If there’s one dish I’d make to seriously impress friends or family, it’s this: Crispy and Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu with Dijon Sauce: The Ultimate Recipe. Imagine tender chicken breasts, wrapped around savory ham and gooey Swiss cheese, all enrobed in a golden, crunchy coating and finished with a dreamy, velvety Dijon sauce. Every bite delivers a perfect contrast of textures and big, bold flavors. This is the kind of recipe that transforms a dinner at home into something extraordinary, and I can’t wait to walk you through every delicious step.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe is that it calls for straightforward, familiar ingredients that each play a pivotal role. You’ll find nothing here is extra or fussy—just what you need to create fantastic taste, tempting aromas, and beautiful color on your plate.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, these are the perfect canvas for stuffing and crisping up.
- Deli-style ham slices: A savory, salty layer that pairs perfectly with chicken and cheese.
- Swiss cheese slices: Melts beautifully, adding that essential creamy, slightly nutty flavor.
- All-purpose flour: This simple step helps the egg and breadcrumb coating stick for a flawless crust.
- Eggs (beaten): The key to pulling everything together in your breading process for ultimate crispiness.
- Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style crumbs make your exterior extra crunchy and golden.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a savory, cheesy boost to the breading and the sauce.
- Garlic powder: Infuses gentle warmth into both the chicken and the creamy sauce.
- Onion powder: Rounds out the seasoning, giving the chicken extra flavor dimension.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for enhancing every layer of flavor.
- Butter: Adds richness and ensures a golden, decadent finish in both the chicken and sauce.
- Olive oil: Helps achieve even browning when searing those gorgeous rolls.
- Whole milk and heavy cream: For the Dijon sauce, they create a lush, creamy consistency.
- Dijon mustard: The star of the sauce, lending signature tang and depth to the final drizzle.
How to Make Crispy and Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu with Dijon Sauce: The Ultimate Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Pound the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment and use a meat mallet to gently pound it to about half an inch thick. This not only makes them easier to roll, but also ensures even cooking and ultimate tenderness.
Step 2: Season and Stack
Generously season both sides of the flattened chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Lay a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on each chicken breast. The careful layering here makes every bite of your Crispy and Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu with Dijon Sauce: The Ultimate Recipe both flavorful and satisfying.
Step 3: Roll and Secure
Starting at one short end, tightly roll up each chicken breast, making sure to tuck in the sides as you go so the cheese stays put as it melts. To prevent unravelling, secure each roll with toothpicks or tie with kitchen twine. Take a moment here—neat rolling ensures beautiful slices later!
Step 4: Breading for Crunch
Set up your breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with a well-mixed combination of panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan. Dredge each chicken roll in flour, dip into egg, then coat thoroughly with the panko-Parmesan mix. This triple-layer process is what guarantees that amazing crunch every time.
Step 5: Sear for Color
Heat the butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, sear each chicken roll for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, until they develop a lovely golden-brown crust. You’re not cooking them through just yet—this is about flavor and color!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the seared rolls to a baking dish and slide them into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). While they bake, get ready for the star on top: that dreamy Dijon sauce.
Step 7: Make the Creamy Dijon Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour and cook for one minute until bubbly to make a classic roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly as it thickens—this only takes 3 or 4 minutes. Whisk in Dijon mustard, a bit of grated Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let it bubble gently for another couple of minutes, until velvety smooth and fragrant.
Step 8: Rest, Slice, and Serve with Sauce
When the chicken is finished baking, remove toothpicks or twine and allow the rolls to rest for a few minutes so the juices settle. Slice each roll into beautiful rounds and transfer onto plates. Pour or drizzle the glorious Dijon sauce over the top, and serve your Crispy and Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu with Dijon Sauce: The Ultimate Recipe right away while everything is hot and inviting.
How to Serve Crispy and Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu with Dijon Sauce: The Ultimate Recipe
Garnishes
This dish loves a fresh finish. Sprinkle on freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and an herby note that brightens every bite of Crispy and Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu with Dijon Sauce: The Ultimate Recipe. A dusting of extra Parmesan or a grind of black pepper just before serving adds even more appeal.
Side Dishes
Pair with buttery mashed potatoes to soak up all that wonderful sauce, or opt for roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans for a lighter contrast. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette rounds out the meal perfectly and balances the richness of the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, slice each chicken roll and fan the pieces out over a bed of greens before spooning the sauce over the top. Hosting a party? Serve slices alongside bite-sized portions of potatoes or vegetables on a platter for instant wow-factor—every bite showcases the gorgeous swirl of ham and cheese inside your Crispy and Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu with Dijon Sauce: The Ultimate Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover slices of Crispy and Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu with Dijon Sauce: The Ultimate Recipe should be cooled to room temperature, then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to three days, making them a fantastic make-ahead lunch or speedy weeknight dinner option.
Freezing
If you want to freeze, wrap the cooked and cooled chicken rolls tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. For best quality, store the Dijon sauce separately in its own container. Both can be frozen for up to two months; just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, reheat the chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through and crispy—about 10 minutes. Warm the Dijon sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Drizzle the hot sauce over your reheated chicken and it’ll taste freshly made!
FAQs
Can I prepare the chicken in advance and bake later?
Absolutely! You can assemble and bread the chicken rolls a day ahead and refrigerate on a lined baking sheet, covered loosely. When ready to bake, just let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before popping them in the oven.
Is there a substitute for Swiss cheese?
Yes, you can use Gruyère, provolone, or even sharp white cheddar if that’s what you have on hand. Each will melt nicely and add its own character to the final dish.
How do I keep the cheese from oozing out?
Be sure to tuck in the sides of each chicken breast as you roll it, and make the rolls tight. Securing them well with toothpicks or twine really helps lock everything in as they bake.
What’s the best way to get a super crispy coating?
Pat the chicken dry before breading, and make sure your skillet is hot before you start searing. Combining panko and Parmesan ensures a shatteringly crisp layer every single time.
Can I make the Dijon sauce lighter?
Certainly! Swap the heavy cream in the sauce for all milk, or use half-and-half for something in between. The sauce will still be silky and full of flavor—just a bit lighter.
Final Thoughts
This is the kind of recipe that turns a simple chicken dinner into something truly special. Whether you’re making it for a celebration or just because, the Crispy and Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu with Dijon Sauce: The Ultimate Recipe always delivers wow-factor. Give it a try—I promise you’ll have eager requests for seconds and plenty of happy memories around the table!
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Crispy and Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu with Dijon Sauce: The Ultimate Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this recipe for crispy and creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu topped with a rich Dijon sauce. Stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, these chicken rolls are crispy on the outside and oozing with cheesy goodness on the inside. Perfect for a special dinner or a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices deli-style ham
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Creamy Dijon Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Chicken: Flatten the chicken breasts, season, add ham and cheese, roll up, and secure.
- Bread the Chicken: Dredge the chicken rolls in flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixture.
- Cook the Chicken: Sear in a skillet, then bake for 20–25 minutes.
- Make the Dijon Sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, add milk, cream, Dijon mustard, Parmesan, and seasonings.
- Finish and Serve: Slice the chicken, drizzle with sauce, and serve hot.
Notes
- You can make the chicken ahead and reheat in the oven.
- For a lighter version, use milk instead of cream in the sauce.
- This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 47g
- Cholesterol: 170mg
