Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce

Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with savory ham and Swiss cheese, all enveloped in a crispy coating. Topped with a creamy cheese sauce, it’s perfect for family dinners or impressing guests at special occasions. This classic recipe stands out for its rich flavors and elegant presentation, making it a favorite among many home cooks.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chicken:
• For the Cheese Sauce:
• For Garnish
• How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce
• Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
• Step 2: Coat the Chicken
• Step 3: Bake the Chicken
• Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
• Step 5: Serve
• How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce
• Pair with Fresh Vegetables
• Add a Side Salad
• Serve with Starch
• How to Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce
• Best Side Dishes for Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce
• Reheating Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce?
• Can I prepare Chicken Cordon Bleu in advance?
• What kind of cheese works best for the sauce?
• Can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu without ham?
• How do I ensure my Chicken Cordon Bleu stays moist?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of ham and Swiss cheese brings a savory depth to the chicken.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this dish is accessible even for beginner cooks.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as an elegant main course or slice it as an appetizer.
• Impressive Presentation: The pinwheel slices topped with cheese sauce look stunning on any table.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it in advance, saving time on busy days.

Tools and Preparation

To make Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce successfully, you will need some essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures that each step goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Meat mallet
• Plastic wrap
• Shallow bowls (for flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs)
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or foil
• Whisk
• Saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

• Meat mallet: Helps ensure even cooking by flattening the chicken to the ideal thickness.
• Shallow bowls: Make it easy to coat the chicken evenly in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.

Ingredients

This classic Chicken Cordon Bleu features tender chicken breasts stuffed with slices of ham and Swiss cheese, breaded and baked to golden perfection. Topped with a rich cheese sauce, this dish is ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless chicken breasts (each split into 3 thin slices)
• 8 slices ham
• 8 slices Swiss cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cups (220g) Panko breadcrumbs

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (473ml) whole milk
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard paste
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup (55g) grated Swiss cheese
• 1/2 cup (60g) grated sharp cheddar cheese

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

To start, slice and pound your chicken.
1. Split each chicken breast into 3 thin slices.
2. Place them between two sheets of plastic wrap.
3. Pound with a meat mallet until about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.

Next, stuff and roll the chicken:
1. Lay out 3 pounded chicken slices on plastic wrap.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Layer 2 slices of ham and 2 slices of Swiss cheese on top.
4. Roll tightly like a jellyroll and wrap in plastic wrap. Twist ends to secure.

Finally, chill the rolls:
– Place them in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to help hold their shape.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Now it’s time to coat the chicken rolls before baking.

• In a shallow bowl, mix flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. Roll each roulade in the flour to coat.
• In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs and season with salt and pepper. Dip floured rolls into beaten eggs.
• Spread breadcrumbs on a third plate; season with salt and pepper. Roll each chicken piece in breadcrumbs, pressing to adhere.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

Preheat your oven:
– Set your oven to 350°F (177°C).

Prepare for baking:
– Place coated chicken rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
– Spray generously with cooking spray.

Bake:
– Cook for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

While the chicken bakes, prepare your sauce.

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt olive oil and butter together.
2. Add flour; cook for about 2 minutes while whisking constantly to create a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in milk until sauce thickens.
4. Stir in garlic powder, mustard paste, nutmeg, salt, and pepper; let simmer for one minute.
5. Add Parmesan, Swiss, and cheddar cheeses; stir until smooth and creamy before removing from heat.

Step 5: Serve

Let your baked chicken rest for about ten minutes:
– Slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheels.
– Drizzle warm cheese sauce over sliced chicken pieces; garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce!

How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce

Serving Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce can elevate your dining experience, whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion. Here are some delightful ways to present this classic dish.

Pair with Fresh Vegetables

• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a fresh crunch that complements the rich cheese sauce.
• Roasted Asparagus: Drizzling asparagus with lemon juice before roasting adds a zesty contrast to the savory chicken.

Add a Side Salad

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce, creamy Caesar dressing, and croutons create a classic pairing that enhances the meal.
• Mixed Greens: A light vinaigrette on mixed greens offers a refreshing balance to the richness of the chicken.

Serve with Starch

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic pair beautifully with the cheese sauce for added comfort.
• Herbed Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs provides a subtle flavor that harmonizes with the chicken.

How to Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce

Perfecting your Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce takes practice and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure success.

• Bold Preparation of Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for better flavor and texture.
• Bold Rolling Technique: Roll the chicken tightly to keep fillings secure during cooking and prevent leaking.
• Bold Cooking Temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated properly for even cooking and golden-brown results.
• Bold Resting Time: Allow the chicken to rest after baking; this helps retain juices and improve flavor.
• Bold Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses in your sauce for unique flavor combinations.

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Best Side Dishes for Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce

Choosing the right side dishes can enhance your Chicken Cordon Bleu experience. Here’s a list of perfect accompaniments.

1. Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery garlic bread is ideal for soaking up any leftover cheese sauce.
2. Creamed Spinach: This rich, creamy side adds a touch of elegance while balancing out the flavors of the dish.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the tender chicken.
4. Sweet Potato Fries: Baked sweet potato fries offer a sweet element that pairs well with savory chicken.
5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad packed with vegetables adds freshness and nutrition alongside your meal.
6. Baked Beans: The sweetness of baked beans complements the savory notes from the chicken and cheese sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the dish’s quality. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

• Skipping the Chilling Step: Failing to chill the rolled chicken can cause it to unravel during cooking. Always refrigerate the rolls for at least one hour before baking.
• Using Thick Chicken Slices: Thick chicken slices make rolling difficult and lead to uneven cooking. Ensure your chicken breasts are thinly sliced and pounded for best results.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Under-seasoning the chicken and cheese sauce can result in bland flavors. Be sure to season each component well with salt and pepper.
• Rushing the Cheese Sauce: Cooking the cheese sauce too quickly can result in a lumpy texture. Take your time when adding milk and whisk continuously for a smooth finish.
• Inadequate Coating: Not fully coating the chicken in breadcrumbs can lead to a soggy texture. Make sure each roll is generously coated for a crispy crust.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will keep well for up to 3 days.

Freezing Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce

• Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Frozen chicken can last up to 1 month.

Reheating Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Bake covered for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, covering with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat gently in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce?

Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce is a classic dish featuring chicken breasts filled with ham and Swiss cheese, breaded, baked, and served with a creamy cheese sauce.

Can I prepare Chicken Cordon Bleu in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the stuffed chicken rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 2 days or freeze them for up to a month.

What kind of cheese works best for the sauce?

For the best flavor, use Swiss cheese combined with Parmesan and cheddar for added creaminess and depth in your cheese sauce.

Can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu without ham?

Absolutely! You can substitute ham with turkey or even vegetables for a vegetarian option while keeping the delicious cheese filling.

How do I ensure my Chicken Cordon Bleu stays moist?

To keep the chicken moist, avoid overcooking it and allow it to rest after baking before slicing into pinwheels.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting guests or enjoying a family dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Feel free to customize it by trying different cheeses or adding herbs for extra flavor!

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