If you’ve ever dreamed of a dish that combines the crunch of perfectly breaded chicken, the melty bliss of Swiss cheese, and the savory embrace of ham, then the Crispy and Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu with Dijon Sauce Recipe is going to steal your heart. This recipe is a wonderful twist on a classic that brings crispy textures together with a luxurious, creamy Dijon mustard sauce. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that fills the kitchen with incredible aromas and guarantees smiles at the dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating this culinary masterpiece. Each one is simple yet essential, playing its part to ensure your Crispy and Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu with Dijon Sauce Recipe turns out perfectly every time.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These serve as the tender, juicy base for rolling the savory filling.
- 4 slices of ham: Adds salty, smoky flavor that complements the cheese beautifully.
- 4 slices of Swiss or Gruyère cheese: Melts wonderfully inside, creating the creamy core everyone loves.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Helps the breading stick and adds a light coating crispness.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as the glue that binds the breadcrumbs to the chicken.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch): Panko breadcrumbs give that irresistible golden crunch on the outside.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses subtle depth and savory warmth.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a hint of sharpness without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing all the rich flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a healthy and flavorful sear for the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Enhances the searing process with rich, creamy notes.
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard: The star of the sauce, giving it that signature tangy, creamy kick.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Blends everything into a smooth, luscious sauce.
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of color and freshness to finish the dish.
How to Make Crispy and Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu with Dijon Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that once your chicken is seared and ready, the oven will gently finish cooking it to juicy perfection. Next, place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them with a meat mallet until about half an inch thick. This step is key for even cooking and makes rolling the chicken much easier.
Step 2: Season and Assemble
Season both sides of the flattened chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This simple seasoning layers flavor right where it counts. Then, onto each breast, lay a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss or Gruyère cheese. The ham’s smoky saltiness and the cheese’s creamy melt will make this dish unforgettable.
Step 3: Roll and Secure
Carefully roll each chicken breast tightly to encase the ham and cheese. Use toothpicks if needed to hold the rolls together. Rolling the chicken is where the magic really starts to come together, turning simple ingredients into that signature cordon bleu shape.
Step 4: Breading Station Setup and Coating
Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Dip each rolled chicken breast first in flour, shaking off the excess. Then, coat it in egg, allowing the liquid to fully cover the surface. Finally, press it into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring each roll is fully coated. This triple layer is what creates the iconic crispy and creamy exterior.
Step 5: Sear the Chicken Rolls
Heat olive oil and unsalted butter together in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. When the butter is melted and bubbling, add the chicken rolls carefully. Sear each side for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown. This step locks in moisture and builds the crispy crust we all crave.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake the chicken rolls for about 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is cooked through but still juicy. This step helps melt the cheese filling while perfecting the chicken’s tenderness.
Step 7: Whip Up the Dijon Sauce
While the chicken bakes, prepare the Dijon sauce by gently warming Dijon mustard and heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper. This simple sauce marries beautifully with the crunchy chicken, rounding out the whole dish.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute so every bite is moist. Slice each roll into medallions and serve drizzled generously with the luscious Dijon sauce.
How to Serve Crispy and Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu with Dijon Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant green pop that complements the golden crust perfectly. It adds freshness and a hint of herbaceous brightness to this rich dish.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with light, complementary sides. Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus offer a crisp texture contrast. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery wild rice beautifully soak up the Dijon sauce for a satisfying feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, slice the chicken into thick rounds and fan them out slightly on the plate. Drizzle the Dijon sauce artistically and garnish with parsley and maybe a lemon wedge for a fresh accent. This approach turns a homey classic into a dish worthy of special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Crispy and Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu with Dijon Sauce Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This keeps it fresh and ready to enjoy with minimal effort.
Freezing
You can freeze the breaded and rolled chicken before cooking. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to one month. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes until heated through and crispy on the outside again. Avoid microwaving to preserve that signature crunchiness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Swiss or Gruyère are traditional, you can experiment with other melty cheeses like mozzarella or Havarti. Just keep in mind that the flavor will shift accordingly.
Is panko breadcrumb necessary?
Panko breadcrumbs deliver that light, airy crunch that makes the chicken crust so delightful. You can use regular breadcrumbs, but you may sacrifice some texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions, you can enjoy a gluten-free take without compromising taste or texture.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer and check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). This guarantees safety as well as juiciness.
Can I prepare the chicken rolls in advance?
Definitely! You can prepare and bread the chicken rolls a day ahead, keep them covered in the fridge, then sear and bake right before serving for freshness and convenience.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy and Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu with Dijon Sauce Recipe truly has it all: a crunchy exterior, a blissfully cheesy center, and a tangy sauce that ties everything together beautifully. I encourage you to try it soon — it’s a showstopper for family dinners or impressing guests. Once you do, I bet it will become one of your go-to comfort dishes filled with flavor and warmth.
Print
Crispy and Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu with Dijon Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Description
This Crispy and Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe features tender chicken breasts stuffed with savory ham and melted Swiss or Gruyère cheese, coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust and baked to golden perfection. Paired with a smooth and tangy Dijon mustard cream sauce, this dish offers the ultimate combination of textures and flavors for an impressive yet easy-to-make meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Filling
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices of ham
- 4 slices of Swiss or Gruyère cheese
Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking Fats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Dijon Sauce
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ½ cup heavy cream
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare it for baking the chicken cordon bleu to perfection.
- Prepare Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them with a meat mallet until they are about ½ inch thick, ensuring even cooking throughout.
- Season the Chicken: Generously season both sides of the pounded chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder for balanced flavor.
- Assemble the Filling: Lay one slice of ham and one slice of Swiss or Gruyère cheese on top of each chicken breast, preparing for rolling.
- Roll the Chicken: Starting from one edge, tightly roll up each chicken breast to enclose the ham and cheese filling inside. Secure the rolls with toothpicks if needed to keep them intact.
- Prepare Breading Station: Set up three separate bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Bread the Chicken: Coat each rolled chicken breast first in flour, shaking off the excess. Then dip into the egg mixture, followed by coating thoroughly with breadcrumbs to create a crispy crust.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and unsalted butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once the butter melts and starts to bubble, add the chicken rolls and sear each side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown, locking in the flavor and creating a crispy exterior.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet with the seared chicken rolls into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), indicating it is fully cooked.
- Make the Sauce: While the chicken bakes, prepare the Dijon sauce by combining Dijon mustard and heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir gently and warm until smooth, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the baked chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
- Serve and Plate: Slice the chicken rolls and serve drizzled with the creamy Dijon sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired for added color and freshness.
Notes
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, extra crispy coating.
- Ensure chicken breasts are evenly pounded to guarantee uniform cooking.
- To keep the rolls secure while baking, toothpicks can be removed after searing or before serving.
- Internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is essential to ensure the chicken is safely cooked.
- For a lower fat option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half but expect a slightly thinner sauce.
