Name: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups dry rotini pasta; 3 cups shredded swiss cheese; 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken; 2 cups diced cooked ham; 10.5-ounce can condensed cream of chicken soup; 3-4 cloves garlic, finely minced; 1 teaspoon dijon mustard; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 sleeve ritz crackers, lightly crushed; 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese; ¼ cup salted butter, melted; fresh parsley, optional for garnishing

Jump to Recipe · Leave a Review

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is like a warm hug on a plate, bringing together all the flavors you love from the classic dish, but in an easy-to-prepare casserole form. This comforting dish layers tender pasta with savory chicken and ham, topped with melted Swiss cheese and a crispy Ritz cracker crust that adds just the right amount of crunch. There’s something about how each ingredient melds together — each spoonful a delightful reminder of why we love those familiar flavors.

Pin this for later!

I first discovered this casserole recipe after a long day at work, when I craved something cozy yet quick to make. With just 10 minutes of prep time, and ingredients easy to grab from your pantry or fridge, Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole quickly became a go-to favorite. It’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights or gatherings where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The aroma that fills the house as it bakes is irresistible, and trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: You can have this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole ready in just about an hour!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of Swiss cheese, savory ham, and tender chicken creates a rich taste that kids and adults alike will love.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Its golden-brown topping and cheerful color make it an irresistible centerpiece for any meal.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for brunch, a family dinner, or potlucks — it truly shines in any setting.
Diet-Friendly Options: Feel free to swap the cheese and toppings to accommodate any dietary preferences!

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 cups dry rotini pasta: This small-shaped pasta holds onto sauce beautifully; consider ziti, penne, or small shells for a change.
3 cups shredded Swiss cheese: This creamy cheese melts beautifully. If you’re a mozzarella fan, feel free to substitute!
2 cups cooked and shredded chicken: Leftover rotisserie chicken will save you time, or use any cooked chicken on hand.
2 cups diced cooked ham: Perfect for using up leftover holiday ham or grabbing a ham steak from the deli.
10.5-ounce can condensed cream of chicken soup: This adds creaminess and flavor; you can use homemade if preferred.
3-4 cloves garlic, finely minced: Fresh garlic enhances the dish; opt for about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder if that’s easier.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Essential for flavor — avoid yellow mustard for the best taste.
½ teaspoon salt: Adjust to your taste; this season will brighten up all the flavors.
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Freshly ground is best. Adjust based on your preference.
1 sleeve Ritz crackers, lightly crushed: These provide a crunchy topping; you can substitute with panko breadcrumbs.
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese: A touch of Parmesan gives extra depth and flavor.
¼ cup salted butter, melted: This helps the cracker topping brown nicely. Unsalted can be used too if that’s on hand.
Fresh parsley (optional): This adds a fresh touch as a garnish; it’s not required, but it definitely brightens up the dish!

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Preheat your oven: Set it to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish by spraying it with cooking spray or lightly greasing it.
Cook the pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook 3 cups of dry rotini pasta until al dente. Drain, rinse, and set aside so the pasta doesn’t stick.
Prepare the filling mixture: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups shredded Swiss cheese, 2 cups cooked shredded chicken, 2 cups diced cooked ham, 10.5-ounce can condensed cream of chicken soup, 3-4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Mix until well combined.
Combine pasta and filling: Toss the drained pasta in with the filling mixture; make sure everything is incorporated well — it should look like a hearty, cohesive dish.
Assemble the casserole: Turn the mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it lightly with a spatula without packing it too tightly.
Make ahead option: If you’re planning to prepare this in advance, cover the dish with plastic wrap or foil and store in the fridge for up to 48 hours. When you’re ready to bake, take it out about 1 hour prior to bake to let it warm slightly to room temperature.
Create the topping: In another bowl, add 1 sleeve of crushed Ritz crackers. Use a spoon to gently crush them into pieces — keep some larger pieces for texture.
Add flavors to the topping: Mix in 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan and drizzle with ¼ cup melted butter. Toss to coat the crumbs evenly.
Top the casserole: Evenly sprinkle this mixture over the casserole filling, ensuring it’s well distributed.
Bake to perfection: Place the casserole uncovered in the oven for about 20 minutes. Halfway through, rotate the pan to promote even browning. If the topping gets too dark, cover it with foil for the second half.
Garnish and serve: Once baked, consider garnishing with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve warm.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool down and then cover with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will last in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, which may take about 20-25 minutes. The texture may change slightly upon reheating, but feel free to add a splash of chicken broth before reheating to refresh it.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Pay attention to the boiling time of your pasta. It’s best to cook it just until al dente to ensure it doesn’t overcook during baking.
For an even creamier casserole, consider stirring in a splash of milk or cream into the filling mixture.
If you prefer the casserole with a firmer texture, let it sit for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before serving.
Customize it with your favorite cheese or even add a vegetable, like spinach or broccoli, for added nutrients.

There’s a good chance this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole will quickly become a dish you crave regularly. The wonderful blend of flavors, coupled with its creamy texture and crunchy topping, makes it a standout choice for family dinners, gatherings, and even cozy nights in. I encourage you to play around with the recipe to make it your own. Perhaps you’ll add different spices or, dare I say, change the protein altogether. Whatever you do, enjoy every delicious, cheesy bite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can easily substitute it with mozzarella, provolone, or cheddar. Each will give your casserole a unique flavor and texture.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

For a gluten-free version, simply swap the dry rotini pasta with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs for the topping. The creamy filling ingredients should naturally be gluten-free, but always check labels.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, you can leave out the chicken and ham, and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just adjust the seasoning to taste!

How would I adapt this recipe for a smaller serving?

If you want to make a smaller portion, you can cut the ingredients in half and bake it in an 8×8-inch dish. Cooking time will be similar, but keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t overcook!

More Dinner Recipes

Chicken Cordon Bleu Lasagna

👉 If you make my Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating — it really helps others discover the recipe.
Follow me on Pinterest for more easy recipes.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Storing & Reheating

Chef’s Helpful Tips