Oh Pioneer Woman, you’ve done it again with this AMAZING casserole!
All the classic chicken cordon bleu flavors are here, but without the hassle of rolling and breading.
I like to use rotisserie chicken for this—it saves time and blends right into the creamy sauce.
A little Dijon mustard in the sauce adds just the right kick and balances out the richness.
For the best crust, I mix panko with parmesan and a little garlic powder before sprinkling it over the top.
Letting it rest for five minutes after baking helps everything set up so it serves neatly without falling apart.
How to Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 Chicken Cutlets
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 8 slices Ham
- 8 slices Swiss Cheese
- 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz.)
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 1/4 cup Breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 1 tbsp Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with some butter.
Step 2:
Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper, then melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Cook the cutlets for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re nicely browned.
Step 3:
Arrange the browned chicken cutlets in the baking dish.
Layer each cutlet with a slice of ham and Swiss cheese.
Step 4:
In a bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, milk, and mustard.
Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the chicken cutlets.
Step 5:
Combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese in a small bowl, then sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Ideal Chicken Thickness
To achieve even cooking, pound your chicken cutlets to about 1/2 inch thick, especially if they are too thick or uneven.
Ham Moisture Control
Patting your ham slices dry before adding them to the recipe can help prevent extra moisture from making the casserole watery.
Cheese Substitutes
Feel free to swap Swiss cheese with Gruyere, if you prefer a nuttier flavor, or Monterey Jack for a milder taste.
Breadcrumbs Variation
Try using Panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier topping, and you can add some garlic powder or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Preparing Ahead
This dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it, which is great for planning meals.
What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Steamed White Rice
You can’t go wrong with a serving of steamed white rice.
It offers a simple yet satisfying way to balance the flavors of the casserole.
Its mellow taste complements the richness and won’t overpower the main dish.
Air Fryer Asparagus
For a veggie option, consider air fryer asparagus.
It cooks quickly and brings a crunchy texture you will love alongside your casserole.
The fresh, crisp asparagus provides a lovely contrast to the creamy chicken dish.
Garlic Butter Rice
Garlic butter rice brings a touch of savory richness to your meal.
The buttery, garlicky flavor, combined with the softness of the rice, creates a harmonious pairing.
It complements the chicken and adds a deliciously aromatic note to your dinner.
Caprese Salad
Try a refreshing Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil for something different.
This light dish adds a burst of color and freshness to your plate.
It’s a great way to introduce some cold-crisp elements to your warm casserole.
Lemon-Garlic Roasted Broccoli
Roasted broccoli with lemon and garlic is an excellent palate cleanser.
Broccoli’s tender texture and the zing of lemon make it a fantastic side dish.
It’s perfect for those who like a little citrusy zest on their plate.
Variations and Substitutions
Cheese Choices
You can switch up the usual Swiss cheese with Gouda or Gruyère for a unique twist.
Each of these options melts beautifully and adds its own special flavor to the dish.
In my own kitchen, I’ve found Gruyère to be a great choice for a nutty undertone.
Ham Alternatives
If you’re out of traditional ham, try using turkey slices for a lighter version.
For vegetarians, smoked tofu chunks offer a hearty alternative that pairs well with the creaminess of the casserole.
I’ve heard from friends that prosciutto adds a gourmet flair to the casserole.
Seasonal Veggies
Incorporating vegetables like broccoli or asparagus can boost both flavor and nutrition.
Adding a layer of sautéed mushrooms brings an earthy richness to the dish.
In peak garden season, I love tossing in a handful of fresh spinach to make the casserole pop!
How to Store Leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Refrigeration
Refrigerating your leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole correctly is essential to preserving its flavor and quality for your next meal.
After serving, make sure to transfer the leftovers into an airtight container.
Place the container in the fridge, and you can keep it there for about 3-4 days.
Freezing
To freeze this dish for a longer period, you’ll want to prep it a bit differently.
Go ahead and use a freezer-safe, airtight container to store your casserole.
The freezer will keep it fresh for up to two or three months.
Before freezing, I recommend avoiding any toppings that might become soggy during storage.
When you’re ready to dive back into that comforting meal, it’s best to thaw your casserole overnight in the fridge for optimal taste and texture.
Enjoy the flavors all over again!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Chicken
One common mistake is overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry and tough.
To keep the chicken juicy, cook it only until the outside is browned, as it will finish cooking in the oven.
Skipping the Topping
Skipping the crispy topping means missing out on the texture that makes this casserole so appetizing.
Adding a crisp layer mimics the traditional breading of chicken cordon bleu and offers a satisfying crunch.
Ignoring Moisture in the Ham
Don’t forget to reduce the moisture in the ham.
Microwaving it on a paper towel helps, which keeps the casserole from becoming watery.
Pioneer Woman Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 Chicken Cutlets
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 8 slices Ham
- 8 slices Swiss Cheese
- 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup 10.5 oz.
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 1/4 cup Breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1 tbsp Parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with some butter.
- Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper, then melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the cutlets for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they're nicely browned.
- Arrange the browned chicken cutlets in the baking dish.
- Layer each cutlet with a slice of ham and Swiss cheese.
- In a bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, milk, and mustard.
- Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the chicken cutlets.
- Combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese in a small bowl, then sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.