This Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu is a tasty treat! It features tender chicken stuffed with ham and melty cheese, all wrapped in a golden, crispy coating that makes it super crunchy!
The Easy Dijon Sauce adds just the right zing to every bite! I love serving this with some simple veggies or rice for a cozy dinner. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. You can use thighs if you prefer dark meat. They will stay juicier, just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly.
Ham: Thin slices of ham add great flavor. If you’re looking for alternatives, turkey ham or even cooked bacon can give a smoky twist!
Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese is classic but Gruyère brings a richer taste. If you’re after something different, try mozzarella for a mild flavor or cheddar for a sharper one.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a light, crispy texture. If you can’t find it, regular breadcrumbs work too, but the coating might not be as crispy. You can also crush cornflakes or use crushed crackers as a fun substitute!
Mayonnaise: The base for the Easy Dijon Sauce, but Greek yogurt or sour cream can lighten it up while still being creamy.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare Chicken for Cordon Bleu?
Pounding the chicken is key to getting even thickness for cooking. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use plastic wrap or parchment paper to avoid mess and protect the meat.
- Start from the center and gently pound outwards. Don’t go too hard; you want it about 1/4 inch thick without tearing.
- This helps the chicken cook evenly and makes it easier to roll with the ham and cheese.
Also, remember to securely roll those filled chicken breasts — tuck in the sides to keep the yummy fillings from spilling out during cooking!
Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu with Easy Dijon Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Cordon Bleu:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 thin slices of ham
- 4 slices Swiss cheese (or Gruyère)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For the Easy Dijon Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 20 minutes of prep time, plus 25-30 minutes for cooking and baking. So in total, you’re looking at about an hour to enjoy this delicious dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken Breasts:
Start by placing each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are about 1/4 inch thick. This ensures even cooking and makes it easier to roll them up.
2. Assembling the Cordon Bleu:
On each flattened chicken breast, place one slice of ham followed by one slice of cheese. Roll each chicken breast tightly around the fillings, tucking in the sides to seal everything nice and securely. If needed, you can secure the rolls with toothpicks.
3. Setting Up Breading Stations:
Prepare your breading stations by placing the flour in a shallow dish. In another dish, beat the eggs with 1 tablespoon of water. Then, in a third dish, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Coating the Chicken:
Take each rolled chicken breast and dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, then coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure it sticks well.
5. Cooking the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the chicken rolls and cook, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides. This should take about 8-10 minutes.
6. Baking to Finish Cooking:
After browning, transfer the chicken to a baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Preparing the Easy Dijon Sauce:
While the chicken is baking, you can prepare your Easy Dijon Sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
8. Serving:
Once the chicken is done, remove the toothpicks from the rolls if you used them. Slice each cordon bleu if you’d like, and serve them hot with a generous drizzle or on the side of the Easy Dijon Sauce.
Enjoy your Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu with the flavorful, tangy Easy Dijon Sauce! Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! Swiss cheese is traditional, but you can substitute Gruyère for a richer flavor, or even mozzarella for a milder taste. Cheddar also works if you prefer something sharper!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave them for a quicker option.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Assemble the chicken rolls without cooking them and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. Just make sure to let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
No problem! If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work in a pinch. For a different texture, you can crush some cornflakes or use crushed crackers as a substitute for that crispy coating.
