Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

Irresistible Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe for Any Night

Crafting a delightful chicken cordon bleu recipe promises an elegant twist on comfort food.

Layers of succulent chicken embrace swiss cheese and delicate ham in a mouthwatering embrace.

Crispy golden breadcrumbs coat each tender piece, creating a perfect crunch that makes you smile.

Weeknight dinners transform into special occasions with this classic dish that feels both sophisticated and approachable.

Minimal ingredients combine to deliver maximum flavor, making the preparation simple and enjoyable.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate how quickly this meal comes together.

When you serve this impressive plate, expect compliments and empty plates – a sure sign of culinary success.

Questions About Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu

  • Why do I need to refrigerate the rolled chicken?

Refrigeration helps the chicken roll hold its shape and prevents the filling from falling out during cooking, ensuring a neat and professional presentation.

  • Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyère or provolone for a different flavor profile while maintaining a similar melting quality.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is safe to eat and fully cooked through.

  • Is it necessary to use Dijon mustard in the sauce?

While not mandatory, Dijon mustard adds a tangy depth of flavor that complements the creamy sauce and enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Why Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Is Comforting

  • Conquer Culinary Complexity: This recipe transforms a classic dish into an achievable cooking adventure for home chefs of all skill levels, breaking down intimidating techniques into simple, manageable steps.
  • Craft Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with rich flavors of Swiss cheese, ham, and creamy sauce, this chicken cordon bleu guarantees smiles around the dinner table, making it perfect for family meals or gatherings with friends.
  • Speed Through Deliciousness: With straightforward preparation and quick cooking methods, you can create a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen, ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner plans.
  • Customize Your Creativity: Easily adapt the recipe by switching cheeses, trying different breadcrumb coatings, or experimenting with sauce variations to match your taste preferences and ingredient availability.

Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Ingredient Checklist

Meat:
  • Chicken Breasts: A lean protein that serves as the main foundation for this delicious cordon bleu dish.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Swiss Cheese: A mild, smooth cheese that melts beautifully and adds creamy richness to the chicken.
  • Ham: A savory meat that provides a classic flavor and complements the chicken perfectly.
Seasoning and Coating:
  • Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the chicken.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates a dry surface to help the egg and breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
  • Eggs: Act as a binding agent to help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
  • Breadcrumbs: Provide a crispy, golden exterior to the chicken roll.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth base for the sauce.
  • Garlic: Introduces a fragrant and intense flavor to the creamy sauce.
  • Milk: Provides the liquid base for a silky, smooth sauce.
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy and slightly sharp note to the cream sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Contributes a salty and nutty depth to the final sauce.

Cooking Instructions For Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Breasts

Sprinkle each chicken breast generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, ensuring even coverage across the entire surface.

Step 2: Flatten Chicken

Use a meat mallet to gently pound each chicken breast until it reaches a uniform ½ inch thickness, creating an even surface for rolling.

Step 3: Layer Cheese and Ham

On each flattened chicken breast, strategically place:
  • Swiss cheese slices
  • Ham slices

Arrange the layers carefully to cover most of the chicken surface.

Step 4: Roll and Chill

Tightly roll each chicken breast, securing the cheese and ham inside. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to help maintain the shape.

Step 5: Prepare Coating Station

Set up three shallow dishes for breading:
  • First dish: All-purpose flour
  • Second dish: Beaten eggs
  • Third dish: Breadcrumbs

Step 6: Bread the Chicken Rolls

Carefully coat each chilled chicken roll by:
  • Dredging in flour
  • Dipping in beaten eggs
  • Rolling in breadcrumbs, ensuring complete and even coverage

Step 7: Heat Cooking Oil

Warm oil in a large skillet to 325°F, creating the perfect temperature for golden, crispy exterior.

Step 8: Fry Chicken Rolls

Gently place breaded chicken rolls into hot oil, cooking approximately 5 minutes per side until achieving a beautiful golden-brown color.

Step 9: Finish Cooking

If needed, transfer chicken rolls to a preheated oven at 325°F to ensure thorough internal cooking.

Step 10: Create Creamy Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic. Whisk in flour to create a roux, then gradually incorporate milk, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.

