Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for One Recipe

Name: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for One
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 1
Ingredients: 1/3 cup Panko breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 rounded tablespoon finely grated Parmesan cheese; pinch of freshly ground black pepper; 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast, about 8 ounces; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; pinch of cayenne; pinch of fresh thyme leaves; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 1 rounded teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1 ounce diced smoked ham; 1 ounce Gruyere cheese, grated (rounded 1/2 cup)

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

Crumb Topping:

1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon finely grated Parmesan cheese
1 pinch freshly ground black pepper

Chicken:

1 large skinless, boneless chicken breast (about 8 ounces)
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 pinch cayenne pepper
1 pinch fresh thyme leaves
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1 rounded teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 ounce diced smoked ham
1 ounce Gruyere cheese, grated

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425F (220C).
Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, unsalted butter, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Set aside.
Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breast into 1/2-inch cubes and transfer to a bowl. Season with salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and thyme. Add the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, diced smoked ham, and 2/3 of the grated Gruyere cheese. Stir everything together until well combined.
Assemble the dish: Transfer the chicken mixture into a small baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/3 of the grated Gruyere cheese evenly on top. Spoon the panko crumb mixture over the chicken and lightly press it down with the tip of a spoon.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, the casserole is bubbling around the edges, and the top is nicely browned.
Rest: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Chef's Note

This recipe can easily be scaled up. Just increase the number of chicken breasts and use a larger baking dish. The cooking time might change slightly, but as long as the chicken layer is between 1 inch and 1 1/2 inches thick, the dish will work fine.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 1130
Total Fat: 66g (84% Daily Value)
Saturated Fat: 36g (182% Daily Value)
Cholesterol: 365mg (122% Daily Value)
Sodium: 1614mg (70% Daily Value)
Total Carbohydrate: 30g (11% Daily Value)
Dietary Fiber: 2g (7% Daily Value)
Total Sugars: 3g
Protein: 101g (202% Daily Value)
Vitamin C: 1mg (1% Daily Value)
Calcium: 788mg (61% Daily Value)
Iron: 4mg (25% Daily Value)
Potassium: 807mg (17% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Fascinating Story and Cultural Context of Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Chicken Cordon Bleu, which translates from French as "blue ribbon chicken," has long been celebrated for its combination of tender chicken, savory ham, and rich cheese. The dish originated in Switzerland in the 1940s, where chefs sought to create an elegant yet approachable entre that combined European culinary finesse with simple, widely available ingredients. While the traditional version involves rolling chicken around ham and cheese and then frying it, the casserole adaptation simplifies the process, allowing home cooks to enjoy the same luxurious flavors without the need for intricate preparation or deep frying.

Regional Variations and Adaptations

Over the decades, Chicken Cordon Bleu has spread far beyond its Swiss origins, becoming popular in France, the United States, and even parts of Asia. In the U.S., the casserole version has become particularly popular for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, and potlucks. Regional adaptations often reflect local tastes: American versions may use Gruyre or Swiss cheese, occasionally swapping in Monterey Jack or Cheddar for budget-friendly alternatives. Some recipes incorporate cream or Dijon mustard into the casserole to create a creamy, rich sauce that contrasts with the crispy breadcrumb topping.

Distinguishing Features from Similar Dishes

While it may seem similar to other baked chicken dishes, Chicken Cordon Bleu casserole stands out for its layered flavor profile. Unlike a simple baked chicken and cheese dish, this casserole balances the saltiness of ham, the nuttiness of Gruyre, and the subtle heat from seasonings like cayenne or mustard. The panko breadcrumb topping, lightly browned in the oven, provides texture and a visual appeal that distinguishes it from smooth, creamy chicken bakes. This dish is a true hybrid between traditional Cordon Bleu and modern comfort food casserole, offering both elegance and ease.

Typical Serving Occasions

Chicken Cordon Bleu casserole is often served in family-style dinners, single-serving meals, or casual gatherings. Its versatility makes it suitable for both solo lunches and larger social occasions when scaled up. In many American homes, it appears alongside roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, or seasoned potatoes, creating a complete and satisfying meal. The casserole format ensures even cooking and simplifies portion control, making it ideal for busy schedules without sacrificing gourmet appeal.

Interesting Facts

The blue ribbon in its name historically referred to culinary excellence in Switzerland and France.
The casserole version was popularized in the late 20th century as home cooks sought faster, less labor-intensive alternatives to frying individual portions.
While traditional Cordon Bleu is often served in restaurants, the casserole adaptation has made the dish widely accessible for everyday cooking.
Some innovative cooks have experimented with ingredients like smoked turkey, cream cheese, or keto-friendly panko substitutes, reflecting the dishs adaptability.
Despite its rich ingredients, the casserole can be easily scaled for one person or multiplied for large family meals, maintaining the same depth of flavor and texture.

AI Audio version of the recipe is available!

You can listen to this recipe in AI audio format. Simply click the play button below to listen to the content in a format that suits you best. It’s a great way to absorb information on the go!

FAQ about Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for One Recipe

Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. After assembling, cover it with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. If storing longer, it's best to freeze it and bake it directly from frozen, but baking times may need to be extended.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is heated through.

Absolutely! Gruyère is traditional, but you can substitute with Swiss, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella for a milder flavor. The cheese is a key component for creaminess and flavor, so feel free to experiment with your favorite varieties.

If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half, whole milk, or even a dairy-free substitute like coconut cream. However, using lower-fat options might result in a less creamy texture.

To reduce calories, you can use a leaner cut of chicken, such as chicken breast without skin or swap the heavy cream with a lighter version or a non-dairy alternative. You could also reduce the amount of cheese or use a lower-fat variety.

