Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken cordon bleu with Swiss cheese sauce is a timeless dish that feels both elegant and comforting. Juicy chicken breasts are filled with savory ham and melty Swiss cheese, then breaded and baked (or fried) until golden and crisp. The crowning touch is a silky Swiss cheese sauce that elevates the dish to restaurant quality. What I love most is how impressive it looks on the plate, yet it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. The crunchy exterior gives way to tender chicken and a gooey filling, while the creamy sauce ties it all together. I tried serving this dish with roasted vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes, and it was absolutely perfect for a cozy dinner. Whether you’re preparing a family meal or hosting guests, this recipe makes for a show-stopping entrée that everyone will remember.
Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce – A Classic Made Easy
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A classic Chicken Cordon Bleu made with crispy breaded chicken breasts stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, served with a rich and creamy Swiss cheese sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices deli ham
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for sauce)
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create a pocket. Place 1 slice of ham and 1 slice of Swiss cheese inside each pocket. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Dredge each stuffed chicken breast in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side.
- Transfer chicken to the baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes, until fully cooked through.
- Meanwhile, make the sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour. Cook for 1 minute, then slowly whisk in milk.
- Simmer until thickened, then stir in shredded Swiss cheese and Dijon mustard until smooth.
- Serve chicken hot, drizzled with Swiss cheese sauce and garnished with parsley.
Notes
- Use toothpicks to help keep the filling inside while cooking.
- For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs.
- The cheese sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated gently before serving.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking & Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts
Butterflied and pounded thin, they form the base of this dish.
Ham slices
Add a savory, smoky layer that complements the mild flavor of the chicken.
Swiss cheese slices
Melt beautifully inside the chicken, creating a creamy filling.
Flour
Helps the egg coating stick and contributes to a crispy crust.
Eggs
Beaten eggs act as the binding layer for the breadcrumbs.
Breadcrumbs
Form the golden, crunchy coating that makes cordon bleu irresistible.
Butter
Adds richness when frying or baking, enhancing the flavor.
Salt and pepper
Basic seasonings to bring out the best in the chicken.
For the Swiss cheese sauce
Butter, flour, milk, and shredded Swiss cheese create a creamy, velvety sauce that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Butterfly and pound chicken breasts to about ½-inch thickness. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Place a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese inside each breast, then roll tightly and secure with toothpicks.
Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Dredge each rolled chicken breast in flour, dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.
Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear each chicken roll until golden brown on all sides. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked.
For the Swiss cheese sauce, melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, and cook for one minute. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly, until smooth and thickened. Stir in shredded Swiss cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the chicken cordon bleu hot, topped generously with Swiss cheese sauce.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, with an additional 25 minutes of cooking time.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for best results. The cheese sauce can be reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
Variations and Customizations
Baked-only version
Skip frying and bake the breaded chicken until crisp for a lighter option.
Prosciutto twist
Swap ham for prosciutto to add a slightly salty, gourmet touch.
Herb breadcrumbs
Mix Italian seasoning or fresh herbs into the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
Cheese variety
Try Gruyère, provolone, or mozzarella in place of Swiss cheese.
Low-carb option
Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
FAQs
Can I make chicken cordon bleu ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the rolls and refrigerate before cooking.
Can I air fry chicken cordon bleu?
Yes, air fry at 375°F for about 15–18 minutes until golden and cooked through.
What sides go well with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad are great pairings.
Can I freeze uncooked chicken cordon bleu?
Yes, freeze before baking and cook straight from frozen, adding extra time.
What if I don’t have Swiss cheese?
Gruyère, provolone, or mozzarella are great substitutes.
How do I keep the filling from leaking out?
Roll tightly and secure with toothpicks before breading.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, but breasts work best for even rolling.
Is the Swiss cheese sauce necessary?
It elevates the dish, but the chicken is still delicious without it.
Can I use panko breadcrumbs?
Yes, panko gives an extra-crispy texture.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer—internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Conclusion
Chicken cordon bleu with Swiss cheese sauce is a classic dish that combines crispy breaded chicken, savory ham, and melted cheese, finished with a creamy sauce for the ultimate comfort meal. Elegant yet simple to prepare, it’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Once you try it, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
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