Ready to dive into a comfort food classic that’s pure magic on a plate? Introducing Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu: a masterpiece of tender chicken wrapped around melting cheese and savory ham, all cloaked in a golden, crunchy crust with a lusciously rich sauce poured over the top. Every bite brings that irresistible combo of crisp exterior, silky sauce, and gooey cheese—perfect for weeknight victories or special celebrations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu is how a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients work their magic together. Each element brings contrast and harmony, giving you that crave-worthy texture, color, and flavor in every forkful.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (4): The foundation—choose plump, fresh cuts so each roll is full and juicy.
- Swiss or Gruyère cheese (4 slices): Adds a wonderfully melty, nutty layer that mingles with the ham for classic cordon bleu flavor.
- Deli ham (4 slices): For salty, tender contrast to the cheese and chicken.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): The essential first step for adhesion in your breading station.
- Large eggs, beaten (2): Helps create the gluey barrier so the crispy coating sticks like a dream.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup): The secret to an ultra-crunchy, golden crust that stays crisp even under sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup in breading, ½ cup in sauce): Pops in both coating and sauce for complexity, flavor, and a little extra richness.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle savory depth to each bite.
- Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): For a gentle smoky warmth and just a hint of color.
- Salt (1 teaspoon in breading, ½ teaspoon in sauce): Makes all the flavors sing!
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Just enough for spark and savory background.
- Butter (3 tablespoons for searing, 2 tablespoons for sauce): Essential for browning the chicken rolls and forming the base of that creamy sauce.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Ensures even heat and browning when searing.
- Whole milk (1 cup): Soft and creamy foundation for the sauce.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Makes the sauce dreamy, silky, and luxurious.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds a tiny hint of sharpness and classic French character to the sauce.
- White pepper (¼ teaspoon): Brings gentle heat without overpowering the creaminess.
How to Make Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by butterflying each chicken breast, carefully slicing horizontally but not all the way through, then open it up like a book. Place each between plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet to even thickness—aim for about half an inch. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and rolls up perfectly, making every bite tender.
Step 2: Fill with Ham and Cheese
Lay a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss or Gruyère cheese onto each pounded chicken breast. Fold or roll each one up tightly, tucking in the edges for neatness if you’re feeling fancy. Secure each roll with toothpicks so the filling stays put during cooking.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken Rolls
Set up a simple breading station: one bowl for flour, another with beaten eggs, and a third with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, half the Parmesan, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Dredge each chicken roll in flour, dip in egg, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture so every surface is coated with flavor-packed crunch.
Step 4: Sear to Golden Perfection
Heat a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and olive oil together, then add the chicken rolls. Sear each side until deep golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. This jump-starts that irresistible crunch while locking in juices—don’t overcrowd the pan!
Step 5: Bake Until Juicy and Crispy
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Transfer the beautifully browned chicken rolls to a baking dish. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and bubbling at the edges. Those aromas will have everyone lining up at the kitchen!
Step 6: Make the Dreamy Creamy Sauce
While the chicken bakes, start your sauce in a saucepan. Melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour to form a roux, and let it cook for a minute. Gradually add milk and heavy cream, whisking to keep it smooth, then simmer until gently thickened. Stir in grated Parmesan, Dijon mustard, salt, and white pepper until silky and scoopable.
Step 7: Slice and Serve
Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for a few minutes so the juices settle. Carefully remove toothpicks, then slice each roll into thick rounds. Place onto plates and pour that glorious creamy sauce over each serving. This, my friend, is the moment dreams are made of!
How to Serve Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu
Garnishes
Dress up your Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness, and maybe a light dusting of extra Parmesan for that gourmet touch. Lemon wedges alongside can also add brightness if you like a zingy finish.
Side Dishes
This showstopper pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, garlicky sautéed green beans, or tender roasted asparagus to balance out the richness. Don’t overlook a crisp side salad dressed with vinaigrette—it’s perfect for cutting through the creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the chicken rolls into pinwheels and stacking them, or serve over a bed of wilted greens for a modern bistro feel. For a party, serve small rounds on crostini with a spoonful of sauce—the Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu becomes the star appetizer!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your leftover Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible so everything stays fresh and the chicken keeps more of its crunch.
Freezing
You can freeze the uncooked, assembled and breaded chicken rolls for up to a month—just tightly wrap each in plastic, then foil. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before searing and baking. Cooked leftovers can also be frozen, though the sauce is best made fresh.
Reheating
To keep that beautiful crunch, reheat chicken rolls in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 15 minutes. Gently rewarm the sauce on the stovetop with a splash of milk if it has thickened in the fridge. Drizzle it over just before serving so it feels freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Chicken breasts are traditional for their size and ability to hold the roll, but you can use boneless, skinless thighs. Just pound them flat and follow the same steps, knowing the rolls may be a bit smaller and extra juicy!
Do I have to use Swiss or Gruyère cheese?
Swiss and Gruyère are classic for their meltiness and nutty flavor, but mozzarella, provolone, or even sharp cheddar will work in a pinch. Pick your favorite or get creative for fun flavor twists.
How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?
Be sure to wrap the ham and cheese up tight in the chicken, tuck in the sides, and secure with toothpicks. Chilling the rolls for 15–20 minutes before breading can also help them hold their shape during cooking.
What’s the best way to pound the chicken without tearing it?
Place the butterflied chicken pieces between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper before pounding gently. Use the flat side of a meat mallet and work from the center out, using short, light strokes for best results.
Can I prepare Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble, bread, and refrigerate the rolls several hours ahead, then just sear and bake at dinnertime. The creamy sauce can also be prepared in advance and gently reheated.
Final Thoughts
This dish is a guaranteed winner for both family comfort and impressing dinner guests—every forkful of Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu is a bite of crispy, creamy heaven. Gather your ingredients, invite someone you love to the table, and treat yourself to this unforgettable classic. You’ll be so glad you did!
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Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu. Tender chicken breasts stuffed with gooey cheese and savory ham, coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust, and served with a luscious creamy sauce.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices Swiss or Gruyère cheese
- 4 slices deli ham
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the creamy sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare chicken: Butterfly and pound chicken breasts. Stuff with cheese and ham, secure with toothpicks. Dredge in flour, egg, then breadcrumb mixture.
- Cook chicken: Sear in a skillet until golden. Bake in the oven until cooked through.
- Make the sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, add milk and cream. Simmer and add Parmesan, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Finish and serve: Remove toothpicks, slice chicken, and drizzle with creamy sauce.
Notes
- Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the rolls tightly.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: French-Inspired, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 175 mg
