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Cordon Bleu Bake

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

Layer ham, chicken, and cheese, add creamy sauce, sprinkle Panko, and bake until bubbly.
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Barbara Chef
Updated on Thu, 24 Apr 2025 15:00:08 GMT
Cordon Bleu Bake Highlight
Cordon Bleu Bake | cookwithcarla.com

Turn traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu into a simple, heartwarming casserole with this stacked treat. Mixing soft shredded chicken, black forest ham, and Swiss cheese, all wrapped in a smooth Dijon sauce and topped with crunchy Panko breadcrumbs, makes a dish that's fancy yet totally doable.

I've tweaked this dish in my kitchen until it brings all the goodness of regular Chicken Cordon Bleu but needs way less work.

Must-Have Ingredients Breakdown

  • Chicken: Go for soft, shredded pieces for the best feel
  • Ham: Black Forest type gives the richest taste
  • Swiss Cheese: Freshly sliced melts so much better
  • Dijon Mustard: Brings that zingy flavor kick
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Makes the ultimate crunchy layer
  • Whole Milk: Gives you that rich, smooth sauce

Crafting Your Wonderful Casserole

Start With Chicken:
Spread chicken out so it covers everything nicely.
Layer The Ham:
Put ham pieces down so they cover the whole dish.
Add Cheese Next:
Lay Swiss pieces so they slightly touch each other.
Make Awesome Sauce:
Stir gently for a totally smooth, creamy mix.
Finish With Topping:
Sprinkle the buttery Panko mix all across the top.
Tasty Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Highlight
Tasty Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole | cookwithcarla.com

From my cooking adventures, I've learned that good sauce needs patient stirring and slowly adding milk. My cooking teacher always told me, 'Don't rush the sauce, it's what makes the whole dish special.'

Perfect Side Pairings

Try it with cooked asparagus, fresh garden salad, or buttery egg noodles. For fancy dinners, pour some white wine sauce on top.

Fun Twists To Try

Switch things up by using Gruyère cheese, mixing in cooked mushrooms, or adding layers of spinach. For extra yumminess, mix herbs into your breadcrumb topping.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Keep it covered in your fridge for up to three days. Warm it in the oven so the top stays crunchy.

After lots of cooking trials in my kitchen, I've found this casserole hits the sweet spot between fancy cooking and everyday ease. When you take care with each part, you end up with a dish that brings a touch of class to any dinner table.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Dish Highlight
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Dish | cookwithcarla.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Can rotisserie chicken be used?
Absolutely! It’s a time-saver and works perfectly.
→ How far ahead can I plan this?
Make it a day early, but leave off the Panko until right before baking.
→ What pairs well with this?
Try a fresh salad or steamed veggies to balance it out.
→ Can I freeze it?
Yes, but freeze it without the Panko. Add that fresh after thawing.
→ Why's my sauce still thin?
Cook the flour completely while whisking before adding milk.

Cordon Bleu Bake

This twist on a classic includes chicken, ham, cheese, and a rich sauce, all topped with crispy crumbs.

Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
40 min
Total Time
60 min

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Fusion of French and American

Yield: 8 Servings (A large 9x13-inch dish)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ Foundation

01 8 ounces of Swiss cheese slices
02 5 cups of pulled or shredded chicken
03 9 ounces of black forest ham, sliced into thin strips

→ Creamy Sauce

04 6 tablespoons of butter (unsalted)
05 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
06 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
07 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional)
08 ½ teaspoon of salt
09 3 cups of full-fat milk
10 6 tablespoons of regular flour
11 ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg (optional)
12 ¼ teaspoon of cayenne spice (optional)

→ Crunchy Top Layer

13 4 tablespoons of softened butter
14 1½ cups of Panko crumbs
15 Fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped (use if you like)

Steps

Step 01

Heat your oven to 350°F and grease up a 9x13-inch dish with cooking spray.

Step 02

Arrange the chicken on the bottom. Next, scatter the ham evenly, then layer the Swiss cheese.

Step 03

Start by melting butter. Toss in seasoning and stir in the flour. Slowly pour in milk, whisking until it thickens, which takes about 4 minutes.

Step 04

Spread the warm sauce over the cheese layer. Combine butter and Panko crumbs, then sprinkle the mixture over the top.

Step 05

Pop it into the oven and bake it uncovered for 30-40 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let it sit for 5 minutes before cutting into it.

Notes

  1. Let the dish settle so the sauce isn't runny. Make sure the Panko topping gets a nice golden shade for the best crunch.

Required Equipment

  • A rectangular 9x13-inch baking dish
  • A medium-sized pan for the sauce
  • Whisk for stirring
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Allergen Information

Double-check every ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Includes milk products
  • Contains gluten from wheat