Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce

This Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce is a delightful dish that everyone will love. Featuring tender chicken breasts filled with savory ham and creamy Swiss cheese, this recipe is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. The rich cheese sauce elevates the dish, making it both comforting and impressive. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to enjoy a delicious meal at home, this recipe is sure to impress.

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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
• Family Style
• Individual Plates
• Special Occasions
• 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 make Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time?
• What cheeses work well in the cheese sauce?
• Is there a simpler version of Chicken Cordon Bleu?
• Can I use different meats instead of ham?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce is straightforward to make, even for beginners.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of ham and Swiss cheese provides a savory depth that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for weeknight dinners or fancy gatherings, this dish suits any occasion.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the chicken rolls in advance, making it convenient for busy days.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its delicious flavors and appealing presentation, it’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to make preparation easier.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Meat mallet
• Plastic wrap
• Three shallow bowls
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or foil
• Saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

• Meat mallet: Helps pound the chicken evenly, ensuring tender results.
• Plastic wrap: Allows you to roll the chicken tightly without losing shape during cooking.
• Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking your Chicken Cordon Bleu to golden perfection.

Ingredients

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

To start, slice each chicken breast into three thin pieces. Place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet until about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
Then lay out three pounded chicken slices on plastic wrap. Season them with kosher salt and black pepper. Layer two slices of ham and two slices of Swiss cheese on top of each piece. Roll them tightly like a jellyroll while wrapping them in plastic wrap. Twist the ends securely and place the rolled chicken in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to maintain their shape.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

In a shallow bowl, combine flour with a pinch of kosher salt and black pepper. Take the chilled chicken roulades and roll them in the seasoned flour until coated.
Next, in another shallow bowl, beat the eggs and season with salt and pepper. Dip each floured chicken roll into this egg wash.
Finally, spread Panko breadcrumbs on a third plate seasoned with salt and pepper. Roll each piece of chicken in breadcrumbs, pressing to ensure they adhere well.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Arrange the coated chicken rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Spray generously with cooking spray before placing them in the oven.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Use an internal thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt olive oil and butter together. Once melted, whisk in flour and cook for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
Gradually add whole milk while whisking continuously until thickened. Stir in garlic powder, mustard paste, freshly grated nutmeg, black pepper, and salt; let simmer for one minute.
Finally, mix in Parmesan cheese, Swiss cheese, and cheddar cheese until everything is smooth and creamy before removing it from heat.

Step 5: Serve

Allow baked Chicken Cordon Bleu to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing each roll into one-inch pinwheels.
Drizzle warm cheese sauce over these sliced pieces generously. Optionally garnish with finely chopped parsley for an added touch!

How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce

Serving your Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce can elevate your dining experience. Here are some delightful suggestions to make your meal memorable.

Family Style

• Serve on a Platter: Arrange sliced chicken rolls on a large platter and drizzle with cheese sauce for a communal feel.
• Accompany with Fresh Herbs: Garnish the dish with fresh parsley or thyme for added flavor and visual appeal.

Individual Plates

• Plated Presentation: Serve each portion on individual plates, topped with cheese sauce and a sprinkle of paprika for color.
• Side Salad: Add a light green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.

Special Occasions

• Elegant Dining Setup: Use fine china and elegant glassware to enhance the dining experience during special occasions.
• Wine Pairing: Serve with a glass of Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the flavors.

How to Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce

Perfecting this classic dish is all about technique and attention to detail. Follow these tips for outstanding results every time.

• bold Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality chicken breasts, ham, and cheese for the best flavor.
• bold Ensure Even Thickness: Pound the chicken evenly to ensure it cooks uniformly throughout.
• bold Chill Before Baking: Chilling the rolled chicken helps maintain its shape during cooking, preventing it from falling apart.
• bold Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on baking time; overcooking can dry out the chicken. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• bold Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to mix different types of cheese for unique flavor variations in your sauce.
• bold Adjust Seasoning as Needed: Taste your cheese sauce before serving; adjust salt and pepper according to preference.

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Best Side Dishes for Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce

Complement your Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce by pairing it with delicious side dishes. Here are some great options:

1. bold Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a comforting side that pairs perfectly.
2. bold Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds freshness and crunch, balancing the richness of the dish.
3. bold Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Toss Brussels sprouts in olive oil and roast until crispy for a flavorful side.
4. bold Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds a crisp texture and tangy flavor that complements the chicken well.
5. bold Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs provides a light base that soaks up any extra cheese sauce.
6. bold Sautéed Green Beans: Quick sautéed green beans offer a vibrant color and slight crunch, enhancing your plate’s visual appeal.
7. bold Baked Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes contrasts nicely with savory flavors.
8. bold Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad filled with vegetables adds nutrition and complements the meal beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce from good to great. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the Chilling Step: Not chilling the chicken rolls can cause them to unravel during cooking. Always refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours.
• Using Thick Chicken Slices: Thick slices make rolling difficult and may lead to uneven cooking. Ensure chicken is pounded thinly for best results.
• Inadequate Coating: Failing to fully coat the chicken in breadcrumbs can result in a soggy texture. Be generous with your breadcrumb coating.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken too long will dry it out. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Neglecting Seasoning: Forgetting to season each layer can leave your dish bland. Season every component, especially the chicken and breadcrumbs.

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce

• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container.
• This dish can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Reheating Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium 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 chicken breasts stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, breaded and topped with a creamy cheese sauce.

Can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the stuffed chicken rolls and refrigerate them for up to 2 days before baking.

What cheeses work well in the cheese sauce?

You can use various cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack along with Swiss cheese for added flavor.

Is there a simpler version of Chicken Cordon Bleu?

Absolutely! You may consider using pre-cooked chicken or skip the breading process to save time.

Can I use different meats instead of ham?

Yes, you can substitute turkey or other deli meats if you prefer a different flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding herbs or using different cheeses according to your preference. Try this dish tonight and impress your family or guests!

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