Chicken Cordon Bleu Swiss Cheese Sauce Recipe

Golden Chicken Cordon Bleu with Dreamy Swiss Cheese Sauce Recipe

Crafting a delightful chicken cordon bleu with a Swiss cheese sauce brings culinary magic to your dinner table.

Layers of tender chicken, savory ham, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering experience.

Crispy golden breading surrounds a rich, gooey center that promises pure comfort.

Classic French-inspired techniques blend perfectly with simple home cooking methods.

Each bite tells a story of sophisticated yet approachable cuisine.

Creamy sauce adds an extra dimension of flavor that makes this dish irresistible.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this incredible recipe.

FAQs

  • What is the origin of Chicken Cordon Bleu?

The dish originated in Switzerland, combining French culinary techniques with Swiss cheese. It became popular in the United States in the 1960s as a gourmet chicken recipe.

  • Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyère, Emmental, or provolone. Each cheese will give a unique flavor to the dish while maintaining the creamy texture.

  • How do I prevent the chicken from unrolling during cooking?

Use toothpicks to secure the rolls tightly. Insert them perpendicular to the roll to keep the ham and cheese inside. Remember to remove toothpicks before serving.

Why Chicken Cordon Bleu With Swiss Cheese Shines

  • Craft Gourmet Delight: Transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish that impresses family and guests with minimal culinary expertise.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like cheese or meat to suit personal preferences, making this recipe adaptable for different taste buds and dietary needs.
  • Master Versatile Technique: Learn professional cooking methods like rolling, breading, and creating a creamy sauce that can be applied to multiple recipes.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a sophisticated meal in under an hour, balancing crispy exterior with a rich, cheesy interior that satisfies comfort food cravings.

What To Gather For Chicken Cordon Bleu Perfection

Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: The main protein component that provides a tender and juicy base for the classic dish.
  • Ham Slices: Adds a savory and rich flavor to the chicken rolls.
Dairy:
  • Swiss Cheese Slices: Delivers a creamy and mild flavor inside the chicken rolls.
  • Shredded Swiss Cheese: Creates a smooth and luxurious sauce for topping.
  • Heavy Cream: Provides richness and helps create a velvety cheese sauce.
  • Butter: Serves as the foundation for the sauce and adds depth of flavor.
Coating and Seasoning:
  • Flour: Helps create a crispy exterior and assists in binding the coating.
  • Eggs: Acts as a binding agent for the breadcrumb coating.
  • Breadcrumbs: Gives a golden and crunchy texture to the chicken rolls.
Seasonings:
  • Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder: Enhance and balance the overall flavor of the dish.
Cooking Fat:
  • Vegetable Oil: Provides a neutral cooking medium for browning the chicken rolls.

Simple Steps To Juicy Chicken Cordon Bleu Success

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C).

Grab a baking dish and give it a light grease or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken Canvas

Grab your chicken breasts and sandwich them between plastic wrap.

Gently pound them until they’re uniformly thin.

Sprinkle both sides with a whisper of salt and pepper to awaken the flavors.

Step 3: Create Delicious Rolls

Layer each chicken breast with:
  • Thin ham slice
  • Creamy Swiss cheese slice

Roll the chicken tightly, embracing the filling.

Secure with toothpicks if they’re feeling rebellious.

Step 4: Build a Crispy Armor

Set up a coating station with three shallow dishes:
  • Flour
  • Beaten eggs
  • Breadcrumbs

Dredge each chicken roll through the stations, creating a golden armor of crunch.

Step 5: Brown and Bake

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium flame.

Sizzle each chicken roll for 3-4 minutes per side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown.

Transfer to the baking dish and slide into the oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature hits 165F (74C).

Step 6: Whip Up Dreamy Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter and create a roux by stirring in flour.

Gradually whisk in heavy cream until silky smooth.

Fold in:
  • Shredded Swiss cheese
  • Garlic powder

Stir until the cheese melts into a luxurious sauce.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Remove toothpicks from the chicken rolls.

Plate the crispy rolls and cascade the luscious Swiss cheese sauce over top.

