Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

Looking for something warm and indulgent to serve for dinner tonight? This chicken cordon bleu casserole is just the thing you need!

It features layers of egg noodles, chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese smothered in a creamy sauce.

Plus, it has an inviting gold crust that covers the creamy, flavorful treasure beneath.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Chicken cordon bleu casserole is a delightful twist on the dish everyone loves. 

It’s brimming with layers of tender chicken, savory ham, and melty cheese nestled within creamy egg noodles. 

The golden brown breadcrumbs topping offers a delightful crunch to complement the creamy layers beneath. This casserole bakes up warm and bubbly, waiting for you to dive in.

This dish promises an explosion of flavor with every bite. It delivers the comforting taste of chicken cordon bleu without the fuss of stuffing and rolling.

Bon appétit!

Ingredients

• Egg noodles – This thick and hearty pasta is perfect for absorbing the rich flavors of the casserole.
  
• Chicken – The recipe calls for cooked chicken breast cut into cubes. Its mild flavor allows it to absorb the creamy goodness of the casserole.
  
• Ham – Chicken cordon bleu won’t be complete without this flavorful meat. It adds depth of flavor with a smoky touch.
  
• Cheese – I used Swiss cheese for this recipe, which melts beautifully. Feel free to swap it with mozzarella, provolone, or cheddar cheese. Parmesan cheese goes on as part of the topping.
  
• Cream of Chicken Soup – This makes for a creamy, flavorful base that adds depth and richness to the casserole.
  
• Milk – I used 2% milk to thin out the cream of chicken soup. It’s lower in fat than whole milk but still provides a rich taste.
  
• Sour cream – It adds tanginess and creaminess to the casserole, helping to balance out the rich flavors.
  
• Butter – It’s used to sauté the breadcrumbs for the topping.
  
• Seasoned bread crumbs – They add a nice crunchy topping to contrast with the creamy casserole.

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

1. Preheat your oven and prepare your baking dish. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook the egg noodles. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook your wide egg noodles until al dente, then drain and set them aside.

3. Combine chicken, ham, noodles, and cheese. Combine cooked noodles, chicken breast, ham, and Swiss cheese in a large bowl.

4. Prepare the sauce. Mix the cream of chicken soup, milk, and sour cream in a separate bowl until smooth.

5. Mix the ingredients. Pour your cream mixture over the noodle mixture and stir until everything is well-coated.

6. Transfer the mixture to the baking dish. Pour the creamy noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

7. Prepare the breadcrumb topping. In a small pan, melt your butter over medium heat. Add your seasoned bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese, and stir until they’re coated in the butter.

8. Bake the casserole. Place your casserole in the oven and bake it for about 30 minutes. It should be hot and bubbly, and the breadcrumb topping should be golden brown.

10. Let the casserole cool before serving. This step will make it easier to serve and enhance the flavors. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Casserole

Do you want to make the best casserole to wow your dinner guests? Take note of these tips:

1. Don’t overload your casserole dish. It won’t evenly cook if it’s too full and could overflow in the oven.

2. Season to your heart’s content. Remember to season each layer of your casserole, not just the top. Seasonings and spices will give a depth of flavor to the whole dish.

3. Don’t overcook the pasta. Since you will bake the casserole, the pasta will continue to cook in the oven. To avoid mushy pasta, boil it until it’s al dente.

4. Spice it up. Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a kick of heat to cut through the creamy richness.

5. Give it a rest. Let your casserole rest for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven. This step allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to serve.

6. Garnish it up. Before serving, garnish the casserole with fresh herbs for a pop of color and added freshness.

Recipe Variations

• Swap the meat. If you’re not a fan of ham and chicken, try using turkey and bacon as a combo. 
  
• Make it vegetarian. Substitute the chicken and ham with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or roasted bell peppers.
  
• Get cheesy with it. Use other types of cheese to change the flavor. Try mozzarella, provolone, or cheddar for different tastes.
  
• Sneak in some veggies. You can add some veggies to the mix for a more balanced meal. Spinach, broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms work well.
  
• Try other fun pasta shapes. Replace wide egg noodles with other types of pasta like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle.
  
• Top it off in style. Instead of bread crumbs, try crushed crackers or fried onions for a different crunch.

Remember, recipes are just guidelines. Feel free to experiment and tweak the dish based on your preferences and dietary needs.

What to Serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Here are some great suggestions to make this dish a complete meal.

• Green Salad. A fresh green salad with a vinaigrette contrasts the rich, creamy casserole.
  
• Steamed Vegetables. Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add a nice bit of color and freshness to the meal.
  
• Garlic Bread. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
  
• Roasted Vegetables. Roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or potatoes are hearty accompaniments.
  
• Mashed potatoes. The comforting creaminess of mashed potatoes complements this dish so well.
  
• Fresh Fruit. A light, refreshing fruit salad is a nice counterpoint to the hearty casserole.
  
• Coleslaw. A crisp, tangy coleslaw gives a nice contrast to the creamy, cheesy casserole.

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating

Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat any leftovers.

To Store: After cooking, allow the casserole to cool completely at room temperature.

Once it’s cooled, store it in the refrigerator. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. The casserole should be eaten within 3-4 days..

To Freeze: If you plan to keep the casserole longer, you can freeze it for 2 to 3 months. Prepare the casserole as per the recipe, but leave out the breadcrumb topping.

Allow the prepared casserole to cool completely and transfer it to an air-tight container. 

To Reheat:

1. If the casserole has been stored in the refrigerator, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.

3. Bake the casserole for about 20 minutes or until it’s heated through. If the top isn’t as crispy, remove the foil for the last few minutes of reheating.

To Reheat from Frozen:

1. Thaw the frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator.

2. Once it’s thawed, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

3. Prepare the breadcrumb topping and sprinkle it over the thawed casserole. Bake it as you would when reheating a refrigerated casserole.