Irresistible Crispy, Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

Tender chicken breasts wrapped in a golden, crispy cordon bleu coating promise a delightful culinary adventure.

The classic recipe blends savory ham and melted cheese in a delectable embrace.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of crunchy exterior and rich, creamy interior.

Layers of flavors dance across your palate with every forkful of this French-inspired dish.

Swiss cheese and smoky ham nestle inside the chicken, creating a mouthwatering surprise.

Simple ingredients transform into an elegant meal that impresses without complicated techniques.

You’ll savor every crispy, cheesy moment of this restaurant-quality dinner at home.

Chicken Cordon Bleu: What Makes It a Classic Favorite

• Transform an intimidating restaurant-style dish into a delightful homemade masterpiece with straightforward steps that make gourmet cooking feel like a breeze.
• Deliver a perfectly crispy exterior with a decadent cheesy, hammy interior that guarantees smiles and second helpings from family and friends.
• Learn professional-level culinary skills like pounding chicken, creating a tight roll, and achieving a golden-brown crisp that will boost your kitchen confidence.
• Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match personal preferences, making this recipe adaptable for different taste buds and dietary needs.

All the Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that serves as the base for this classic dish.
• Ham Slices: Adds a savory, salty flavor to the chicken roll.
• Swiss Cheese: Provides a creamy, melty texture to the chicken cordon bleu.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates a dry base for the egg coating to adhere to.
• Eggs: Helps the bread crumbs stick to the chicken surface.
• Bread Crumbs: Gives the chicken a crispy, golden exterior.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Adds depth and aromatic notes to the chicken.
• Butter: Forms the base of the creamy Dijon sauce.
• Milk: Creates a smooth, rich sauce texture.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a tangy, sharp flavor to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty dimension to the sauce.
• Garlic: Brings a fresh, intense flavor to the sauce.

Must-Have Tools for Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin: Essential for pounding chicken to an even thickness.
• Cutting Board: Needed for preparing and pounding chicken.
• Large Wide Dishes (3): For breading stations with flour, egg, and bread crumbs.
• Tall-sided Pan: For deep frying chicken to golden perfection.
• Plastic Wrap: Used for wrapping and shaping chicken rolls.
• Wire Rack and Baking Sheet: For finishing chicken in the oven if needed.
• 1½-quart Saucepan: For preparing the creamy Dijon sauce.
• Whisk: Perfect for mixing sauce and preventing lumps.
• Sharp Knife: For slicing and serving the final dish.

Making Chicken Cordon Bleu Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare The Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and give them a flavor boost.

Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder all over, making sure every inch gets some love.

Step 2: Flatten The Meat

Place each chicken breast between plastic wrap and gently pound until it’s super thin.

Use a meat mallet, rolling pin, or even a heavy pan to get that perfect thickness.

Step 3: Create Delicious Layers

Uncover the chicken and start building flavor.

• Swiss cheese slices
• Ham slices
• Another layer of Swiss cheese
• Another layer of ham

Roll the chicken up tightly, keeping all those yummy layers inside.

Step 4: Secure And Chill

Wrap each chicken roll in plastic wrap, twisting the ends to create a tight seal.

Pop these rolls in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to help them hold their shape.

Step 5: Heat The Oil

Get a tall-sided pan ready by filling it with oil.

Heat to 325°F, creating the perfect frying environment.

Step 6: Coat The Chicken

• Flour
• Beaten eggs
• Bread crumbs

Dip each chicken roll first in flour, then egg, then bread crumbs, creating a crispy coating.

Step 7: Fry To Golden Perfection

Carefully lower the breaded chicken into hot oil.

Cook for about 5 minutes per side until it turns a beautiful golden brown.

If the center isn’t quite done, finish cooking in a 325°F oven.

Step 8: Whip Up The Sauce

• Melt butter
• Sauté garlic
• Add flour and whisk
• Pour in milk
• Stir in mustard, Parmesan, salt, and pepper

Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 9: Serve And Enjoy

Slice the chicken and drizzle with the luxurious Dijon sauce.

Prepare for a mouthwatering meal that’ll impress everyone at the table!

Tips for Crispy, Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Use even, gentle strokes when pounding chicken to ensure uniform thickness for consistent cooking and a perfect roll.
• Refrigerating the wrapped chicken helps the roll maintain its shape during frying and prevents unraveling.
• Keep oil consistently at 325F to achieve a golden, crispy exterior without burning the breading.
• Always ensure chicken reaches 165F at the center for safe consumption, using a meat thermometer if available.
• Whisk continuously while making the sauce to prevent lumps and create a silky, creamy texture.