Yes, you can substitute turkey for chicken. Smoked turkey can also add an extra layer of flavor to the dish. Adjust cooking times if necessary, as turkey may require slightly different cooking times depending on the cut.

If you find that there is excess liquid in the casserole, you can try reducing the amount of cream or adding a thickening agent like cornstarch mixed with water. Another trick is to use less watery ingredients, such as drying out the chicken before cooking.

Yes, you can swap the panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers for a different texture. If you're following a gluten-free diet, gluten-free breadcrumbs work as a perfect substitute.

You can enhance the flavor by adding garlic powder, onion powder, or even a splash of white wine to the chicken mixture. Fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or sage can also complement the dish. Additionally, experimenting with different types of mustard can bring more tangy flavor.

Comments

Stacy

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

A grand addition to the casserole collection. I quadrupled the filling and tripled the topping. This fit easily into a 9x13 pan. There would have been enough room in the pan for two more servings. The triple adjustment on the topping was plenty for 9x13. For the person with excess liquid, if you are using water chilled chicken (standard grocery store fare), cut up your chicken, salt it fairly generously and let it sit in a strainer for 20 minutes. Then rinse and pat dry. This will remove excess water from the chicken. Don’t add additional salt to the recipe.

Shannon McWaters Lyvers

03/18/2025 01:57:14 AM

This was so easy to make and tasted great! We sized up to a small casserole dish with 3 chicken breasts. Gruyere was too expensive so we used monterey jack and swiss. It was so good even my picky eater boy loved it! We did steamed broccoli and rosemary roasted potatoes with it.

HotScone5408

03/05/2025 06:36:18 PM

Thank you chef John, I was craving Chicken Cordon bleu for a moment now, but didn’t want to go through all the steps and the frying process. So when you dropped your video, it was best time for me 😁 and I made it right away, just to note I did use smoked turkey (no Ham) and used Emmi Roth (no Gruyère) and it was fantastic, planning to make it again this week. Thank you.

CheekyAle8783

03/07/2025 12:59:20 AM

I made this for dinner tonight and doubled the recipe. I didn't have the heavy cream so I substituted 3 oz of cream cheese (it needed to be used up) and the chicken turned out amazing. It must be one of the easiest chicken recipes out there. There also wasn't the mess and the frying chicken cordon Bleu needs. Will probably be making it again this week.

SturdyPan7856

06/18/2025 09:41:38 PM

As vegetarian I used eggplant. I dont known about the chicken, but the eggplant was a little raw with 25 minutes. Also, it needed more than ¼ up of panko to cover everything. But I will definitely be doing this one again.

FancyPrawn6611

03/11/2025 07:45:56 PM

This is super easy and delicious. We did sub the panko with pork rinds that we pulsed up in the food processor to make it fit our keto diet. I will absolutely be adding this into our dinner rotation.

RusticTaco8681

03/18/2025 02:14:01 AM

For a weeknight dinner this fits the bill. Very easy and yummy. I’m excited to have some for lunch tomorrow. I used chicken thighs because chicken breasts are wildly disinteresting so I cooked it a little longer. I doubled the recipe and eyeballed the ingredient amounts so it was probably a bit more decadent than written.

Sue

07/06/2025 02:23:28 PM

This is absolutely delicious. I doubled the recipe for two small casserole dishes. I used deli ham and swiss as that's what I had on hand. Will definitley make again. Try it, you won't be disappointed.

Peggi

03/17/2025 09:37:58 AM

I just added some garlic powder because my family loves it in almost everything. Thanks for sharing this awesome and easy recipe to make.

mandragoran

03/07/2025 08:00:23 PM

I scaled it up (x4) and it was good, but there was some liquid. if I do it again I will put something to absorb liquid, such as half cooked linguine at the bottom of the casserole.

J

07/10/2025 01:42:47 PM

Scaled up to feed 10. Definitely need to be mindful of cool times.

LankyBasil5631

09/02/2025 02:06:13 AM

Very tasty & easy recipe for myself & boyfriend. We don't need days worth of leftovers, this was perfect!

GiftedBeet7243

08/28/2025 03:33:13 PM

I use this recipe for family gatherings and I turns out great. I multiply it x8 and it never misses.

Angelwords

07/20/2025 12:32:50 AM

Really good. Another keeper. However, I should have read Stacy's 3/9/25 notes before I made it as I also wondered about the extra liquid. I'm making that note to the recipe. I made a seasoned rice and sauteed zuchini to go with it.

J

07/10/2025 01:42:47 PM

Scaled up to feed 10. Definitely need to be mindful of cool times.

Sara Hill

04/07/2025 12:17:57 AM

I made it for two and had to make some adjustments because I couldn't find the right type of cheese. It was ok but I think I'd make some other tweaks too. It was pretty bland tasting.

Aaron Rivera

03/28/2025 02:11:48 PM

I didn’t think cooking could feel this satisfying.

Willow

03/09/2025 01:19:59 PM

FABULOUS, Chef John! I made 2 individual casseroles. I made my own Einkorn Breadcrumbs which turned out amazing. Fun and easy to make. 5 stars all the way!

SmartBacon1464

03/06/2025 05:37:34 AM

This recipe is dangerously good. My family loved it, but it's pretty rich, so we'll either have to find ways to lighten it up a bit or limit how often we make it. The panko topping is first rate. It was a snap to put together, we had all the ingredients and it was hot and ready after a busy, rainy day. Clean up was a breeze as well.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for One Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Chef's Note

Nutrition Facts (per serving)