Dive in while it’s hot and enjoy every decadent bite!

Pro Tips For Swiss Cheese Sauce Perfection

  • Pound chicken breasts to uniform thickness for consistent cooking and tender results.
  • Use toothpicks to keep chicken rolls tight and prevent filling from falling out during cooking.
  • Double-dip breadcrumbs for extra crunch by repeating the egg and breadcrumb coating process.
  • Whisk cheese sauce gradually and continuously to avoid lumps and achieve silky texture.
  • Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165F (74C).

Cordon Bleu Flavor Twists For Adventurous Eaters

  • Gluten-Free Chicken Cordon Bleu: Swap regular flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour and gluten-free panko crumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Mediterranean Chicken Roll: Replace ham with prosciutto and Swiss cheese with feta cheese, adding oregano and rosemary for Mediterranean flavors.
  • Low-Carb Chicken Wrap: Skip breading entirely and wrap chicken in thinly sliced zucchini instead of traditional coating, using Parmesan cheese as a crispy topping.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with portobello mushrooms, keeping the cheese sauce and rolling technique for a meat-free protein option.

Serving Chicken Cordon Bleu With Extra Sauce

  • Fancy Dinner Companion: Pair this elegant chicken dish with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the rich, creamy flavors.
  • Veggie Sidekick: Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans make perfect vegetable companions, adding color and nutritional balance to the plate.
  • Carb Comfort: Serve alongside garlic mashed potatoes or buttery rice pilaf to soak up the delicious Swiss cheese sauce and complete the meal.
  • Garnish Glamour: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and a hint of fresh herbaceous flavor that brightens the entire dish.

How To Store Leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu Safely

  • Store leftover chicken cordon bleu in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place chicken rolls and sauce separately to maintain crispiness. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
  • Wrap individual chicken rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Separate sauce into a different freezer-safe container.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Place chicken rolls on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Reheat sauce in a small saucepan, stirring occasionally.
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Swiss Cheese Sauce Recipe

Chicken Cordon Bleu Swiss Cheese Sauce Recipe


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4.5 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Culinary magic unfolds with this classic Chicken Cordon Bleu, where golden-crusted chicken meets creamy Swiss cheese sauce. Crispy exterior and tender interior promise a delightful dining experience you won’t soon forget.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 slices ham
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese

Coating and Seasoning:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Sauce and Cooking Ingredients:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish with a light coating of oil or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Lay chicken breasts between plastic wrap and gently flatten to an even thickness using a meat mallet, ensuring uniform cooking. Season both surfaces with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
  3. Layer a slice of ham and Swiss cheese onto each chicken breast, carefully rolling the meat tightly to encase the filling completely. Secure the rolls with toothpicks to maintain their shape during cooking.
  4. Create a coating station: dust each chicken roll in flour, dip into beaten eggs, then generously coat with breadcrumbs for a crispy exterior.
  5. In a skillet heated to medium, brown the chicken rolls for 3-4 minutes per side until golden, developing a rich, crisp crust.
  6. Transfer the browned chicken rolls to the prepared baking dish and roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  7. While the chicken bakes, prepare the Swiss cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour to create a roux, then gradually incorporate heavy cream until smooth.
  8. Add shredded Swiss cheese and a touch of garlic powder to the sauce, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes silky and uniform. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Remove toothpicks from the chicken rolls, plate the crispy-coated chicken, and generously drizzle the warm, creamy Swiss cheese sauce over each portion. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Choose thin chicken breasts for easier rolling and more even cooking.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help breading stick better and create crispier exterior.
  • Avoid overstuffing chicken rolls to prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.
  • Freeze chicken rolls for 15 minutes before breading to help coating adhere more effectively.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature without overcooking.
  • Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives for celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
  • Swap ham with turkey or prosciutto for different flavor variations.
  • Store leftover sauce separately to prevent soggy chicken when reheating.
  • Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes after baking to help retain moisture and make cutting easier.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 670 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 48 g
  • Cholesterol: 180 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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