If you adore the classic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu but are looking for a cozy, family-friendly twist, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe is a total winner. It brings together tender rotisserie chicken, creamy Swiss cheese, and a luscious Dijon-infused sauce all baked with comforting pasta and topped with a crispy, golden crust. This casserole is pure happiness in every bite—easy to whip up and perfectly satisfying for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings where everyone’s asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple but essential ingredients, each carefully chosen to add creamy richness, hearty texture, or bright flavor to the dish. From the Swiss cheese that melts beautifully to the zesty Dijon mustard that gives just the right tang, every component plays a starring role in this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe.
- Cavatappi pasta: Its spiral shape holds onto the creamy sauce exceptionally well, making each forkful deliciously saucy.
- Cream of chicken soup: This provides the base creaminess, bringing comfort and depth with minimal effort.
- Half & half: Adds smoothness and richness, balancing the flavors perfectly without overpowering.
- Dijon mustard: A little zing that lifts the cheese and chicken, adding character to the sauce.
- Fresh parsley: Offers a subtle freshness and a pop of green to brighten the dish.
- Seasoned salt: Enhances overall flavor with a blend of herbs and spices, keeping the seasoning simple yet effective.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and aromatic spice, rounding out the seasoning.
- Swiss cheese: This melty classic cheese contributes nuttiness and gooey texture that’s essential to Chicken Cordon Bleu flavors.
- Rotisserie chicken: Use fully cooked diced chicken for convenience and moist, tender pieces throughout the casserole.
- Unsalted butter: Melted to mix with the topping, helping achieve that beautifully golden, crispy breadcrumb crust.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Light and crunchy, they create the perfect contrast to the creamy casserole.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharpness and a savory edge to the crispy topping.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray. Then boil your cavatappi pasta until it’s just al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes. This ensures your pasta holds its shape and bite throughout baking, preventing mushiness in the final dish.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, half & half, Dijon mustard, fresh parsley, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Stir until the ingredients are fully blended into a smooth, fragrant sauce that promises to coat every bit of pasta and chicken perfectly.
Step 3: Add Cheese, Chicken, and Pasta
Now fold in the shredded Swiss cheese, diced rotisserie chicken, and the cooked cavatappi pasta. Mixing these ingredients here ensures that every bite of your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe is rich and well-balanced, with pockets of melty cheese and savory chicken.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the combined mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly so it bakes uniformly. This step sets the stage for that golden bubbly finish we all love in a good casserole.
Step 5: Prepare and Add the Topping
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, panko breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the casserole to create a crunchy, flavorful golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy base.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You want the topping golden brown and crisp, with the casserole bubbling around the edges—a clear sign that this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe is ready to serve.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or finely chopped chives brightens the presentation and adds a fresh, herbal note that complements the rich flavors beautifully. For a touch of elegance, a few thin slices of lemon can also be served on the side to add a subtle zest.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with light green salads dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts add a nice earthy contrast, and for heartier appetites, some garlic bread on the side is always a crowd-pleaser.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive dinner, serve the Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins topped with the crispy breadcrumb mixture. This makes for a charming presentation and is perfect for portion control. Alternatively, layering the casserole over a bed of fresh spinach just before serving adds a colorful, healthful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the topping crispy, store the topping separately if you anticipate leftover crust chunks.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this dish later, it freezes exceptionally well. Assemble the casserole but do not bake it yet; cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure thorough heating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until warmed through. To refresh the crunchy topping, remove the cover during the last 5 minutes of reheating. This keeps every bite of your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe just as delightful as the first go-around.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is traditional and offers a nutty flavor, Gruyère or fontina can also work beautifully for that melty, creamy texture with a slightly different twist.
Is it necessary to cook the chicken beforehand?
This recipe uses rotisserie chicken for convenience, but any cooked chicken will do—grilled, baked, or even leftover chicken from another meal works wonderfully here.
Can I substitute the pasta for a gluten-free option?
Yes, just swap the cavatappi for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Keep cooking times in mind, as gluten-free pasta can vary in texture and bake time slightly.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer homemade, a simple sauce made from butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth can replace the canned soup. It takes more effort but lets you control every ingredient.
How can I make this casserole more kid-friendly?
Simply reduce or omit the Dijon mustard to mellow the flavor, and consider adding a sprinkle of mild cheddar cheese on top to appeal to younger taste buds.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about a casserole that takes your favorite Chicken Cordon Bleu flavors and turns them into an easy, family-friendly dish. This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe is not only straightforward to prepare but packed full of rich, creamy, and crispy textures that bring joy with every bite. If you’re craving a cozy meal that feels a little fancy without any fuss, this casserole is a must-try. Grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to share a heartwarming dish everyone will love.
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a comforting, creamy pasta bake combining tender rotisserie chicken, Swiss cheese, and a savory Dijon mustard sauce topped with a crunchy Parmesan panko crust. Ready in under an hour, this easy oven-baked casserole makes a perfect weeknight dinner or family gathering meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound (about 450g) cavatappi pasta
Sauce & Filling
- 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups (480ml) half & half
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt (e.g., Lowry’s brand)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups (about 340g) Swiss cheese, shredded
- 2 cups (about 300g) rotisserie chicken, diced
Topping
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup (about 45g) plain panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup (about 25g) grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside to prevent sticking during baking.
- Cook pasta: Boil the cavatappi pasta in salted water according to package directions for 7 to 8 minutes until al dente. Drain well to avoid sogginess in the casserole.
- Make sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, half & half, Dijon mustard, chopped fresh parsley, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to create a smooth and flavorful sauce base.
- Combine filling: Add shredded Swiss cheese, diced rotisserie chicken, and cooked pasta to the bowl with the sauce. Stir gently but completely to ensure every ingredient is well coated and evenly mixed.
- Assemble casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure consistent baking and heating.
- Prepare topping: In a small bowl, combine melted unsalted butter, panko breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter.
- Add topping: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to create a crispy, golden crust once baked.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole filling is bubbly and heated through.
Notes
- For best texture, ensure the pasta is drained well before mixing to prevent a watery casserole.
- Use freshly shredded Swiss cheese for optimal melting and flavor.
- Leftover rotisserie chicken can be substituted with cooked chicken breast if needed.
- Seasoned salt adds a balanced savory touch but can be substituted with regular salt and additional herbs if preferred.
- For a crispier topping, broil the casserole for the last 2 minutes but watch carefully to avoid burning.
