Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a delightful dish that perfectly blends flavors and textures. The Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu features tender chicken breasts wrapped around savory ham and melted Swiss cheese, all enveloped in a crispy coating. Finished with a luscious creamy Dijon sauce, this recipe is ideal for special occasions or an impressive dinner at home.

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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 Creamy Dijon Sauce:
• For Garnish
• How to Make Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu
• Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
• Step 2: Assemble the Rolls
• Step 3: Prepare for Frying
• Step 4: Cook the Chicken
• Step 5: Make the Dijon Sauce
• Step 6: Serve
• How to Serve Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu
• Pair with Fresh Vegetables
• Accompany with Salads
• Serve with Starches
• How to Perfect Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu
• Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu
• Reheating Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How can I make Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time?
• What can I serve with Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu?
• Can I bake Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu instead of frying?
• What variations can I try with this recipe?
• Is Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu suitable for special occasions?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of chicken, ham, and cheese creates a rich and satisfying taste that appeals to everyone.
• Elegant Presentation: This dish looks stunning when plated, making it perfect for dinner parties or celebrations.
• Versatile Pairings: Serve alongside fresh vegetables, a crisp salad, or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
• Simple Preparation: Despite its elegance, this recipe is straightforward, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the chicken rolls in advance and refrigerate them for easy cooking later.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking process smooth and enjoyable, gather the right tools before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Deep pan
• Meat mallet or rolling pin
• Plastic wrap
• Three bowls (for flour, eggs, breadcrumbs)
• Wire rack
• Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep pan: Essential for frying the chicken evenly and achieving that perfect golden brown color.
• Meat mallet or rolling pin: Helps flatten the chicken to ensure even cooking and easy rolling.
• Wire rack: Allows excess oil to drain from the fried chicken while keeping it crispy.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 16 slices Swiss cheese
• ½ lb ham, thinly sliced
• Peanut oil or vegetable oil, for frying
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (125 g)
• 4 eggs, beaten
• 2 cups panko bread crumbs (100 g)

For the Creamy Dijon Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (480 mL)
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard (60 g)
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (100 g)
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder evenly. Place one chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound it down to about ½ inch thick.

Step 2: Assemble the Rolls

Remove the plastic wrap. On each flattened chicken breast, layer 2 slices of Swiss cheese followed by 2 slices of ham. Add another layer of Swiss cheese and ham on top. Roll the chicken tightly and wrap it in plastic wrap. Twist and tie the ends securely. Repeat this process with the remaining chicken breasts and refrigerate them for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare for Frying

Preheat your deep pan with about 2 inches of oil to 325°F (170°C). Set up three bowls—one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Dredge each chicken roll in flour first; then dip into the egg wash before coating generously with breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Fry each coated chicken roll for approximately 5 minutes per side or until they are golden brown. If any rolls are not reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), transfer them to a wire rack over a baking sheet. Finish baking in a preheated oven at 325°F (170°C) until fully cooked.

Step 5: Make the Dijon Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until soft. Whisk in flour and cook for about one minute. Gradually add milk while whisking constantly until thickened and simmering. Stir in Dijon mustard, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper before removing from heat.

Step 6: Serve

Slice each chicken roll carefully and drizzle with creamy Dijon sauce. Pair with fresh vegetables or your favorite sides like green salad or mashed potatoes for an unforgettable meal!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu

Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu is not just a dish; it’s an experience. Serving it with the right accompaniments can elevate your meal and impress your guests. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that complement the rich flavors of this classic recipe.

Pair with Fresh Vegetables

• Steamed Broccoli: Bright green and tender, steamed broccoli adds a nutritious crunch.
• Roasted Asparagus: Tossed in olive oil and garlic, roasted asparagus brings a savory touch.
• Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sautéed with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt, spinach offers a vibrant color contrast.

Accompany with Salads

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and croutons create a refreshing balance.
• Mixed Green Salad: A blend of greens with a vinaigrette provides a light counterpart to the rich chicken.
• Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad enhances the meal’s hearty feel while adding texture.

Serve with Starches

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the delicious Dijon sauce.
• Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf adds a subtle flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
• Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is great for dipping into the creamy sauce.

How to Perfect Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu

Creating the perfect Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu requires attention to detail. Follow these tips for an exquisite dish every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and high-quality cheese will enhance flavor and texture significantly.
• Pound Evenly: Ensure chicken breasts are evenly pounded to achieve uniform cooking throughout.
• Don’t Rush Frying: Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, ensuring each piece gets crispy.
• Check Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
• Experiment with Cheeses: Try different cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella for varied flavor profiles.
• Allow to Rest: Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.

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Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu

Choosing the right side dishes can enhance your Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu experience. Here are some excellent options that pair perfectly with this delightful dish.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with roasted garlic make an excellent base for the sauce.
2. Butter Noodles: Simple egg noodles tossed in butter offer a comforting and mild accompaniment.
3. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad packed with veggies provides a healthy contrast to the richness of the chicken.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts add depth and flavor balance while offering nutritional benefits.
5. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn grilled to perfection is both fun and flavorful, making it a great side.
6. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings crunch and acidity that cuts through the creaminess of the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Ensure your chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety but avoid cooking it too long, or it will dry out. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
• Insufficient Seasoning: Don’t skip seasoning the chicken. A lack of salt and pepper can result in bland flavors. Season generously for a delicious outcome.
• Skipping the Chilling Step: If you don’t refrigerate the rolled chicken, it may fall apart while frying. Chill for at least 30 minutes to help the rolls hold their shape.
• Inconsistent Thickness: Pounding the chicken evenly is crucial for even cooking. Use a meat mallet to ensure all pieces are about ½ inch thick.
• Not Using Enough Oil: If you don’t use enough oil when frying, the chicken won’t get crispy. Make sure there’s at least 2 inches of oil in your pan.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Freezing Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover. Heat in short intervals until warm, about 1-2 minutes.
• Stovetop: Reheat on medium heat in a skillet with a little oil, turning until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time?

You can assemble the chicken rolls and refrigerate them a day before cooking. This makes preparation much easier on the day you plan to serve.

What can I serve with Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu?

This dish pairs well with fresh vegetables, green salad, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Can I bake Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu instead of frying?

Yes! You can bake it at 375°F (190°C) for about 30-35 minutes if you prefer a healthier option.

What variations can I try with this recipe?

Feel free to experiment with cheese types like Gruyère or mozzarella, or add herbs like thyme or parsley for extra flavor.

Is Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu suitable for special occasions?

Absolutely! This dish is both elegant and delicious, making it perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties or celebrations.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with different cheeses or sides to suit your taste. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try!

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