This Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu wraps tender chicken around ham and gooey cheese, then gets a crispy coating. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!
I love serving it with the Easy Dijon Sauce—it adds a zesty kick that pairs perfectly. Plus, it’s so easy to make, you’ll feel like a cooking pro in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless is a must for easy rolling. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use turkey breasts. Just remember, turkey may take a bit longer to cook through.
Swiss Cheese: This cheese adds a creamy texture. Gruyère is a fantastic alternative for a nuttier flavor. You could also use mozzarella for a milder taste if that’s what you have on hand.
Ham: Cooked ham enhances flavor, but if you’re avoiding pork, turkey or chicken ham works great too. Vegetarians can skip it altogether or use roasted vegetables.
Panko Breadcrumbs: I recommend panko for extra crunch! Regular breadcrumbs can be used, but they won’t be as crispy. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked Inside and Crispy Outside?
One common challenge is achieving the right texture with chicken rolls while ensuring the inside is cooked properly. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by pounding the chicken to an even thickness. This helps it cook uniformly and prevents the outer layers from overcooking.
- When browning the chicken rolls, use medium heat. This method lets the breadcrumbs crisp while the chicken cooks through.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—it should read 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat without drying it out.
- After browning, baking helps finish the cooking and keeps the chicken juicy, so don’t skip this step!
What’s the Best Way to Whip Up the Easy Dijon Sauce?
Making the Easy Dijon Sauce is super straightforward. All you need is a bowl and a whisk! Here’s how:
- Start by measuring the mayonnaise into a mixing bowl. It’s the creamy base of the sauce.
- Add Dijon mustard for tanginess. You can adjust the amount depending on how zesty you like it!
- Incorporate honey for sweetness and a bit of lemon juice for brightness. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
This simple sauce can be adjusted to your liking—try adding herbs like dill or parsley for an extra layer of flavor!
Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu with Easy Dijon Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Cordon Bleu:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese (or Gruyère)
- 4 slices of cooked ham
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for crispiness)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Easy Dijon Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take approximately 15 minutes to prepare and about 25-30 minutes to cook, totaling around 45-50 minutes. It’s a quick and satisfying dish to whip up for dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Chicken:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Get a baking dish and lightly grease it with some cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
Take the chicken breasts and place them between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet to pound them out to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps them cook evenly.
2. Seasoning and Fillings:
Coat both sides of each chicken breast with salt and pepper. Then, spread about 1/2 tablespoon of Dijon mustard evenly over each breast. Next, lay one slice of ham and one slice of cheese on top of each chicken breast.
3. Rolling and Securing the Chicken:
Carefully roll each chicken breast up, tucking in the sides to keep the filling contained. Secure each roll with toothpicks to make sure everything stays together during cooking.
4. Dredging the Chicken:
Now, set up a dredging station to coat the chicken. In one shallow dish, put the flour; in a second dish, beat the eggs; and in a third dish, mix the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper together.
Dredge each chicken roll in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, and then coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
5. Browning in the Skillet:
In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, place the chicken rolls in the skillet. Brown the chicken on all sides—this should take about 2-3 minutes per side until they’re golden and crispy.
6. Baking to Perfection:
Transfer your browned chicken rolls to the greased baking dish. Pop them into the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
7. Making the Easy Dijon Sauce:
While the chicken is baking, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl until it’s nice and smooth. Set it aside to let the flavors mingle.
8. Serving Time:
Once the chicken is done and has rested for a minute, remove any toothpicks. Slice if you like, and serve warm with the tangy Dijon sauce on the side or drizzled on top. Enjoy your meal!
This Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu is perfect alongside a fresh salad or some sautéed vegetables. Enjoy the deliciousness!
FAQ for Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before beginning. This ensures they’ll cook evenly. You can also thaw them quickly in a sealed bag submerged in cold water.
What Can I Substitute for Swiss Cheese?
If you don’t have Swiss cheese on hand, Gruyère makes a wonderful alternative for a richer flavor. Mozzarella can also be used for a milder taste, but it won’t have the same depth of flavor.
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the chicken rolls in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Just coat them in breadcrumbs and store them in an airtight container. Bake them just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if they’re coming straight from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option. Enjoy the chicken with a fresh drizzle of the Dijon sauce!
