Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu is a timeless dish that features tender chicken breasts stuffed with layers of savory Swiss cheese and smoky turkey or chicken ham, breaded to crispy perfection, and served with a luscious, creamy Swiss cheese sauce.
This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions, and it’s easier to make than you might think!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Meat mallet
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Large skillet or baking dish
- Cooking thermometer
Ingredients Overview
For the Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, these provide the perfect canvas for stuffing.
- Swiss Cheese: Offers a creamy, nutty flavor.
- Ham Substitute: Thinly sliced turkey or chicken ham is used for a smoky, savory layer.
- Breadcrumbs: Provide a crispy coating.
For the Swiss Cheese Sauce
- Butter and Flour: Create a creamy roux base.
- Milk: Adds richness and creaminess.
- Swiss Cheese: Melts beautifully into the sauce for a smooth finish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Cordon Bleu
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 slices turkey or chicken ham
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
For the Creamy Swiss Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and use a meat mallet to pound it to an even thickness (about 1/4 inch).
- Lay a slice of Swiss cheese and a slice of turkey or chicken ham on each flattened chicken breast. Roll tightly from one end to the other, tucking in the sides to seal. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
2. Bread the Chicken
- Set up a breading station with three bowls: one for flour mixed with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika; one for beaten eggs; and one for breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each chicken roll in the flour, dip in the egg, and coat with breadcrumbs.
3. Cook the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken rolls until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Make the Swiss Cheese Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens. Stir in shredded Swiss cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and nutmeg, if desired.
5. Serve
- Remove toothpicks from the chicken rolls. Drizzle with the creamy Swiss cheese sauce and garnish with parsley if desired.
Recipe Tips
- Even Thickness: Pound chicken evenly to ensure it cooks uniformly.
- Secure Rolls: Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the chicken tightly rolled during cooking.
- Crisp Coating: For an extra crispy crust, use Panko breadcrumbs.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Pair Chicken Cordon Bleu with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light green salad. Steamed asparagus or sautéed spinach also make excellent side dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the chicken rolls in advance and refrigerate them until ready to cook.
What’s a good substitute for Swiss cheese?
Gruyère or Provolone are great alternatives if you prefer a different flavor.
Can I bake the chicken without frying first?
Yes, but the crust may not be as crispy. Spraying the chicken with cooking oil before baking can help achieve a golden crust.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu with a generous drizzle of the creamy Swiss cheese sauce and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. A glass of crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, complements the rich flavors beautifully.
This dish is a show-stopper that’s surprisingly simple to make and always impresses at the dinner table!
Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Cordon Bleu
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 slices turkey or chicken ham
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs Panko or regular
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 3 tablespoons olive oil for frying
- For the Creamy Swiss Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
- Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and use a meat mallet to pound it to an even thickness (about 1/4 inch).
- Lay a slice of Swiss cheese and a slice of turkey or chicken ham on each flattened chicken breast. Roll tightly from one end to the other, tucking in the sides to seal. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Bread the Chicken
- Set up a breading station with three bowls: one for flour mixed with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika; one for beaten eggs; and one for breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each chicken roll in the flour, dip in the egg, and coat with breadcrumbs.
- Cook the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken rolls until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Make the Swiss Cheese Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens. Stir in shredded Swiss cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and nutmeg, if desired.
- Serve
- Remove toothpicks from the chicken rolls. Drizzle with the creamy Swiss cheese sauce and garnish with parsley if desired.
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