Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce Recipe Made Easy

Crispy chicken cordon bleu sparkles with culinary magic that makes dinner feel like a gourmet celebration.

Swiss and ham peek through golden breaded layers, promising incredible flavor combinations.

Juicy chicken breasts become the canvas for this classic French-inspired dish.

Melted cheese sauce adds rich, creamy indulgence to every delectable bite.

Elegant yet approachable, this recipe turns an ordinary evening into something special.

Seasoned home cooks and kitchen novices can nail this impressive main course with confidence.

You’ll want to savor each extraordinary forkful of this mouthwatering creation.

Best Way To Store Chicken Cordon Bleu With Cheese Sauce

• Store leftover chicken cordon bleu in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Separate rolls from cheese sauce to prevent sogginess.
• Wrap individual chicken rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken rolls on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Add cheese sauce separately to maintain texture.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking to avoid overcooking.

FAQs For Chicken Cordon Bleu With Cheese Sauce

• Is Chicken Cordon Bleu difficult to make at home?

Not at all! With some patience and practice, you can easily make this dish. The key is to pound the chicken thin, roll it carefully, and follow the coating steps precisely.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can experiment with provolone, mozzarella, or gouda. Just ensure the cheese melts well and complements the ham.

• How do I prevent the chicken from unrolling during cooking?

Chilling the rolled chicken for 1-2 hours helps it hold shape. Additionally, you can secure the rolls with toothpicks before coating and cooking to keep them tight.

Why Chicken Cordon Bleu With Cheese Sauce Is A Favorite

• Craft Gourmet Magic: Transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish with professional-level stuffing and rolling techniques that make you feel like a culinary expert.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by switching cheese types, using different meats, or adjusting seasonings to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Versatile Cooking Methods: Choose from oven, air fryer, or stovetop cooking techniques, giving you flexibility based on kitchen equipment and time constraints.
• Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: Impress guests with elegant pinwheel slices and a rich, decadent cheese sauce that elevates this classic dish from simple to spectacular.

What’s Inside Chicken Cordon Bleu With Cheese Sauce

• Chicken Breast: A tender and lean protein that serves as the primary base for this classic dish.
• Ham: A savory and salty meat that adds rich flavor to the chicken rolls.
• Swiss Cheese: A mild and creamy cheese that melts beautifully inside the chicken rolls.

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient for creating a crispy exterior and helping other coating ingredients stick to the chicken.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent to help breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken surface.
• Breadcrumbs: Provide a crunchy and golden-brown coating for the chicken rolls.

• Parmesan Cheese, Swiss Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: A trio of cheeses that create a rich, creamy, and flavorful sauce.
• Milk: Serves as the liquid base for the smooth and velvety cheese sauce.
• Olive Oil, Butter: Provide a rich foundation for making the roux and adding depth to the sauce.
• Garlic Powder, Mustard Paste, Nutmeg, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the cheese sauce.

How To Cook Chicken Cordon Bleu With Cheese Sauce

Step 1: Butterfly Chicken Breasts

Carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to create three thin, even pieces. Place the chicken between plastic wrap sheets and gently pound until uniformly thin using a meat mallet.

Step 2: Prepare Filling

Lay out the flattened chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Layer ham and Swiss cheese on top of each piece, creating a delicious base for rolling.

Step 3: Create Tight Rolls

Roll each chicken piece tightly, encasing the ham and cheese inside. Wrap each roll securely in plastic wrap, twisting the ends to maintain shape.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the chicken rolls for 1-2 hours to help them hold their structure and enhance flavor melding.

Step 5: Create Coating Station

• Flour mixed with salt and pepper
• Beaten eggs seasoned with salt and pepper
• Breadcrumbs seasoned with salt and pepper

Step 6: Coat Chicken Rolls

• Rolling in seasoned flour
• Dipping in beaten eggs
• Covering completely with seasoned breadcrumbs

Step 7: Baking Method

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place coated chicken rolls on a lined baking sheet and spray with cooking spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 8: Prepare Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, create a roux by melting butter and olive oil. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes. Gradually add milk, whisking continuously until thickened.

Step 9: Season Sauce

Add garlic powder, mustard paste, nutmeg, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Simmer for one minute to develop flavors.

Step 10: Finish Cheese Sauce

Stir in Parmesan, Swiss, and cheddar cheeses until smooth and creamy. Remove from heat.

Step 11: Serve and Garnish

Allow chicken to rest for 10 minutes. Slice rolls into pinwheels and drizzle with cheese sauce. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh finish.

Alternative Cooking Methods:

Air Fryer Method:

Preheat to 400°F. Place coated chicken in air fryer basket, spray with cooking spray. Cook 15-18 minutes, turning once.

