Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Article by Layla Khoury-Hanold

Chicken cordon bleu is a classic comfort food dish that is typically made by wrapping thinly pounded chicken breasts around ham and cheese, coating them in breadcrumbs and baking them until golden-crisp. Ree Drummond’s chicken cordon bleu casserole is a family favorite that marries all the flavors and textures of chicken cordon bleu, but in casserole form it’s much less labor intensive and can easily be made ahead of time. With Ree’s easy recipe, you’ll learn how to layer the ingredients for a balanced bite, the key technique for making a luscious sauce, the secret ingredients she adds for extra flavor and how to create a crispy topping.

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Like a Pro

Layer in the casserole ingredients strategically. Ree cuts cooked chicken breasts into big cubes and uses them as the base layer, then layers in small-cubed ham and a mix of shredded Swiss and Monterey Jack cheeses, then repeats the layers one more time each.

Make a roux to create a base for the sauce. Ree whisks together flour and butter in a pan to make a roux. The flour and butter will form a thin paste and you’ll know the roux is ready when it starts to bubble up and turn golden in color.

Whisk whole milk into the sauce to create a luscious consistency. Add whole milk to the roux, whisking while you pour to create a smooth, lump-free sauce.

Add secret flavor boosters to the sauce while you whisk. Ree adds low-sodium chicken broth for savory edge, Dijon mustard for depth of flavor and a dash of cayenne for a little heat.

Make sure the sauce is not too thick. Take care not to create a sauce that is overly thick; you want the sauce’s consistency to be able to seep down into the crevices and cracks of the casserole layers.

Mix in more shredded cheese to make an extra creamy, rich sauce. The Swiss and Monterey cheese mixture melts almost instantly when added to the sauce and imparts added creaminess and richness.

Make a crisp breading to top the casserole. Ree recreates the signature crisp breading of chicken cordon bleu by stirring together melted butter and panko crumbs and evenly sprinkling the mixture on top.

How Long to Cook Chicken Cordon Bleu

Cook chicken cordon bleu casserole for 25 to 30 minutes in a 350 degree F oven, until it’s hot and bubbling and the topping is browned.

Cheese for Cordon Bleu

Cordon bleu is typically made with Swiss cheese, though Ree likes to use a mix of shredded Swiss and Monterey Jack cheeses for extra flavor. Seek out flavorful Swiss cheeses such as Gruyère or Emmental for added savory depth and richness.

What to Serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Serve chicken cordon bleu casserole with salad, like Ree’s Killer Kale Salad, or vegetable sides such as Ree’s Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Blistered Green Beans, Roasted Carrots with Vinaigrette and Beautiful Brussels Sprouts. You can also serve bread to mop up the casserole’s luscious sauce, like Ree’s No-Knead Cloverleaf Rolls or Buttered Rosemary Rolls.