Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic dish that combines tender chicken breasts, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese, all wrapped in a crispy breadcrumb coating. Topped with a creamy Dijon sauce, this elegant recipe is perfect for special occasions or an impressive dinner at home.

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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 Creamy Dijon Sauce:
• For Garnish
• How to Make Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu
• Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
• Step 2: Assemble the Rolls
• Step 3: Prepare for Frying
• Step 4: Cook the Chicken
• Step 5: Make the Dijon Sauce
• Step 6: Serve
• How to Serve Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu
• Pair with Fresh Vegetables
• Accompany with Starchy Sides
• Garnish for Visual Appeal
• How to Perfect Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu
• Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu
• Reheating Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu?
• Can I use different types of cheese?
• How do I know when my chicken is fully cooked?
• Can I bake Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu instead of frying?
• What sides pair well with this dish?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese creates a mouthwatering taste that will impress your guests.
• Creamy Sauce: The rich and creamy Dijon sauce enhances the dish, adding depth and complexity to each bite.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a festive celebration.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and common ingredients, making this dish is straightforward and enjoyable.
• Make Ahead Option: Prepare the chicken rolls in advance for stress-free cooking on the day of your event.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delightful Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Meat mallet or rolling pin
• Plastic wrap
• Deep pan or fryer
• Three mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

• Meat mallet or rolling pin: Helps to flatten the chicken evenly for easy rolling.
• Deep pan or fryer: Essential for achieving that golden brown crispiness when frying the chicken.
• Whisk: Necessary for smoothly combining ingredients in the creamy Dijon sauce.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 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, 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

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Coat them evenly.
2. Place one chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound it to about ½ inch (1 cm) thick.

Step 2: Assemble the Rolls

1. Remove the plastic wrap from the flattened chicken breast.
2. Layer 2 slices of Swiss cheese followed by 2 slices of ham. Add another layer of Swiss cheese and ham.
3. Roll the chicken tightly and wrap it in plastic wrap. Twist and tie the ends securely.
4. Repeat with remaining chicken breasts and refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.

Step 3: Prepare for Frying

1. Preheat a deep pan with 2 inches (5 cm) of oil to 325°F (170°C).
2. Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
3. Dredge each chicken roll in flour first, then dip in egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

1. Fry each chicken roll for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown.
2. If not reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), transfer them to a wire rack over a baking sheet and finish baking in a preheated oven at 325°F (170°C).

Step 5: Make the Dijon Sauce

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until soft.
2. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute stirring continuously.
3. Gradually add milk while whisking constantly until thickened and simmering.
4. Stir in Dijon mustard, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper; remove from heat.

Step 6: Serve

1. Slice each chicken roll into pieces and drizzle with creamy Dijon sauce.
2. Enjoy your delicious meal alongside fresh vegetables or a green salad!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu

Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu is a delightful dish that impresses with its flavors and presentation. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

Pair with Fresh Vegetables

• Steamed Broccoli – Add a splash of color and nutrients with bright green broccoli.
• Roasted Asparagus – The earthy flavor of asparagus complements the richness of the chicken.
• Mixed Green Salad – A refreshing salad with vinaigrette can balance the creaminess of the sauce.

Accompany with Starchy Sides

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes absorb the delicious Dijon sauce well.
• Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice pilaf provides a mild base that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
• Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad adds a nutty flavor and enhances the dish’s nutrition.

Garnish for Visual Appeal

• Chopped Fresh Parsley – Sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken for a pop of color.
• Lemon Wedges – Serve lemon wedges on the side for an optional zesty kick.

How to Perfect Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu

Creating the perfect Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure success.

• Use Quality Ingredients – Choose fresh chicken, quality ham, and good Swiss cheese for the best flavor.
• Pound Evenly – Ensure chicken breasts are even in thickness for uniform cooking.
• Chill Before Frying – Refrigerating the rolls helps them hold together during frying.
• Monitor Oil Temperature – Keeping oil at 325°F (170°C) prevents greasy chicken and ensures crispy breading.
• Check Internal Temperature – Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
• Experiment with Sauces – Try different sauces like mushroom or lemon butter for variety.

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Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu

To complement your Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu, consider these delicious side dishes. Each option enhances the meal’s overall appeal and taste.

1. Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce.
2. Roasted Potatoes – Seasoned roasted potatoes add a comforting element alongside the chicken.
3. Sautéed Spinach – Lightly sautéed spinach provides freshness and balances richness.
4. Cauliflower Gratin – This cheesy side dish offers a creamy texture that matches well.
5. Coleslaw – A crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, creamy chicken.
6. Baked Sweet Potatoes – Roasted sweet potatoes lend sweetness that pairs nicely with savory elements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu to perfection. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Always sprinkle salt and pepper generously before cooking.
• Overstuffing the rolls: Adding too much cheese or ham can cause the chicken to burst while frying. Stick to the recommended amounts for best results.
• Not pounding the chicken evenly: Uneven thickness can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure each breast is pounded consistently to achieve even doneness.
• Using too high heat for frying: Frying at overly high temperatures can burn the coating while leaving the chicken undercooked. Maintain a steady 325°F (170°C) for optimal frying.
• Neglecting resting time: Cutting into the chicken immediately after frying can release juices and dry it out. Allow it to rest briefly before slicing for juicier results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, checking frequently to prevent drying out.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu?

Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu is a delicious dish featuring chicken breasts filled with ham and cheese, served with a rich and creamy Dijon sauce.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes! While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can experiment with Gruyère or mozzarella for unique flavors.

How do I know when my chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

Can I bake Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu instead of frying?

Absolutely! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-35 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

What sides pair well with this dish?

Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu pairs wonderfully with fresh vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe is an impressive combination of flavors that will surely delight your family and guests. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients, making it perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to try this delightful dish at home!