Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with Rice offers a delightful twist on a classic, combining tender chicken, savory ham, and fluffy rice in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This decadent casserole is baked to perfection with melted Swiss cheese, creating a truly comforting and satisfying meal. It’s an ideal solution for utilizing leftover chicken or ham, making it a brilliant and easy option for busy weeknights or when you simply crave a delicious, fuss-free dinner.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with Rice: The Ultimate Comfort Food

There’s something undeniably special about a warm, bubbly casserole fresh from the oven, especially one that takes a beloved classic and transforms it into an effortless family meal. When I first envisioned this dish, my intention was to prepare my tried-and-true Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, a perfect recipe for leftover ham. However, a spontaneous decision led to a delicious improvisation: adding rice! My family adores rice, featuring it on our dinner table two to three times a week. When it’s baked into a casserole, it reaches new heights of deliciousness. Those coveted crispy, golden-brown bits of rice around the edges of the pan? They’re always the first to be claimed, a testament to how truly irresistible this casserole is.

This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a moment of culinary comfort, a dish that brings smiles and satisfaction with every spoonful. It masterfully blends the rich flavors of Swiss cheese, savory ham, and succulent chicken with the creamy texture of a homemade sauce, all nestled on a bed of perfectly cooked rice.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Easy Chicken Casserole

The beauty of this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with Rice lies in its simplicity and incredible flavor profile. It’s a dish designed for modern living, offering maximum taste with minimal effort. Imagine a gourmet-quality meal that requires only about 10 minutes of active preparation time! This recipe is incredibly quick to assemble, then simply bakes to golden perfection in your 9×13 Pyrex baking dish for roughly 35 minutes.

This casserole epitomizes comforting weeknight dinners. It’s the kind of meal you can easily prepare in advance, then just pop into the oven when you’re ready for a quick, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying dinner. Even better, the leftovers are absolutely fantastic the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping or a convenient lunch. The hearty combination of chicken, ham, rice, and a luscious cheesy sauce ensures a fulfilling experience for everyone at the table.

Versatility is another key advantage. Whether you have leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken from a previous meal, this recipe adapts beautifully. If ham isn’t readily available, a quick trip to the deli section of your grocery store will provide all you need to create this yummy, family-friendly masterpiece. It’s a clever way to transform simple ingredients into something truly extraordinary.

Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Casserole

One of the many reasons to love this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole recipe is its reliance on simple, accessible ingredients. It’s designed to make dinner time easy and can be effortlessly adapted to what you already have in your pantry or fridge. You’ll find the precise measurements and detailed instructions in the full printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

The Heart of the Dish: Chicken and Ham

Chicken: Cooked chicken is your friend here. A store-bought rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for its convenience and flavor, or you can use any leftover cooked chicken you might have. Even quickly cooked chicken breasts, shredded or diced, will do the trick. The key is to have it pre-cooked to save time.
Ham: This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover holiday ham. If you don’t have any on hand, a few slices of quality deli ham, chopped into cubes, will provide that classic savory taste and texture that complements the chicken so well.

The Foundation: Rice

Minute Rice: To ensure a truly speedy meal, Minute Rice is highly recommended. It cooks up incredibly fast, allowing you to get this delectable casserole onto the table before hunger pangs set in. If you have leftover cooked rice, that works perfectly too!

The Creamy, Cheesy Sauce: The Soul of the Casserole

Sour Cream: This ingredient is crucial for adding a rich, tangy depth and luxurious creaminess to the casserole’s sauce. It helps create that irresistible, velvety texture.
Cream of Chicken Soup: A staple in many comfort food casseroles, cream of chicken soup provides a foundational creamy base. Feel free to use your favorite brand, including store-brand varieties.
Chicken Stock: A touch of chicken stock thins out the sauce slightly, ensuring it’s smooth and evenly distributed throughout the dish, infusing every bite with savory flavor.
Dijon Mustard: Don’t skip the Dijon! This ingredient is key to elevating the overall flavor profile of the casserole. Its subtle tang and mild spice cut through the richness, providing that authentic cordon bleu essence. Absolutely avoid yellow mustard, as its flavor profile is entirely different.
Swiss Cheese: What’s cordon bleu without Swiss cheese? Its nutty, slightly sweet, and melty characteristics are essential. Everything truly does taste better with cheese, and this casserole is no exception. Shredded Swiss cheese creates a beautiful, bubbly topping and integrates wonderfully into the creamy sauce.

The Finishing Touch: Garnish

Parsley: A few sprigs of fresh parsley, chopped and sprinkled over the finished casserole, add a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the entire dish.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with Rice

Creating this delightful casserole is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these simple steps to bring a taste of culinary excellence to your table:

Prepare Your Oven and Dish: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. This ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
Craft the Creamy Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken stock, Dijon mustard, and chopped parsley. Whisk these ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined and smooth. Once the base is ready, gently fold in the shredded Swiss cheese. This creates the rich, flavorful, and incredibly creamy sauce that defines the casserole.
Layer the Ingredients: Spread the prepared rice evenly across the bottom of the baking pan. On top of the rice, distribute the shredded cooked chicken and chopped ham. Ensure an even layer so every serving gets a good mix of flavors.
Add the Sauce: Carefully spoon and spread the creamy cheese sauce mixture over the top of the chicken, ham, and rice layers. Make sure the sauce covers everything thoroughly, creating a delicious blanket of flavor.
Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After this initial bake, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden, the sauce is bubbly, and the cheese on top is beautifully melted and slightly browned.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving hot. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set slightly.

Make-Ahead Tips and Storage

One of the many advantages of this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is its make-ahead potential. You can assemble the entire casserole, including layering the rice, chicken, ham, and sauce, up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. When baking from cold, you might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time to ensure it heats through completely.

For leftovers, store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or a larger portion in the oven until warmed through. It tastes just as good, if not better, the next day!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Does ‘Cordon Bleu’ Mean?

The classic culinary term “cordon bleu” is French for “blue ribbon.” Historically, it refers to the blue ribbon worn by members of the highest order of knighthood, L’Ordre des Chevaliers du Saint-Esprit, instituted by Henri III of France in 1578. In a culinary context, it signifies a dish of the highest standard or quality, often implying a sophisticated preparation. While our casserole version simplifies the process, it retains the high-quality ingredients and decadent flavors worthy of the “cordon bleu” name.

Is Chicken Cordon Bleu Typically Fried?

Yes, traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu typically involves thinly pounded chicken breasts wrapped around ham and Swiss cheese, which are then breaded and pan-fried or baked until golden and crispy. This casserole, however, offers a deconstructed and simplified approach. It captures the essence of the classic flavors – chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, and a creamy sauce – without the need for breading or frying, making it a much easier and often healthier alternative for a weeknight meal. It’s all the deliciousness, none of the fuss!

Creative Variations & Smart Substitutions

My easy Chicken Cordon Bleu casserole is not only a fantastic way to use up leftover ham, chicken, or even turkey but also a versatile canvas for culinary creativity. You can quickly whip up this easy recipe for a hearty meal or explore exciting twists to keep your family delighted. Serve it alongside some steamed green beans or a crisp green salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Cheese Swaps: While Swiss cheese is traditional, feel free to experiment. Parmesan cheese can offer a saltier, nuttier profile, though it will subtly change the classic cordon bleu flavor. Provolone or Gruyere could also be delicious alternatives for a rich, melty experience.
Soup Base Alternatives: If cream of chicken soup isn’t your preference, cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup can work equally well, adding their own unique earthy or savory notes to the sauce.
For Extra Creaminess: If you desire an even richer, more decadent sauce, stir in a dollop of whipped cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream along with the other sauce ingredients. It will make the casserole incredibly luscious.
Crunchy Topping: For those who love a textural contrast, consider adding a golden, crunchy topping. Before the final bake, sprinkle the casserole with some buttery bread crumbs or Panko breadcrumbs. This will provide a delightful crispness that elevates the dish.
Spice It Up: A pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of black pepper can enhance the savory flavors of the casserole. For a hint of warmth, a tiny pinch of nutmeg in the sauce can be surprisingly delightful.
Add Vegetables: Incorporate some finely diced sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or a handful of frozen peas or corn during the layering process for added nutrition and color.

Expert Tips for Casserole Success

Achieving a perfect casserole every time is easy with a few simple tricks and considerations.

Rice Choice: While Minute Rice is excellent for speed, any pre-cooked rice will work. If using regular cooked rice, ensure it’s not too wet; a slightly drier rice will absorb the creamy sauce better without becoming mushy. Leftover rice from the fridge is often ideal.
Even Layers: Take a moment to spread the rice, chicken, and ham in even layers. This ensures that each serving has a balanced mix of ingredients and cooks uniformly.
Sauce Consistency: If your cream of chicken soup is very thick, you might add a tiny splash more chicken stock to the sauce mixture to achieve a pourable, yet still rich, consistency. This helps it spread evenly over the other ingredients.
Don’t Overbake: While you want the casserole to be bubbly and golden, be careful not to overbake, especially once uncovered. Overbaking can dry out the chicken and make the rice too crispy. Keep an eye on it during the last 10-15 minutes.
Resting Time: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes it easier to serve clean portions.

More Easy Meals for Busy Nights

If you’re a fan of this easy chicken casserole recipe, you’ll undoubtedly appreciate these other family-favorite recipes featuring chicken and ham. They are perfect for those busy nights when you need a delicious and hassle-free meal.

Easy Weeknight Chicken Parmesan Bake
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Chili
Hawaiian Ham Balls
Five Bean Ham & Rice Salad
Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki
Ham & Smoked Gouda Quiche
Apple Chicken Salad

Discover ALL My Casserole Recipes Here!

This easy Chicken Cordon Bleu bake with rice is my personal take on the traditional dish, and I can confidently say it absolutely measures up to the original’s reputation for deliciousness. You will not be disappointed with the creamy, cheesy perfection of this casserole. There’s no need to wear a blue ribbon to serve or enjoy it – simply gather your family around the table and savor every comforting bite. I’d love to hear how much your loved ones enjoy this wonderful meal!

Let’s get to the recipe, shall we?

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Scooping the Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with Rice out of a clear baking dish.

Chicken and Rice Cordon Bleu Casserole

Ham, chicken and rice baked in a creamy sauce with melted Swiss cheese – perfect for using leftover chicken or ham, an ideal weeknight meal.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 35 mins

Total Time: 45 mins

Course: Casserole

Cuisine: American

Keyword: casserole, Chicken and Rice Cordon Bleu Casserole, chicken casserole, cream soups, easy, leftover chicken, leftover ham, Swiss Cheese

Servings: 8 Servings

Calories: 355 kcal

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Equipment

12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
9×13 Pyrex Baking Dish with a Lid

Ingredients

2 cups shredded cooked chicken
2 cups chopped ham
2 cups prepared rice (I used Minute rice)
1/2 cup chicken stock
1 cup sour cream
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 Tablespoon parsley
1 1/2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
Pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9×13 pan with cooking spray.
Spread prepared rice into the bottom of the pan. Top with shredded chicken and chopped ham.
Stir together soup, sour cream, chicken stock, mustard, and parsley until combined. Fold in shredded cheese. Spread over the top of rice, ham, and chicken.
Cover and bake for 25 minutes. Remove cover and bake 10-15 minutes more, until edges are golden and bubbly.

Notes

Great for leftover chicken or leftover ham. But also comes together quickly with deli ham and rotisserie chicken.

Nutrition

This recipe was originally posted on April 13, 2016. It has been thoroughly updated to improve user experience, enhance SEO, and provide more comprehensive details, re-shared on November 30, 2022.