Short Description
If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish, this Deliciously Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu is the one you need to try. With crispy chicken, a gooey cheese center, and a velvety cream sauce, this meal will quickly become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This Chicken Cordon Bleu is the ultimate indulgence, combining the savory flavors of chicken, ham, and melted Swiss cheese, all wrapped up in a crispy, golden-brown coating. The creamy sauce brings everything together for an unforgettable meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating your family to something special, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s easy to make but looks and tastes like something you’d get at a fancy restaurant.
Ingredients
You don’t need too many ingredients to make this chicken dish come to life, but trust me, every single one of them adds a layer of flavor you’ll love. The full list of ingredients is below, but here are the basics:
- Chicken breasts
- Swiss cheese
- Ham slices
- Flour, breadcrumbs, and eggs for breading
- Heavy cream, butter, and some seasonings
For the complete ingredient list and measurements, just scroll down to the bottom!
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preparing your chicken breasts. You’ll want to slice them horizontally to create a pocket without cutting all the way through. If your chicken breasts are thick, you might want to pound them slightly with a meat mallet to ensure even cooking. Once that’s done, season both sides with a little salt and pepper.
Step 2: Stuff the Chicken
Next, stuff each chicken breast with a slice of ham and a generous amount of Swiss cheese. You can use toothpicks to secure the edges if you like, but I usually just tuck the ends under. Make sure the filling is evenly distributed so each bite has the perfect balance of meat and cheese.
Step 3: Breading the Chicken
Now, it’s time to bread the chicken. Set up a dredging station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Coat each stuffed chicken breast in flour, dip it in the egg, and then coat it in breadcrumbs. Make sure it’s well-covered to get that crispy exterior.
Step 4: Cooking the Chicken
Heat a bit of oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, carefully add the chicken breasts. Cook each side for about 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked. Once done, transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, melt some butter and add a bit of flour to create a roux. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and let it simmer until it thickens. Add a pinch of garlic powder, salt, and pepper for flavor. If you want an extra touch, a little Dijon mustard goes wonderfully with this sauce!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once your sauce is ready, pour it over the crispy chicken. You’ll be amazed at how rich and creamy the sauce is! Serve the Chicken Cordon Bleu with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a simple green salad.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- For the crispiest coating, make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the breading can get soggy instead of crispy.
- You can prep the chicken ahead of time by stuffing and breading the chicken in advance. Just store it in the fridge for up to a few hours before cooking.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the stuffed chicken instead of frying it. Just place it in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes.
- Don’t skip the cream sauce—it really brings everything together and adds that extra creamy goodness.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- You can substitute Swiss cheese with other cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or even cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- If you’re not a fan of ham, you could try substituting it with turkey or bacon for a different twist on the classic.
- For a healthier version, you could use whole wheat breadcrumbs or even crushed almonds for a gluten-free option.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Chicken Cordon Bleu pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or a simple vegetable side like steamed broccoli or green beans. For a more sophisticated meal, try serving it with a side of roasted root vegetables or a crisp salad with a light vinaigrette. A glass of white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, would complement the creamy sauce perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the breading may lose some of its crispiness.
4 FAQs
Can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the chicken up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just cook it the day you plan to serve it!
Can I freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Absolutely! After assembling and breading the chicken, freeze it on a baking sheet before transferring it to a ziplock bag. When ready to cook, you can fry it directly from frozen, but it will need a bit more time in the skillet.
Can I make this recipe without ham?
Yes, you can easily omit the ham or replace it with turkey or bacon for a different flavor profile.
What can I serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu?
This dish pairs well with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. You could also serve it with pasta or rice for a more filling meal.
Conclusion
This Deliciously Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe is everything you want in a comfort meal—crispy, cheesy, creamy, and just plain irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a special occasion, it’s guaranteed to impress. Try it out next time you’re in the mood for something indulgent and flavorful, and enjoy every bite!
Print
Deliciously Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked, Pan-fried
- Cuisine: French, American
Description
A mouthwatering twist on the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu. Tender chicken breasts are stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, then smothered in a rich, creamy sauce that makes each bite irresistible. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or special occasion!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices of ham
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Stuff the chicken: Place a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on each chicken breast, then roll it up and secure with toothpicks.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken on all sides (about 4-5 minutes per side). Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and heavy cream. Stir to combine, and bring to a simmer. Add thyme, Parmesan cheese, and additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake the chicken: Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken in the baking dish. Place it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Serve: Remove the toothpicks from the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with mashed potatoes or a side salad.
Notes
- You can use other types of cheese like mozzarella or cheddar, but Swiss cheese gives it the authentic flavor.
- For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 140mg