Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu

Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu is a deliciously satisfying take on the classic French-inspired dish. Juicy chicken breasts are filled with savory ham and melty cheese, then breaded, baked or pan-fried to golden perfection. A creamy Dijon-Parmesan sauce brings it all together, making this a rich, elegant, and crowd-pleasing meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crunchy outside, tender and cheesy inside
• Classic flavors elevated with a luscious creamy sauce
• Perfect for date nights, holidays, or a fancy family dinner
• Can be prepped in advance for stress-free cooking
• Great way to elevate basic chicken breasts

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Sliced deli ham
• Swiss cheese (or Gruyère, mozzarella, or provolone)
• Salt and black pepper
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs, beaten
• Panko breadcrumbs (or regular)
• Olive oil or butter for pan-frying (optional)

For the Creamy Sauce

• Butter
• Garlic, minced
• Heavy cream
• Dijon mustard
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Prep chicken: Butterfly each chicken breast and pound to an even ¼-inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Stuff and roll: Layer ham and cheese on each piece of chicken. Roll tightly and secure with toothpicks.
3. Bread the chicken: Dredge each roll in flour, dip in beaten egg, then coat in breadcrumbs.
4. Cook:
   • To fry and bake: Sear in a skillet with oil until golden, then transfer to a 375°F (190°C) oven for 20–25 minutes.
   • To bake only: Place on a baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
5. Make the sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then add cream and Dijon. Simmer until thickened. Stir in Parmesan, season to taste.
6. Serve: Remove toothpicks from chicken, slice if desired, and serve with sauce drizzled over top.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Low-carb: Skip the breadcrumbs and sear the chicken without coating
• Cheese swap: Try fontina, provolone, or cheddar for different flavors
• Add herbs: Mix Italian seasoning or fresh parsley into the breadcrumbs
• Extra crispy: Double-coat the chicken by repeating egg and breadcrumb steps

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through (10–15 minutes); sauce can be gently reheated on the stove
• Freezing: Freeze assembled but uncooked rolls for up to 2 months; thaw and cook as directed

FAQs

Can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to a day in advance. Bread and bake when ready.

How do I know the chicken is cooked?

Use a thermometer — the internal temp should reach 165°F (74°C).

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, but make sure they’re boneless and pounded flat for easy rolling.

What cheese works best?

Swiss is traditional, but Gruyère, provolone, or mozzarella are also excellent.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Roll tightly and secure well with toothpicks; sealing edges with a bit of flour paste also helps.

What sides go best with this?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, or a fresh salad.

Can I bake it without frying?

Absolutely. Brush with oil or melted butter and bake until crisp and golden.

Does it need a sauce?

The creamy Dijon-Parmesan sauce elevates it, but it’s still tasty on its own.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, freeze cooked leftovers for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Conclusion

Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu is a flavorful, satisfying dinner that delivers on crunch, creaminess, and comfort. Whether you’re cooking to impress or just want a more exciting chicken dish, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your home kitchen.

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