Chicken Cordon Bleu: Fun Flavor Variations

• Gluten-Free Chicken Cordon Bleu: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free cornflakes or almond flour for a crispy coating that caters to gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Low-Carb Chicken Roll: Swap breadcrumbs with finely ground pork rinds or crushed nuts to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining a crunchy exterior.
• Vegetarian Cheese Alternative: Use plant-based Swiss-style cheese and substitute ham with smoked tofu or roasted portobello mushrooms for a meat-free version.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Replace Swiss cheese with feta, swap ham for prosciutto, and add fresh herbs like oregano and thyme to create a Mediterranean flavor profile.

Serving Chicken Cordon Bleu Like a Pro

• Elegant Dinner Centerpiece: Showcase this golden-brown chicken cordon bleu as the star attraction on a white ceramic platter, surrounded by fresh herb sprigs for a restaurant-quality presentation.
• Sauce Dipping Delight: Serve the creamy Dijon sauce in small ramekins on the side, allowing guests to drizzle or dip their chicken slices for extra flavor excitement.
• Complementary Side Pairings: Plate alongside roasted asparagus, herbed rice pilaf, or a light spring salad to balance the rich, crispy chicken and create a complete, satisfying meal.
• Wine Companion Selection: Pair with a crisp Chardonnay or light Pinot Grigio to cut through the creamy cheese and enhance the dish's delicate flavors.

Storing Chicken Cordon Bleu the Right Way

• Store leftover chicken cordon bleu in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• Freeze cooled chicken cordon bleu for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to restore crispiness.

FAQs

• What makes Chicken Cordon Bleu authentic?

This classic dish originated in Switzerland, combining Swiss cheese and ham inside a chicken breast, then breading and frying it to create a crispy exterior with a rich, creamy interior.

• Is Chicken Cordon Bleu hard to make at home?

Not at all! With proper preparation like pounding chicken evenly, carefully layering cheese and ham, and following precise breading and frying techniques, home cooks can easily master this elegant dish.

• Can I prepare Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the chicken rolls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. This helps the rolls set and makes the breading process easier, ensuring a perfect crispy coating.

Crispy, Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Chicken cordon bleu delights taste buds with its golden, crispy exterior and luscious ham and cheese center. Swiss culinary tradition shines through this elegant dish that promises a satisfying meal for dinner enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 pound ham, thinly sliced
• 16 slices Swiss cheese

Breading Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (125 g)
• 4 eggs, beaten
• 2 cups panko bread crumbs (100 g)
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Sauce and Cooking Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (480 mL)
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard (60 g)
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (100 g)
• Peanut oil or vegetable oil, for frying
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Generously coat chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, ensuring even distribution of seasonings.
2. Position chicken between plastic wrap and gently flatten to approximately 1/2 inch thickness using a meat mallet or heavy skillet.
3. Layer Swiss cheese and ham slices alternately across the flattened chicken, creating a balanced filling.
4. Carefully roll the chicken, using plastic wrap to tightly secure the roll, twisting ends to compact the shape. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to stabilize the structure.
5. Heat oil in a deep skillet to 325F, preparing for precise frying technique.
6. Create a breading station with three separate dishes: seasoned flour, beaten eggs, and bread crumbs. Methodically coat each chicken roll by dipping first in flour, then egg, and finally bread crumbs.
7. Carefully lower breaded chicken into hot oil, frying 5 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to wire rack if internal temperature hasn’t reached 165F, finishing in 325F oven.
8. Prepare complementary Dijon sauce by melting butter, sautéing garlic, incorporating flour to create roux, gradually adding milk while whisking. Simmer until thickened, then blend in mustard, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
9. Slice chicken diagonally and drizzle with luxurious Dijon sauce before serving.

Notes

• Meat Thickness Matters Pound chicken breasts evenly to ensure consistent cooking and prevent raw spots, which helps achieve a perfectly cooked, golden-brown exterior.
• Chilling Technique Refrigerating the rolled chicken helps the ingredients set and prevents unwrapping during frying, creating a compact and neat presentation.
• Bread Crumb Pro Tips Use panko bread crumbs for extra crispiness, or mix in grated Parmesan for additional flavor and crunch in the coating.
• Temperature Control Monitor oil temperature carefully to prevent burning; a digital thermometer ensures precise frying and helps achieve a crispy, not greasy, exterior.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 665
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1200 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg