Easy One-Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

When you think of a hearty, comforting meal that’s easy to make and sure to satisfy everyone at the dinner table, a casserole is a perfect choice. Casseroles are versatile, and one that has gained significant popularity is the Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. This dish combines the delicious flavors of tender chicken, savory ham, melted cheese, and a creamy sauce into a one-pot meal that’s ideal for busy evenings or family gatherings. Whether you have leftover ham from a holiday meal or simply want to create a quick and filling dish, this casserole is a great choice.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to make an Easy One-Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole recipe that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Plus, we’ll explore various ways you can personalize the recipe and discuss some meal ideas and inspiration, including using leftover ham for a delicious twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

This recipe calls for basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry or fridge. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Chicken tenderloin (4-5 pieces)
Leftover ham (about 1 cup, cubed or shredded)
Mozzarella cheese (2 cups, shredded)
Swiss cheese (1 cup, shredded)
Cream of chicken soup (1 can)
Sour cream (1/2 cup)
Chicken broth (1/2 cup)
Cooked rice (3 cups)
Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup)
Butter (2 tablespoons, melted)
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
Onion powder (1 teaspoon)
Salt and pepper (to taste)

This combination of ingredients gives you the rich, creamy texture you expect from a casserole while allowing the flavors of chicken, ham, and cheese to shine through.

Instructions for Making the One-Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the casserole cooks evenly and is hot and ready by the time everything is assembled.
Prepare the Chicken and Ham: If you don’t have leftover ham on hand, cook some ham and shred or cube it for use in the casserole. You can also use cooked chicken tenders or a chicken tenderloin casserole recipe. For the chicken, simply sauté it in a pan until cooked through, then slice it into bite-sized pieces. If you have leftover chicken, that works just as well.
Cook the Rice: If you’re using uncooked rice, cook it according to the package directions. For a quicker prep, consider using leftover rice. The rice adds a wonderful base to the casserole and makes it more filling. If you want a Chicken Cordon Bleu casserole with rice, the rice is essential for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Make the Casserole Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Stir these ingredients together until well blended. Add in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. This sauce will be rich and creamy, adding the signature flavor of a Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole.
Combine the Ingredients: In a large baking dish or casserole pan, layer the cooked rice as the base. Then, top the rice with the cooked chicken and leftover ham. Pour the sauce mixture over the top and stir gently to combine. The creamy sauce will coat the rice, chicken, and ham, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Swiss cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. These two cheeses melt beautifully, creating a deliciously gooey topping.
Top with Breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the breadcrumbs. This will create a crispy, golden topping when baked. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. The casserole will be hot and ready to serve once it’s done.
Serve and Enjoy: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish is great on its own or paired with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

Tips for Personalizing Your Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

While this one-pot Chicken Cordon Bleu casserole recipe is already a crowd-pleaser, there are a few ways you can customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs:

Use Different Meats: If you don’t have ham or chicken on hand, feel free to switch it up. You can use turkey instead of ham or experiment with other cuts of chicken, such as chicken breasts or thighs. The beauty of this casserole is its versatility when it comes to protein choices.
Try Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Recipes: Instead of using rice, you can swap it for pasta. This will give you a more traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Casserole. Just cook the pasta separately and mix it into the casserole before baking.
Add Vegetables: If you’re looking to boost the nutritional value of your casserole, consider adding vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, or peas. These will add color and flavor while also giving your casserole a wholesome feel.
Go Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also use rice flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce if needed.
Use a Different Cheese: While Swiss cheese is typically used in Chicken Cordon Bleu Casseroles, you can experiment with other types of cheese, such as cheddar, provolone, or gouda. Each will bring its own unique flavor to the dish.

Leftover Ham and Chicken Casserole Ideas

One of the best things about this recipe is how well it works with leftover ham or chicken. After Easter or any family gathering, you’re often left with extra ham. Instead of letting it go to waste, use it in this casserole. The ham pairs perfectly with the chicken and cheesy sauce, creating a comforting and satisfying meal.

Additionally, you can turn leftover ham chicken casseroles into a new dish for the next day by combining them with different ingredients. For example, leftover chicken Cordon Bleu casserole with rice can be reheated for a quick dinner or served alongside a fresh salad for a lighter meal.

Quick and Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casseroles

When you’re looking for easy chicken casseroles quick, this recipe is ideal. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a hearty, delicious meal ready in under an hour. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, especially when you want to serve something that feels like a treat without spending hours in the kitchen.

Perfect for Easter or Any Special Occasion

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is also a great choice for Easter meal ideas. The rich flavors and festive nature of the dish make it perfect for a family dinner or holiday gathering. Plus, the one-pot cooking method means you don’t have to worry about juggling multiple dishes, making cleanup a breeze.

Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or enjoying a quiet meal with your loved ones, this casserole will surely impress.

Conclusion

The Easy One-Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is an incredibly versatile and simple dish that packs all the flavors you love about Chicken Cordon Bleu into a quick and easy casserole. Whether you’re using leftover ham, chicken, or other ingredients, this casserole recipe is perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to holiday feasts. With its rich, creamy sauce, tender meat, and melted cheese, it’s a dish that will leave everyone coming back for more.

So, the next time you have some leftover ham or chicken on hand and want to create a comforting meal, remember this easy recipe. It’s an all-in-one meal that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.