Juicy Chicken Cordon Bleu With Swiss Cheese Sauce Recipe

Tender chicken breasts wrapped around savory ham and Swiss cheese cordon bleu dance with pure deliciousness on your plate.

The classic French-inspired dish promises a culinary adventure that melts hearts and satisfies hunger.

Layers of delicate chicken intertwine with salty ham and creamy cheese, creating a symphony of flavors.

Each bite reveals a golden-brown exterior giving way to a luscious, cheesy interior that surprises and delights.

The accompanying Swiss cheese sauce adds a luxurious touch, transforming this dish from simple to spectacular.

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, this chicken cordon bleu elevates weeknight dinners to restaurant-quality magic.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible meal.

Why Chicken Cordon Bleu Impresses

• Master an impressive dish that looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality meal, perfect for boosting your cooking confidence with step-by-step techniques.
• Deliver a crowd-pleasing protein packed with rich flavors that will make everyone at the table happy, from kids to adults who love cheesy, crispy chicken.
• Swap ingredients like different cheeses or meats to personalize the recipe, making it adaptable to your pantry and taste preferences without compromising the core deliciousness.
• Transform an ordinary dinner into a special occasion with minimal extra effort, turning a simple chicken dish into a gourmet experience that feels luxurious yet approachable.

Cordon Bleu Ingredients with Swiss Sauce

• Chicken Breast: Lean meat that serves as the core foundation of the dish.
• Ham: Adds a savory, salty flavor to complement the chicken.

• Swiss Cheese: Provides a rich, melty texture and distinctive nutty flavor to the chicken rolls and sauce.

• Flour: Creates a dry base layer for the egg and breadcrumb coating.
• Eggs: Helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken for a crispy exterior.
• Breadcrumbs: Gives a golden, crunchy coating to the chicken rolls.

• Butter: Provides a rich base for the cheese sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth, luxurious texture for the sauce.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor to the cheese sauce.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall flavor of the dish.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for initial searing of the chicken rolls.
• Toothpicks: Help secure the chicken rolls during preparation.

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu

Step 1: Flatten Chicken Breasts

Place each chicken breast between plastic wrap and pound them until they reach a thin, even 1/4-inch thickness.

Ensure the meat is uniformly flat for perfect rolling.

Step 2: Season Chicken

Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over both sides of the chicken breasts to enhance their flavor profile.

Step 3: Layer and Roll Chicken

• Ham slice
• Swiss cheese slice

Tightly roll the chicken from the narrow end, securing with toothpicks to prevent unraveling during cooking.

Step 4: Prepare Breading Station

• All-purpose flour
• Beaten eggs
• Breadcrumbs

Coat each chicken roll by dipping first in flour, then eggs, and finally breadcrumbs, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 5: Brown Chicken Rolls

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place chicken rolls and cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Bake Chicken

Transfer browned chicken rolls to a greased baking dish.

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.

Verify internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.

Step 7: Create Swiss Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour.

Cook for one minute.

Gradually add heavy cream, whisking continuously.

Incorporate shredded Swiss cheese and garlic powder.

Stir until sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips for Swiss Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to evenly flatten chicken breasts, ensuring uniform thickness and perfect rolling potential.
• Insert toothpicks strategically to prevent cheese from leaking during cooking, creating picture-perfect chicken cordon bleu every time.
• Shake off excess flour before egg dip and breadcrumb coating to achieve a crispy, even golden-brown exterior without clumpy breading.
• Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safe and juicy results without overcooking.
• Whisk continuously when adding cream to prevent lumps and create a silky-smooth Swiss cheese sauce that complements the crispy chicken perfectly.

Reheating Chicken Cordon Bleu Right

• Store leftover chicken cordon bleu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap before placing in the container to maintain moisture and prevent drying.
• Wrap cooled 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.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the chicken tough.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove foil for the last 2-3 minutes to crisp up the breading.

Side Dishes for Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Enhance the Chicken Cordon Bleu Experience
• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness of the cheesy chicken, creating a refreshing balance that elevates each bite.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a side of herb-roasted asparagus, carrots, and Brussels sprouts to add vibrant colors and nutritious textures that contrast with the creamy, crispy main dish.
• Match with Tangy Mustard Salad: Create a simple green salad dressed with a Dijon vinaigrette to provide a zesty counterpoint to the decadent chicken, helping to cleanse the palate between bites.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Offer a warm, crusty baguette or artisan bread to soak up the luxurious Swiss cheese sauce, turning every last drop into a delightful accompaniment.

Ways to Customize Cordon Bleu Chicken

• Gluten-Free Chicken Cordon Bleu: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the crispy exterior.
• Low-Carb Chicken Roll-Ups: Skip the breading entirely and use a mixture of crushed pork rinds or grated Parmesan cheese as a light coating for a keto-friendly alternative.
• Turkey Cordon Bleu Alternative: Swap chicken for turkey breast for a leaner protein option that still delivers the same delicious rolled and stuffed experience.
• Vegetarian Cheese-Stuffed Option: Replace chicken with a thick portobello mushroom or eggplant slice, using plant-based ham alternative and Swiss-style vegan cheese for a meat-free adaptation.

FAQs

• Is Chicken Cordon Bleu difficult to make at home?

Not at all! With some basic kitchen skills and patience, anyone can create this classic dish. The key steps are pounding the chicken thin, rolling it carefully, and ensuring proper breading and cooking techniques.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can experiment with provolone, Gruyère, or even mild cheddar. Each cheese will bring a unique flavor to the dish, so feel free to get creative.

• How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking?

Roll the chicken tightly and secure with toothpicks before breading. Also, make sure not to overstuff the chicken and seal the edges well when rolling. This helps keep the cheese inside during cooking.

• What's the best way to ensure the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This guarantees the chicken is safe to eat while remaining juicy and tender. The combination of searing and baking helps achieve perfect doneness.

Chicken Cordon Bleu With Swiss Cheese Sauce Recipe

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4.9 from 20 reviews

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

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Description

Indulgent chicken cordon bleu delivers French culinary magic with crispy golden breading and rich ham and cheese filling. Creamy swiss cheese sauce elevates this classic dish, creating a luxurious dinner experience you’ll savor with every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein Ingredients:

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

Coating and Breading Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken breasts by placing between plastic wrap and gently pounding to 1/4-inch thickness, ensuring uniform thinness without tearing the meat.
2. Season chicken surfaces thoroughly with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance flavor profile.
3. Layer a slice of ham and Swiss cheese onto each flattened chicken breast, rolling tightly from the narrow end and securing with toothpicks to prevent filling from escaping.
4. Create a three-stage breading station: first coat chicken rolls in flour, removing excess, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally cover completely with breadcrumbs.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium temperature, approximately 350°F. Sear chicken rolls for 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown exterior.
6. Transfer seared chicken to a greased baking dish and roast in a preheated oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes. Verify internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.
7. Prepare Swiss cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour, and cooking briefly. Gradually incorporate heavy cream, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Add shredded Swiss cheese and garlic powder, stirring until sauce becomes smooth and velvety. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Notes

• Pound chicken evenly to ensure uniform thickness and prevent uneven cooking or tearing.
• Use high-quality ham and Swiss cheese for richer, more authentic flavor profile.
• Create tight rolls and secure with toothpicks to prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken without drying out the meat.
• Allow chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking to help retain moisture and juiciness.
• Substitute ham with prosciutto or turkey for different flavor variations or dietary needs.
• Make sauce ahead of time and gently reheat to reduce last-minute kitchen stress.
• Consider using gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version of the dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg