If you love the flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu but don’t have time for all that rolling and breading, this casserole is going to be your new best friend. It’s got all the goodness of the classic dish—savory ham, juicy chicken, and melty Swiss cheese—all smothered in a creamy sauce with pasta, of course. You can get it on the table with minimal effort, especially if you’ve got some leftover chicken and ham hanging out in the fridge.
You can always make the classic version of Chicken Cordon Bleu, baked or fried.
Why Our Recipe
- All the flavors of traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu in a casserole that’s perfect for weeknights.
- Packed with Swiss cheese and a creamy sauce for comfort food goodness.
- Use leftover chicken and ham to whip up this dish with minimal prep work and cleanup.
This recipe is perfect for those busy nights when you want comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. The penne pasta soaks up all that creamy, cheesy goodness, while the garlicky panko topping adds that tasty little casserole crunch. It’s the kind of dish that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds, and you’ll love how easy it is to pull together.
Ingredient Notes
- Penne: This recipe calls for penne, but you can substitute with other short pasta like rotini, shells, or ziti. Cook it just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the oven.
- Swiss cheese: For the best flavor, use a good-quality Swiss cheese. If Swiss cheese isn’t your favorite, Gruyere is a great substitute.
- Cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great in this recipe or use leftovers. If you’re using raw chicken, cook it thoroughly before adding it to the casserole.
- Ham: Leftover ham is perfect for this recipe or you can buy diced or chopped ham in packages, usually near the bacon.
- Dijon mustard: If you’re out of Dijon, yellow mustard or whole-grain mustard can be used in a pinch.
- Apple cider vinegar: White wine vinegar or lemon juice can be used as a substitute if necessary.
Sneak in a Veggie
Looking to sneak in a vegetable? One of the best veggies to include is steamed broccoli. You can either mix the broccoli right into the casserole or layer it under the chicken and ham for a hidden surprise that even picky eaters might enjoy. Other great options include sautéed spinach or lightly steamed asparagus. If you’re worried about kids noticing the veggies, chop them finely and mix them in with the sauce; they’ll blend right in!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To reheat, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and microwave in 30-second increments on high, stirring between, until heated through.
For a crispier topping, reheat in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes.
More delicious casseroles…
Watch the video below where Caytlin will walk you through every step of this recipe. Sometimes it helps to have a visual, and we’ve always got you covered with our cooking show. You can find the complete collection of recipes on YouTube, our Facebook Page, or right here on our website with their corresponding recipes.
This wasn’t a bad recipe, just a little lackluster honestly- sort of fancy Mac and cheese. Probably wouldn’t make it at home again but if I had to bring potluck with all ages it would probably be a big hit.
My family wasn’t too keen on the sweetness of the sauce. Therefore, after two attempts with the brown sugar, we omitted and now it’s a family favorite! Just depends on your preference. Thanks so much! This is the perfect dish to use up leftover ham and chicken.
I don’t like cordon bleu much, but this recipe changed that! I LOVED this casserole, thanks Caytlin!
Perfection. Perfect balance of all ingredients!
MADE THIS A FEW DAYS AGO FOR THE TWO OF US AND A NEIGHBOR. WE ALL LOVE IT. I DON’T LIKE THE EXTRA WORK LAYERING RECIPES . JUST MIX ALL TOGETHER ADD TOPPING AND BAKE. PERFECT.