Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a timeless classic featuring tender chicken, savory ham, and gooey Swiss cheese, all wrapped in a golden, crispy coating. This version is paired with a creamy, cheesy sauce that elevates the dish to restaurant-quality perfection. Whether you fry or bake, this recipe guarantees a delicious meal suitable for weeknights or special occasions.

What Is Chicken Cordon Bleu?

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a stuffed chicken dish where chicken breasts are flattened, filled with ham and cheese, rolled, breaded, and cooked to perfection. Its crispy exterior and creamy filling make it a standout entrée, often served with a rich cheese sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Versatile Cooking Options: Choose between frying for extra crispiness or baking for a lighter option.
• Rich, Cheesy Sauce: The sauce is a perfect complement, adding depth and creaminess.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: A perfect blend of textures and flavors makes it a hit for family dinners or entertaining.
• Easy to Customize: Simple swaps make it adaptable to dietary needs.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 slices ham
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (125 g)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1½ cups breadcrumbs (180 g; use Panko for extra crunch)
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying (or butter for baking)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter (30 g)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (15 g)
• 1½ cups milk (360 ml)
• ½ cup shredded Swiss cheese (50 g)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (25 g)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

1. Flatten the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking. Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet.
2. Add Filling: Lay a slice of ham and Swiss cheese on each breast, then roll tightly. Secure the rolls with toothpicks.

Bread the Chicken

1. Set Up Breading Station: Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a third.
2. Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken roll in flour, dip into the beaten eggs, and coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.

Cooking Methods

For Frying:

1. Fry the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry each chicken roll until golden brown, about 4–5 minutes per side.
2. Finish in the Oven: Transfer the fried chicken rolls to a baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C).

For Baking:

1. Bake the Chicken: Place the breaded chicken on a greased baking sheet. Spray lightly with oil to enhance crispiness.
2. Cook: Bake for 25–30 minutes until the coating is golden and the chicken is cooked through.

Preparing the Sauce

1. Make a Roux: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking continuously.
2. Add Milk and Cheese: Gradually add milk, whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in shredded Swiss cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Dijon mustard (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Cook until thickened and creamy.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot, drizzled with the creamy sauce.
• Pair with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a balanced meal.
• A side of garlic mashed potatoes or a fresh garden salad makes a perfect accompaniment.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to retain crispiness.
• Sauce: Store separately in an airtight container and reheat gently over low heat.

Freezing Instructions

• Uncooked Chicken: Freeze breaded chicken rolls before cooking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Cook directly from frozen, adjusting baking time as needed.
• Cooked Chicken: Freeze fully cooked rolls in a single layer. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
• Cheese Options: Substitute Gruyère, mozzarella, or cheddar for Swiss cheese.
• Keto-Friendly: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds.

FAQs

Can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and bread the chicken, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes to retain crispiness.

Can I skip the sauce?
Certainly, but the sauce adds a rich, creamy layer of flavor that complements the dish perfectly.

This Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe is a delightful combination of textures and flavors that’s easy to make yet elegant enough for any occasion. Try it today and discover why it’s a timeless favorite! If you’ve made this recipe, share your experience and tips in the comments below!

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