Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
This creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole features layers of tender shredded chicken, smoked turkey, Swiss cheese, and a rich Dijon cream sauce, all topped with buttery golden panko breadcrumbs. It's an easy, family-friendly, pork-free twist on the classic French-inspired favorite.
Equipment
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
- medium saucepan
- whisk
- mixing bowl
- measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 5 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 9 oz deli-style turkey ham or smoked turkey, cut into strips
- 8 oz Swiss cheese slices
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 6 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- chopped parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Spread the shredded cooked chicken evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange the turkey ham or smoked turkey over the chicken, then cover evenly with the Swiss cheese slices.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the Dijon mustard, lemon juice (if using), garlic powder, salt, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper.
- Whisk in the flour and cook until a smooth paste forms.
- Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth. Simmer for about 4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the casserole, spreading gently to coat all the layers.
- Mix the panko breadcrumbs with the softened butter and sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
This casserole is a pork-free version of traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu. Smoked turkey provides a savory flavor similar to ham while keeping the dish family-friendly. It can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated before baking. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving if desired.