Step 11: Enhance Sauce Flavor

Stir in Dijon mustard and grated Parmesan cheese, blending until smooth and creamy.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Slice chicken rolls and generously drizzle with the luxurious cream sauce. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the delightful combination of crispy chicken, melted cheese, and creamy sauce.

Secrets For Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu

  • Maximize Flavor Absorption: Marinate chicken in seasoning mix for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance taste depth.
  • Prevent Cheese Leakage: Secure chicken rolls with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep cheese and ham inside during frying.
  • Achieve Perfect Coating: Double-dip chicken in egg wash and breadcrumbs for extra crispy, golden-brown exterior.
  • Control Cooking Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally without overcooking.
  • Create Smooth Sauce: Whisk continuously and add milk gradually to prevent lumps in the creamy Parmesan sauce.

Fun Twists For Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Wrap: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds and use cauliflower wraps instead of traditional breading for a keto-friendly version.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Swap Swiss cheese for feta, use prosciutto instead of ham, and add oregano and thyme to the seasoning for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Almond Crusted: Use almond flour instead of wheat flour, gluten-free breadcrumbs, and replace Dijon mustard with whole grain mustard for celiac-friendly preparation.
  • Vegetarian Portobello Alternative: Substitute chicken with large portobello mushroom caps, use plant-based cheese and ham alternatives, and follow the same rolling and breading technique for a meat-free option.

What Goes With Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu

  • Complement Crisp White Wine: Select a light, crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio that balances the rich, creamy sauce and cuts through the chicken's savory profile.
  • Pair with Fresh Salad: Create a tangy green salad with mixed greens, lemon vinaigrette, and crisp cucumber to provide a refreshing contrast to the heavy chicken dish.
  • Match with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare herb-roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts seasoned with garlic and olive oil, which will enhance the chicken's golden breadcrumb exterior.
  • Serve with Crusty Bread: Include a warm, crusty French baguette or sourdough slice to soak up the delicious Parmesan cream sauce and add textural variety to the meal.

How To Store Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu

  • Store leftover chicken cordon bleu in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
  • Wrap individual chicken rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the breading.
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Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe


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4.9 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Culinary magic unfolds with chicken cordon bleu, a classic French-inspired dish merging tender chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese. Crispy golden breading and rich flavors promise a delightful meal you’ll savor with each delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 4 boneless (skinless chicken breasts)
  • 16 slices Swiss cheese
  • ½ lb (0.5 pounds or 226 grams) thinly sliced ham

Breading and Coating:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 eggs (beaten)
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder

Sauce and Seasoning:

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • ¼ cup Dijon mustard
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Pepper (to taste)
  • Peanut or vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

  1. Massage chicken breasts with a blend of aromatic seasonings, ensuring even coverage.
  2. Gently pound each chicken breast to an even, delicate thickness using a meat tenderizer.
  3. Layer Swiss cheese and ham slices strategically across the flattened chicken surface.
  4. Carefully roll the chicken, encasing the filling, and secure with plastic wrap for 30 minutes of chilling.
  5. Heat cooking oil to a precise 325°F, creating an ideal frying environment.
  6. Create a crispy exterior by coating each chicken roll in a three-stage breading process: flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs.
  7. Fry the breaded rolls for approximately 5 minutes per side, achieving a golden, crisp shell.
  8. Transfer to the oven at 325°F to ensure complete internal cooking and optimal tenderness.
  9. Craft a luxurious sauce by melting butter and sautéing minced garlic in a saucepan.
  10. Introduce flour to create a roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
  11. Gradually stream in milk, stirring until the sauce reaches a smooth, velvety consistency.
  12. Enhance the sauce with tangy Dijon mustard and nutty Parmesan cheese.
  13. Slice the chicken rolls diagonally and cascade the creamy sauce over the top, creating an elegant presentation.

Notes

  • Opt for thin, even chicken cutlets by gently pounding with a meat mallet to ensure consistent cooking and tender texture.
  • Prevent cheese leakage by chilling rolled chicken for at least 30 minutes, which helps seal the filling and maintain structural integrity.
  • Choose low-moisture Swiss cheese and pat ham dry to reduce excess moisture and prevent soggy breading during frying.
  • Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption without overcooking.
  • Prep Time: 35 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 670 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 58 g
  • Cholesterol: 210 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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