and develop.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is rich and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a light side balances the meal beautifully. A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette or steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli work particularly well. For an extra touch, serve with warm bread to scoop up any creamy sauce left on the plate.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the greatest advantages of this dish is how well it stores. Once cooled, the casserole can be covered and refrigerated for up to three days. It also freezes well; simply wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time for meal prep?
Absolutely. This casserole is an excellent choice for meal prep because it maintains its texture and flavor after reheating. You can fully assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When you are ready to cook, remove it from the fridge while the oven preheats, then bake as directed. If baking straight from cold, you may need to add an extra 5–10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats evenly throughout. This makes it ideal for planning dinners during especially busy weeks.
What type of chicken works best for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the most common choice because they cook evenly and have a mild flavor that complements the creamy sauce. However, cooked chicken thighs can also be used if you prefer a slightly richer taste. Rotisserie-style cooked chicken is another convenient option, saving both time and effort. Just be sure to remove the skin and dice the meat evenly so it distributes well throughout the casserole.
Can I substitute ingredients to suit my family’s preferences?
Yes, this recipe is very adaptable. If Swiss-style cheese is not a favorite, you can use another mild, melty cheese such as provolone or mild white cheddar. The turkey slices can be swapped for any seasoned poultry-based deli slices you enjoy. For added texture, some cooks like to mix a small amount of cooked vegetables, such as peas or spinach, into the casserole. These changes allow you to customize the dish without compromising its comforting nature.
How do I keep the casserole from becoming dry?
The key to a moist, creamy casserole is balancing the sauce and avoiding overbaking. Make sure the sauce is thick but pourable before assembling, and ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. Covering the casserole loosely with foil for the first half of baking can help retain moisture if your oven runs hot. Finally, allowing the dish to rest after baking helps the sauce settle and prevents dryness when serving.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole proves that comfort food does not need to be complicated to be satisfying. By transforming a traditionally intricate dish into a simple, oven-baked meal, it brings warmth and familiarity to even the busiest evenings. Every bite delivers tender chicken, savory turkey, and creamy, cheesy sauce layered with just the right amount of texture on top.
What makes this recipe especially appealing is its versatility. It adapts easily to different schedules, ingredient preferences, and serving needs. Whether you are feeding a family, preparing meals ahead of time, or simply craving a hearty homemade dinner, this casserole fits seamlessly into your routine. It also offers a sense of nostalgia, evoking classic flavors while embracing modern convenience.
Cooking at home is often about more than just nourishment; it is about creating moments of comfort and connection. This casserole does exactly that, filling your kitchen with inviting aromas and bringing people together around the table. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it is a recipe you will likely return to again and again, especially on nights when simplicity matters most.
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Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for Busy Nights
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A creamy, comforting casserole inspired by the classic flavors of chicken cordon bleu, simplified for quick and satisfying weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
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Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – 900 g (2 lb), cooked and diced
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Turkey deli slices or smoked turkey – 200 g (7 oz), chopped
-
Cooked pasta (penne or rotini) – 300 g (10½ oz)
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Butter – 60 g (¼ cup)
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All-purpose flour – 30 g (¼ cup)
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Milk – 480 ml (2 cups)
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Heavy cream – 240 ml (1 cup)
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Dijon-style mustard – 2 tablespoons
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Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
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Onion powder – 1 teaspoon
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Salt – 1 teaspoon
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Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
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Shredded Swiss-style cheese – 200 g (7 oz)
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Shredded mozzarella cheese – 200 g (7 oz)
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Breadcrumbs – 60 g (½ cup)
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Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly grease a large baking dish.
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Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
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In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
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Gradually add milk and cream, whisking until thickened.
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Stir in mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Mix in half of the Swiss-style and mozzarella cheeses until melted.
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Layer pasta, chicken, and turkey in the baking dish. Pour sauce over and mix gently.
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Combine breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle over casserole. Add remaining cheese.
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Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until golden and bubbly. Rest before serving.
Notes
This casserole can be assembled ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for three days or can be frozen for later use.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
