Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce

This Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, savory ham, and creamy Swiss cheese. Each bite is bursting with flavor and the rich cheese sauce elevates the experience to new heights. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this recipe will impress everyone at your table. With its crispy coating and luscious sauce, it’s sure to become a favorite!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken:
• For the Cheese Sauce:
• For Garnish
• How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce
• Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
• Step 2: Coat the Chicken
• Step 3: Bake the Chicken
• Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
• Step 5: Serve
• How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce
• Pair with Fresh Vegetables
• Add Starch for Completeness
• Garnish for Visual Appeal
• How to Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce
• Best Side Dishes for Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce
• Reheating Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce?
• How do I make Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce ahead of time?
• Can I freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce?
• What type of cheese is best in the sauce?
• Can I customize my Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of chicken, ham, and cheese creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone loves.
• Versatile Dish: Suitable for various occasions, from casual family meals to elegant dinner parties.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps, anyone can master this classic dish without fuss.
• Make Ahead Option: Prepare the chicken rolls in advance for a stress-free cooking experience on busy days.
• Comfort Food Classic: This recipe brings warmth and comfort to your dining table.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing Chicken Cordon Bleu easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Meat mallet
• Plastic wrap
• Shallow bowls (for flour, egg wash, breadcrumbs)
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or foil
• Saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

• Meat mallet: Helps pound chicken to the right thickness for easy rolling.
• Shallow bowls: Allow for easy coating of chicken in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless chicken breasts (each split into 3 thin slices)
• 8 slices ham
• 8 slices Swiss cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups (220g) Panko breadcrumbs

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (473ml) whole milk
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard paste
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup (55g) grated Swiss cheese
• 1/2 cup (60g) grated sharp cheddar cheese

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Slice and Pound: Split each chicken breast into 3 thin slices. Place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet until about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
2. Stuff and Roll: Lay out 3 pounded chicken slices on plastic wrap. Season with salt and pepper. Layer 2 slices of ham and 2 slices of Swiss cheese on top. Roll tightly like a jellyroll, wrapping them in the plastic wrap. Twist the ends to secure.
3. Chill: Place the rolled chicken in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to help them hold their shape.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

1. Flour: In a shallow bowl, mix flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. Roll the chicken roulades in the flour to coat.
2. Egg Wash: In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs and season with salt and pepper. Dip the floured chicken rolls into the beaten eggs.
3. Breadcrumbs: In a third shallow plate, spread out breadcrumbs and season with salt and pepper. Roll the chicken in breadcrumbs, pressing to adhere.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
2. Place coated chicken rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Spray generously with cooking spray.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt olive oil and butter together.
2. Add flour; cook for 2 minutes while whisking constantly to create a roux.
3. Gradually add milk while whisking continuously until sauce thickens.
4. Stir in garlic powder, mustard paste, nutmeg, salt, and pepper; let simmer for one minute.
5. Add Parmesan, Swiss, and cheddar cheese; stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Serve

1. Let baked chicken cool for 10 minutes before slicing each roll into 1-inch pinwheels.
2. Drizzle cheese sauce over sliced chicken; garnish with chopped parsley.

With these steps complete, you have created an impressive Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce that is sure to delight everyone!

How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce

Serving Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce can elevate your dining experience. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, presentation and accompaniments play a key role. Here are some delightful serving suggestions.

Pair with Fresh Vegetables

• Steamed Broccoli: Adds a crunchy texture and vibrant color to the plate.
• Roasted Asparagus: Drizzled with olive oil, it complements the richness of the dish perfectly.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad can balance the hearty chicken with fresh flavors.

Add Starch for Completeness

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting base for the chicken.
• Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf can absorb the cheese sauce wonderfully.
• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for scooping up extra cheese sauce.

Garnish for Visual Appeal

• Chopped Parsley: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances flavor.
• Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of lemon brightens the dish and cuts through the richness.

How to Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce

For an exceptional Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce, following these tips will help you achieve perfect results every time.

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Using fresh chicken and high-quality cheese makes a noticeable difference in taste.
• Pound Evenly: Ensure that your chicken is pounded evenly for consistent cooking throughout.
• Chill Before Cooking: Chilling helps the rolls maintain their shape during cooking, preventing them from falling apart.
• Double-Check Seasoning: Taste your cheese sauce before serving to ensure it’s well-seasoned and flavorful.
• Use Panko Breadcrumbs: They create a lighter, crispier coating compared to regular breadcrumbs.
• Rest Before Slicing: Letting the chicken rest after baking allows juices to redistribute, resulting in moist slices.

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Best Side Dishes for Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce

Complementing your Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce is essential for a balanced meal. Here are some excellent side dishes to consider:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery, they pair beautifully with the rich cheese sauce.
2. Sautéed Green Beans: A quick sauté brings out their natural sweetness while adding crunch.
3. Quinoa Salad: Light and nutritious, this salad provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy dish.
4. Herb Roasted Potatoes: Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they absorb flavors well.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy slaw offers a refreshing bite that balances the richness of the chicken.
6. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful and flavorful, these can add variety and nutrition to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many home cooks make mistakes that can affect the quality of their Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce. Here are some common ones to watch out for:

• Skipping the Chilling Step: Not chilling the chicken rolls can lead to them unrolling during cooking. Always chill before baking or frying to maintain shape.
• Using Thick Chicken Slices: Thick slices make rolling difficult and can cause uneven cooking. Aim for thin, even pieces for the best results.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Under-seasoned chicken can taste bland. Don’t forget to season each layer of the chicken and breadcrumbs well.
• Overcrowding the Baking Sheet: Placing too many rolls close together can prevent them from browning properly. Leave space between each roll on the baking sheet.
• Rushing the Cheese Sauce: A rushed cheese sauce can be lumpy. Take your time when adding milk and whisk constantly to ensure a smooth texture.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place in a freezer-safe container.
• Frozen portions can be stored for up to a month.

Reheating Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (177°C). Bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid drying out.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet with a little water, cover, and heat on low until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce?

Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce is a dish made of chicken breasts stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, then coated and baked, served with a creamy cheese sauce.

How do I make Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce ahead of time?

You can prepare the stuffed chicken rolls and refrigerate them for up to 2 days before baking.

Can I freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce?

Yes, you can freeze both uncooked and cooked versions for up to one month. Just ensure they are properly wrapped.

What type of cheese is best in the sauce?

A mix of Swiss, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan creates a rich flavor profile that complements the chicken perfectly.

Can I customize my Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out cheeses or add herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion—from family dinners to special gatherings. You can easily customize it by using different meats or cheeses according to your preference. Give this recipe a try; your taste buds will thank you!