This casserole takes chicken cordon bleu from special occasion to weeknight dinner.

The chicken and ham are stirred into a simple, creamy sauce made with Swiss cheese.

Taking a few extra minutes to make the sauce from scratch is totally worth it.

Southern Living Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole served on top of egg noodles

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Soon enough, youll have a comforting casserole, perfect for a chilly evening.

Serve over the side of your choice:cooked rice, egg noodles, ormashed potatoesare all great options.

What DoesCordon BleuMean?

Southern Living Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

In French, “cordon bleu” literally means blue ribbon.

It’s a reference to the blue ribbons or sashes worn by French royalty.

The dish originated in Switzerland in the early 1900s, making its way to the U.S. in the 1960s.

Southern Living Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

It has since been adopted by Americans looking for a tasty, if not fancy, meal.

Here’s a brief outline.

Spray a 13- x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Southern Living Chicken Cordon Bleu cooking the flour for the roux

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Melt butter:

Melt 4 Tbsp.

butter in a large skillet over medium.

Add onion powder, garlic powder, 1 tsp.

Southern Living Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole whisking the milk into the roux and cooking until thickened

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

kosher salt, and pepper.

Cook 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

Prepare roux:

Add flour and cook, stirring, until golden, about 2 minutes.

Southern Living Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole stirring in the cheese until melted

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Cook sauce until thickened:

Gradually whisk in milk, whisking constantly.

Bring to a simmer and cook 5 minutes or until thickened slightly.

Add cheese and meat:

Remove from heat.

Southern Living Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole stirring the ham into the casserole

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Whisk in mustard and stir in 1 1/2 cups cheese until melted.

Drain any moisture from the ham; stir into sauce.

Pour into prepared baking dish:

Pour mixture into prepared baking dish.

Southern Living Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole stirring in the shredded chicken

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Sprinkle over remaining 1/2 cup cheese.

Prepare breadcrumb topping:

Melt remaining 4 Tbsp.

butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl in microwave on HIGH in 15 second intervals until melted.

Southern Living Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole putting the ham and chicken mixture into the dish

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Stir in breadcrumbs, paprika, and remaining 1/4 tsp.

salt until evenly coated.

Sprinkle over the casserole.

Southern Living Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole in the baking dish sprinkled with cheese

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Sprinkle with chives, if using.

Serve with rice, cooked egg noodles, or mashed potatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes!

Southern Living Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with the breadcrumbs on top before baking

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

you’re free to use any mild, semi-firm cheese.

Monterey jack, low-moisture mozzarella, fontina, Havarti, or provolone will all work.

This recipe will work well with chopped leftover ham.

Southern Living Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole after baking

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Youll need about 1 12 cups.