Stovetop Method:

Heat oil and butter in skillet. Cook chicken rolls 2 minutes per side, then reduce heat and cook 8-10 minutes until fully cooked.

Helpful Tips For Chicken Cordon Bleu With Cheese Sauce

• Prevent Unraveling: Secure chicken rolls with toothpicks before chilling to maintain tight, neat shapes during cooking.
• Cheese Blend Mastery: Mix different cheese types for a richer, more complex sauce flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
• Crispy Coating Trick: Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch and golden-brown exterior that stays crisp longer.
• Room Temperature Prep: Let chicken and eggs sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking to ensure even heating and better texture.
• Sauce Rescue Technique: If cheese sauce becomes too thick, whisk in a little warm milk to restore smooth, creamy consistency.

Ways To Tweak Chicken Cordon Bleu With Cheese Sauce

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs made from rice or corn for coating.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute chicken with portobello mushrooms or tofu. Layer with vegetarian ham alternatives and plant-based cheese.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip breadcrumbs entirely. Use crushed pork rinds or almond flour for coating. Replace milk in sauce with heavy cream for extra richness.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Swap Swiss cheese for feta. Use prosciutto instead of ham. Add sun-dried tomatoes and fresh oregano for Mediterranean flavors.

Tasty Sides For Chicken Cordon Bleu With Cheese Sauce

• Perfectly Paired Wine Selection: Choose a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to complement the rich, creamy cheese sauce and cut through the chicken's savory flavors.
• Harmonizing Side Dish: Serve with roasted asparagus or a light mixed green salad to balance the dish's richness and add a fresh, vibrant contrast to the hearty chicken rolls.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Opt for a sparkling water with a twist of lemon or a light Belgian-style wheat beer to cleanse the palate between bites and enhance the meal's overall enjoyment.
• Complementary Bread Pairing: Add a crusty French baguette or garlic bread to soak up the luxurious cheese sauce, providing an extra layer of texture and flavor to the dining experience.

Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delightful chicken cordon bleu elevates classic comfort food with Swiss and ham nestled inside crispy golden chicken. Creamy cheese sauce drizzled over the top brings rich, indulgent flavors you’ll savor with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein Ingredients:

• 4 boneless chicken breasts
• 8 slices ham
• 8 slices Swiss cheese

Breading and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups (220g) Panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cheese Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (473ml) whole milk
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard paste
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup (55g) grated Swiss cheese
• 1/2 cup (60g) grated sharp cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Carefully butterfly each chicken breast into thin, uniform slices, ensuring even thickness for consistent cooking.
2. Position slices between plastic wrap and gently tenderize to approximately 1/4 inch, creating a delicate canvas for filling.
3. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, laying out flat on a clean surface.
4. Arrange ham and Swiss cheese along each chicken slice, maintaining neat, compact layers.
5. Tightly roll chicken from one end to another, encasing filling completely and securing with plastic wrap twists.
6. Refrigerate rolled chicken for 1-2 hours to stabilize shape and enhance flavor melding.
7. Prepare three separate shallow dishes: one with seasoned flour, another with whisked eggs, and the third with seasoned breadcrumbs.
8. Methodically coat each chicken roll first in flour, then egg wash, and finally breadcrumbs, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Preheat oven to 350°F, preparing a lined baking sheet with parchment paper.
10. Arrange breaded chicken rolls on baking sheet, generously misting with cooking spray for golden crispness.
11. Bake 20-25 minutes until exterior turns golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
12. For cheese sauce, create a roux by melting butter and olive oil, whisking in flour until smooth.
13. Gradually incorporate milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and achieve silky consistency.
14. Enhance sauce with garlic powder, mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper, simmering briefly.
15. Fold in Parmesan, Swiss, and cheddar cheeses until sauce becomes luxuriously creamy.
16. Allow chicken to rest 10 minutes before slicing into elegant pinwheel segments.
17. Drizzle warm cheese sauce over chicken and garnish with fresh parsley for vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Slice chicken breasts uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent thickness for perfect texture.
• Use plastic wrap when pounding meat to prevent chicken from sticking and maintain cleanliness during preparation.
• Chill rolled chicken before coating helps secure the filling and prevents unwrapping during cooking.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like Gruyère or mozzarella for unique flavor profiles.
• Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for low-carb and gluten-free variations.
• Pat chicken dry before coating to help breading adhere better and achieve crispier exterior.
• Monitor internal temperature carefully to prevent overcooking and maintain juicy chicken.

• Prep Time: 20-30 minutes (including slicing, pounding, stuffing, rolling, coating, and chilling for 1-2 hours)
• Cook Time: 30–42 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 638 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 820 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 54 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg