Welcome to Sweet Emily, where we make delicious meals simple! Today, we are transforming a restaurant classic into an achievable home-cooked masterpiece: Deliciously Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu. This iconic dish features a golden, crispy exterior, enveloping juicy chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese. Best of all, we elevate it with a rich, savory Dijon cream sauce. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this elegant yet incredibly easy recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re in for a treat with this Deliciously Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu. It delivers gourmet flavors with surprisingly little effort.
- Gourmet Feel, Surprisingly Easy: Achieve a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss.
- Crispy, Golden Breading: Each bite offers a satisfying crunch.
- Juicy, Tender Chicken: The chicken stays moist and flavorful inside.
- Melted Ham and Swiss Cheese Interior: A classic combination that oozes cheesy goodness.
- Rich, Flavorful Creamy Dijon Sauce: The perfect tangy and savory complement to the chicken.
- Perfect for Special Occasions or weeknights: Versatile enough for any dinner table.
- A True Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone will ask for this recipe again!
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your own homemade Deliciously Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu. Quality ingredients make all the difference in this classic dish.
For the Deliciously Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 16 slices Swiss cheese
- ½ lb ham (225 g), thinly sliced
- Peanut oil or vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (125 g)
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs (100 g)
For the Creamy Dijon Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (480 mL)
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard (60 g)
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (100 g)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Notes & Substitutions
- Chicken: For easier prep, use pre-cut chicken cutlets or halve large chicken breasts horizontally.
- Cheese: Experiment with provolone, mozzarella, or nutty Gruyere for different flavor profiles.
- Ham: Prosciutto offers a saltier, more intense flavor, or use thinly sliced turkey for a lighter option.
- Breading: Gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free panko bread crumbs work perfectly.
- Sauce: Adjust the amount of Dijon mustard to suit your personal preference for tanginess.
Equipment
You only need a few basic tools to prepare this fantastic homemade chicken cordon bleu.
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- Cutting board
- Plastic wrap
- Tall-sided pan or Dutch oven
- Wire rack
- Baking sheet
- 1 ½-quart saucepan
- Whisk
- Tongs
Instructions
Let’s create your Deliciously Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu step-by-step. Follow these clear instructions for a perfect meal every time.
Prepare the Chicken
First, sprinkle the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Place one chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Pound it until it’s about ½ inch (1 cm) thick using a meat mallet, rolling pin, or a heavy pan. This ensures even cooking.
Remove the top plastic wrap. Layer 2 slices of Swiss cheese, then 2 slices of ham, another layer of Swiss cheese, and a final layer of ham onto the chicken. Carefully roll the chicken tightly from one end, enclosing the fillings. Place the rolled chicken onto a new sheet of plastic wrap. Wrap the chicken tightly in the plastic, twisting the excess on the sides to firm up the chicken cordon bleu roll. Tie the excess plastic to secure. Repeat this process for the remaining chicken breasts. Chill the rolls in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to help them hold their shape.
Fry the Chicken
Meanwhile, preheat a tall-sided pan or Dutch oven with about 2 inches (5 cm) of peanut or vegetable oil to 325°F (170°C). Prepare three separate large, wide dishes: one with the all-purpose flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with the panko bread crumbs.
After the chicken rolls are chilled and set, unwrap them. Dredge each roll thoroughly, first in the flour, ensuring full coverage. Next, dip it completely in the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, roll it generously in the panko bread crumbs, pressing gently to make sure the crumbs adhere well.
Carefully place the breaded chicken rolls into the preheated oil. Cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until the outside achieves a beautiful, even golden brown color and a crispy coating. If the chicken is nicely browned but a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads below 165°F (75°C), transfer the chicken cordon bleu to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Finish cooking them in the oven at 325°F (170°C) until they reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). According to the USDA, all poultry should reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C) as measured with a food thermometer, to ensure food safety.
Make the Creamy Dijon Sauce
While the chicken cooks, prepare the rich creamy Dijon sauce. In a 1 ½-quart saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook until it is soft and fragrant, about 1 minute.
Whisk in the 3 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1 minute, creating a light roux. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to ensure it fully combines with the roux and no lumps remain. Continue whisking until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer and visibly thickens.
Stir in the Dijon mustard, shredded Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until well combined and smooth. Remove the pan from the heat immediately. This luscious sauce completes the Deliciously Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu.
Serve
Carefully remove the chicken from the oven or oil and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice each chicken cordon bleu crosswise into thick medallions. Arrange them on plates. Drizzle generously with the warm creamy Dijon sauce. Serve your delightful Deliciously Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Mastering your Deliciously Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu is easy with these helpful pointers.
- Perfect Pounding Techniques: Pound the chicken evenly to ensure uniform thickness for consistent cooking. This prevents one part from being undercooked or overcooked.
- Achieving Golden Crispy Coating: Maintain the oil temperature precisely. Too low, and the breading will be greasy; too high, and it will burn before the chicken cooks through.
- Ensuring Chicken is Cooked Through: Always use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding the ham or cheese, to confirm it reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Preventing Cheese Leaks: Tightly roll and thoroughly chill the chicken for 30 minutes. This helps the rolls maintain their shape and keeps the cheese from escaping during cooking.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
Elevate your Deliciously Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu with these simple serving ideas and creative variations.
Serving Ideas
- Classic Comfort: Pair your chicken with creamy mashed potatoes or perfectly roasted asparagus and broccoli for a satisfying meal.
- Light & Fresh: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Weeknight Winner: Enjoy this comforting dish as a standalone star, making any ordinary night feel special.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover cooked chicken cordon bleu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, or use an air fryer for extra crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent a soggy crust.
- Freezing: You can freeze uncooked, breaded chicken rolls for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frying or baking. Cooked rolls can also be frozen and reheated.
Delicious Variations
- Baked Cordon Bleu: For a lighter option, bake the breaded chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy Dijon sauce for a subtle kick.
- Herbaceous Delight: Mix finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives into the panko bread crumbs for added aroma and flavor.
- Mini Cordon Bleu: Use chicken tenders instead of full breasts to create smaller, bite-sized appetizers, perfect for parties.
Nutrition Information
This estimated nutrition information is for one serving of Deliciously Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 700 |
| Fat | 29g |
| Carbs | 52g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Protein | 55g |
Deliciously Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Place each chicken breast between plastic wrap and pound to about ½ inch thick.
- Layer 2 slices Swiss cheese, 2 slices ham, another layer of Swiss, and another layer of ham onto each pounded chicken breast, then roll it up.
- Tightly wrap the rolled chicken in plastic wrap, twisting the ends to firm the roll, then chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to set.
- Meanwhile, preheat 2 inches of oil in a tall-sided pan to 325°F (170°C).
- After chilling, dredge each chicken roll through flour, then beaten egg, and finally panko bread crumbs.
- Fry the breaded chicken in the preheated oil for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown; if needed, finish cooking on a wire rack in a 325°F (170°C) oven until an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) is reached.
- Concurrently, melt butter in a 1 ½-quart saucepan over medium heat and cook minced garlic until soft, then whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk until fully combined with the roux, ensuring no lumps remain, and continue whisking until the mixture simmers and thickens.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, then remove the pan from the heat.
- Slice the cooked chicken cordon bleu and serve immediately, drizzled generously with the prepared Dijon sauce.
Notes
Estimated values based on one serving size (approx. 6 servings total).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to common questions about making Deliciously Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu.
Can I bake chicken cordon bleu instead of frying?
Yes, you absolutely can! Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through and golden.
What’s the best cheese for chicken cordon bleu?
Swiss cheese is traditional and works beautifully. Gruyere, provolone, or even mozzarella also make excellent choices for their meltability and flavor.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
The key is to roll the chicken very tightly and then chill the rolls for at least 30 minutes before breading and cooking. This helps seal the edges.
Can I prepare chicken cordon bleu ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble and bread the chicken rolls up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
What are good side dishes to serve with this recipe?
Creamy mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, a light green salad, or steamed green beans all pair wonderfully with this rich chicken dish.
Conclusion
You’ve just unlocked the secret to creating the most Deliciously Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu right in your own kitchen! This recipe delivers an irresistible combination of crispy chicken, savory ham, melty Swiss, and a truly luscious Dijon cream sauce. It’s an elegant meal that’s surprisingly simple to master. Give this classic dish a try and enjoy the satisfaction of homemade deliciousness with minimal effort. Your family will thank you!
