Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe: A Rustic French Classic

Nestled between layers of golden breadcrumbs, this creamy chicken cordon bleu brings together classic flavors that dance on your palate.

Crisp edges give way to a molten core of melted cheese and tender ham.

Swiss and chicken create a symphony of textures that comfort and delight.

Rich, indulgent notes promise a meal that feels like a warm embrace from your favorite chef.

Weeknight dinners transform into elegant experiences with minimal effort.

Home cooks can master this restaurant-quality dish without complicated techniques.

Let’s unwrap the delicious secrets of this irresistible culinary creation.

Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Highlights

• Quick and Simple Preparation: Easily assemble this classic dish with basic ingredients and minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels.
• Impressive Flavor Combination: Enjoy the rich, indulgent blend of tender chicken, melty cheese, savory ham, and a luxurious creamy sauce that elevates a basic protein.
• Versatile Meal Option: Adapt this recipe for different occasions, from weeknight dinners to special gatherings, and customize with your favorite cheese or ham varieties.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Delight family and friends with a classic dish that offers a satisfying mix of crispy exterior and creamy, flavorful interior.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean meat that serves as the base for this classic dish.
• Ham: Adds a savory and salty flavor to complement the chicken.
• Swiss Cheese: Provides a creamy and mild flavor that melts beautifully inside the chicken roll.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates a dry surface for the egg wash to adhere to.
• Eggs: Helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken rolls.
• Breadcrumbs: Adds a crispy and golden exterior to the chicken.

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps create a smooth sauce base.
• Milk: Gives the sauce a creamy and silky texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp and nutty flavor to the sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken rolls to achieve a golden-brown color.

Step-by-Step Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C), getting ready for some culinary magic.

Step 2: Transform the Chicken

Gently flatten chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet.

Layer a slice of ham and cheese on each piece, then roll tightly and secure with toothpicks to lock in all the delicious goodness.

• Chicken breasts
• Ham slices
• Cheese slices
• Toothpicks

Step 3: Create the Crispy Coating

• Flour
• Beaten eggs
• Breadcrumbs

Carefully coat each chicken roll by first dredging in flour, then dipping in eggs, and finally rolling in breadcrumbs for a perfect crispy exterior.

Step 4: Achieve Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Sear the chicken rolls until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown color on all sides, creating a beautiful crisp crust.

Step 5: Bake to Completion

Transfer the seared chicken rolls to a baking dish and slide into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is completely cooked through and reaches a safe internal temperature.

Step 6: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a smooth base.

Slowly pour in milk, continuously whisking to prevent lumps.

Let the sauce simmer and thicken, then stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper for extra flavor.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Pour the luxurious, velvety sauce over the baked chicken rolls.

Plate up and get ready to dive into a mouthwatering meal that combines crispy exterior with a creamy, cheesy interior.

Helpful Tips for Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Use plastic wrap or parchment paper when pounding chicken to prevent mess and ensure even thickness.
• Use multiple toothpicks to prevent chicken rolls from unraveling during cooking, ensuring a perfect presentation.
• Let breaded chicken rest for 5 minutes before frying to help breadcrumbs adhere better and create a crunchier exterior.
• Whisk milk gradually and continuously to prevent lumps in the creamy Parmesan sauce, creating a silky texture.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and perfectly cooked chicken cordon bleu.

Flavor Variations for Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free cornflakes or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for coating.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or ground almonds. Replace flour coating with a light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese for extra crunch.
• Vegetarian Swap: Substitute chicken with large portobello mushrooms or thick slices of eggplant. Use plant-based ham alternative and dairy-free cheese for a meatless option.
• Mediterranean Spin: Use prosciutto instead of ham, swap Swiss cheese for feta, and add fresh herbs like oregano and thyme to the breadcrumb mixture for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Elegant Dinner Party Showcase: Plate these golden-brown chicken rolls on pristine white dishes, garnishing with fresh parsley sprigs for a pop of color and herbal freshness.
• Gourmet Side Pairing: Serve alongside roasted asparagus or buttery herb-infused rice pilaf to complement the rich, creamy sauce and create a balanced meal experience.
• Wine and Dine Recommendation: Select a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of the cheese and enhance the chicken's delicate flavors.
• Family-Style Comfort Plating: Arrange the chicken rolls on a large wooden board, drizzle extra sauce, and invite everyone to dig in for a communal, cozy dining moment.

Storage Advice for Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Store leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Frozen chicken will maintain quality for up to 2 months.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to prevent dryness.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.

FAQs

• Can I prepare Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the rolls up to a day in advance and keep them refrigerated. Just cover with plastic wrap and bake when ready to serve.

• What cheeses work best for this recipe?

Swiss and Gruyère are traditional choices, but you can also use provolone or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.

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

Use toothpicks to secure the rolls tightly, and ensure you’ve pounded the chicken to an even thickness before rolling.

• Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free flour to make the recipe celiac-friendly.

Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Chicken cordon bleu delivers a classic Swiss-French culinary delight with ham and cheese rolled inside golden breaded chicken. Rich flavors blend perfectly, promising a restaurant-quality meal you can easily recreate at home.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 slices of ham
• 4 slices of Swiss cheese

Coating Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs (beaten)
• 1 cup (240 ml) breadcrumbs

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil or butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken breasts by gently flattening to uniform thickness using a meat mallet.
2. Layer a slice of ham and cheese on each chicken piece, carefully rolling into compact cylinders and securing with toothpicks.
3. Create a dredging station with flour, whisked eggs, and breadcrumbs for coating the chicken rolls.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and quickly sear chicken rolls until exterior develops a golden-brown crust on all surfaces.
5. Transfer seared rolls to a preheated 375F (190C) oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165F.
6. While chicken bakes, prepare the creamy sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
7. Gradually incorporate flour into melted butter, creating a smooth roux, then slowly whisk in milk until sauce thickens and becomes velvety.
8. Enhance sauce with Parmesan cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper to develop rich, complex flavors.
9. Remove chicken from oven, discard toothpicks, and generously drizzle warm, luxurious sauce over the golden-brown rolls before serving immediately.

Notes

• Tenderize chicken evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry spots.
• Secure rolls tightly with toothpicks to keep cheese and ham from spilling during cooking.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness and golden-brown exterior.
• Choose low-fat cheese and lean ham for a healthier version of this classic dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg