Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce

This Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce is a delightful dish that brings together tender chicken breasts stuffed with savory ham and Swiss cheese, all enveloped in a crispy coating. With its rich cheese sauce topping, it’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy night in, this classic meal is sure to impress and satisfy.

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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
• Elegant Presentation
• Pairing with Wine
• Accompaniments
• How to Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce
• Best Side Dishes for Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• 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 use different cheeses in this recipe?
• How do I make Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce ahead of time?
• What side dishes pair well with Chicken Cordon Bleu?
• Is Chicken Cordon Bleu suitable for guests?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of ham, Swiss cheese, and a creamy cheese sauce creates an unforgettable taste experience.
• Versatile Dish: Ideal for both casual family meals and elegant dinner parties, making it suitable for any occasion.
• Easy Preparation: Simple steps make this Chicken Cordon Bleu easy to prepare, even for novice cooks.
• Make Ahead Option: Prepare the chicken rolls in advance to save time on busy days while still delivering a gourmet dish.
• Crowd-Pleasing Meal: With its appealing presentation and hearty flavors, it’s a dish that everyone will enjoy.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking experience and ensure success.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Meat mallet: Helps pound chicken evenly for better cooking.
• Shallow bowls: Perfect for breading and coating the chicken without making a mess.

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

1. Slice and Pound: Split each chicken breast into 3 thin slices. Place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet until about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
2. Stuff and Roll: Lay out 3 pounded chicken slices on plastic wrap. Season with salt and pepper. Layer 2 slices of ham and 2 slices of Swiss cheese on top. Roll tightly like a jellyroll, wrapping them in the plastic wrap. Twist the ends to secure.
3. Chill: Place the rolled chicken in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to help them hold their shape.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

1. Flour: In a shallow bowl, mix flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. Roll the chicken roulades in the flour to coat.
2. Egg Wash: In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs and season with salt and pepper. Dip the floured chicken rolls into the beaten eggs.
3. Breadcrumbs: In a third shallow plate, spread out the breadcrumbs and season with salt and pepper. Roll the chicken in the breadcrumbs, pressing to adhere.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Place the coated chicken rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Spray generously with cooking spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt olive oil and butter together. Add flour; cook for about 2 minutes while whisking constantly to create a roux. Gradually pour in milk while whisking continuously until thickened. Stir in garlic powder, mustard paste, nutmeg, salt, and pepper—simmer briefly before adding cheeses until smooth.

Step 5: Serve

Let baked chicken cool for about 10 minutes before slicing into pinwheels. Drizzle warm cheese sauce over each slice before garnishing with fresh parsley.

Enjoy your delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce!

How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce

Serving Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce is an excellent way to impress your family and friends. This versatile dish pairs well with various sides and garnishes, making each meal special.

Elegant Presentation

• Slice and Arrange: Cut the chicken into pinwheels and arrange them neatly on a platter for a beautiful display.
• Garnish: Top with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color that enhances the dish’s visual appeal.

Pairing with Wine

• White Wine: A crisp white wine like Chardonnay complements the creamy cheese sauce perfectly.
• Sparkling Wine: For a festive touch, serve with Champagne or Prosecco to elevate the dining experience.

Accompaniments

• Salad: A light green salad adds freshness to the meal, balancing the richness of the cheese sauce.
• Bread: Offer crusty baguette slices or garlic bread to soak up the delicious cheese sauce.

How to Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce

To ensure your Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce is perfect every time, consider these helpful tips:

• bold Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh chicken, quality ham, and Swiss cheese for the best flavor.
• bold Maintain Uniform Thickness: Pound chicken breasts evenly to ensure they cook through at the same rate.
• bold Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter, crispier coating than regular breadcrumbs.
• bold Let it Rest: Allow the baked chicken to rest before slicing; this helps retain juices and improves texture.

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Best Side Dishes for Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce

Pairing side dishes with Chicken Cordon Bleu can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. bold Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic provide a comforting side that complements the dish.
2. bold Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted to perfection add color and nutrition to your plate.
3. bold Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus is a crunchy companion that balances the richness of the cheese sauce.
4. bold Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs makes for an excellent base under the chicken rolls.
5. bold Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing adds a refreshing crunch alongside your main dish.
6. bold Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter brings a summer vibe to your dinner table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce can be a delightful experience, but there are a few common mistakes to keep in mind for the best results.

• Using thick chicken slices: Thick slices can make rolling difficult and lead to uneven cooking. Always ensure the chicken is pounded thin for perfect results.
• Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling the rolled chicken can cause it to unravel during baking. Refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to maintain shape.
• Inadequate coating: Failing to coat the chicken thoroughly in breadcrumbs can result in a less crispy texture. Ensure every surface is covered well for a crunchy bite.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking without preheating can affect cooking time and result in soggy chicken. Always preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) before baking.
• Ignoring internal temperature: Serving undercooked chicken is unsafe. Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce

• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to one month.

Reheating Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Place on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes) until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, turning occasionally until heated throughout.

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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 tender chicken breasts stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, baked, and topped with a creamy cheese sauce.

Can I use different cheeses in this recipe?

Yes! You can customize the cheeses by using mozzarella or gouda instead of Swiss cheese to create unique flavors.

How do I make Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce ahead of time?

You can prepare the stuffed chicken rolls and refrigerate them for up to two days before baking.

What side dishes pair well with Chicken Cordon Bleu?

This dish goes well with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light salad that complements its richness.

Is Chicken Cordon Bleu suitable for guests?

Absolutely! Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce is perfect for entertaining guests due to its impressive presentation and delicious flavor.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether it’s a family dinner or hosting friends, this recipe will impress everyone at the table. Feel free to customize it by experimenting with different cheeses or serving styles!