Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce

This delightful Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce is a culinary masterpiece that combines tender chicken, savory ham, and rich Swiss cheese, making it perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. The crispy exterior enhances the juicy filling, while the velvety cheese sauce elevates each bite. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply craving comfort food, this dish promises 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
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs
• Pair with a Salad
• Serve with Bread
• Add a Side of Vegetables
• How to Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce
• Best Side Dishes for Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• 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 best in the cheese sauce?
• How do I ensure my Chicken Cordon Bleu stays crispy?
• Can I substitute other meats instead of ham?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, this dish is accessible even for novice cooks.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of ham and melted cheese inside the chicken creates an explosion of flavors that your taste buds will adore.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for weeknight meals or festive occasions, it pairs well with various sides like salads or mashed potatoes.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepping in advance allows you to save time on busy days while still serving a gourmet meal.
• Impressive Presentation: The sliced pinwheels drizzled with cheese sauce make for an eye-catching dish that will wow your guests.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Meat mallet: Helps pound the chicken thinly for even cooking and easy rolling.
• Plastic wrap: Keeps the chicken rolls secure while chilling, ensuring they maintain their shape during cooking.
• Saucepan: Essential for preparing the creamy cheese sauce that brings everything together.

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 and cook for 2 minutes while whisking constantly to create a roux. Gradually add milk, whisking continuously until thickened. Stir in garlic powder, mustard paste, nutmeg, salt, and pepper; let simmer briefly before adding cheeses until smooth.

Step 5: Serve

Let baked chicken cool for about 10 minutes before slicing each roll into pinwheels measuring approximately one inch thick. Drizzle your luscious cheese sauce over these delectable slices before garnishing them with chopped parsley.

How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce

Serving Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce can elevate your dining experience. This delicious dish pairs well with a variety of sides and garnishes, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness to the plate.
• Thyme Sprigs: Offers an aromatic touch that enhances the dish’s flavor.

Pair with a Salad

• Mixed Greens: A light salad balances the richness of the cheese sauce.
• Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing complements the chicken beautifully.

Serve with Bread

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover cheese sauce.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft rolls provide a nice contrast to the crispy chicken.

Add a Side of Vegetables

• Steamed Asparagus: The slight bitterness pairs well with the creamy sauce.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Adds a nutty flavor that enhances the overall meal.

How to Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce

To ensure your Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce is a hit, follow these helpful tips.

• bold Use Thin Chicken Slices: Thin slices help create even cooking and make rolling easier.
• bold Chill Before Cooking: Chilling the rolled chicken helps them hold their shape during baking.
• bold Generous Coating: Ensure each piece is fully coated in breadcrumbs for maximum crispiness.
• bold Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh ham and high-quality Swiss cheese will enhance flavor significantly.
• bold Monitor Cooking Time Carefully: Overcooking can dry out the chicken; aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

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Best Side Dishes for Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce

Complementing your Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce is key for a balanced meal. Here are some fantastic side dishes to consider:

1. bold Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic make for a comforting side.
2. bold Roasted Vegetables: Mix seasonal veggies like carrots and zucchini for added nutrition and color.
3. bold Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice mixed with herbs provides a light base that absorbs flavors well.
4. bold Creamed Spinach: This rich side adds a touch of elegance while providing nutrients.
5. bold Baked Macaroni and Cheese: For cheese lovers, this dish is indulgent and pleasingly familiar.
6. bold Quinoa Salad: A healthy option mixed with cucumbers and tomatoes offers freshness to balance richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce even better. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Undercooking the Chicken: Not cooking the chicken to the right internal temperature can lead to food safety issues. Always use a meat thermometer and ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Too Thick Chicken Slices: Thick slices of chicken can make rolling difficult and may result in uneven cooking. Make sure to pound them thin for best results.
• Skipping Chilling Time: Failing to chill the rolled chicken can cause it to unravel during cooking. Always refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours before baking.
• Inadequate Breadcrumb Coating: A light coating of breadcrumbs won’t give you that desired crispy texture. Ensure the chicken is generously coated for maximum crunchiness.
• Not Seasoning Layers: Overlooking seasoning in each layer can lead to bland flavors. Remember to season both the chicken and the fillings well for a tasty dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce in an airtight container.
• item It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce

• item Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• item Store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 1 month.

Reheating Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
• Microwave: Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 30 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil, and cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until heated.

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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 rolled chicken breasts filled with ham and Swiss cheese, topped with a creamy cheese sauce.

Can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed chicken rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 2 days or freeze them for up to a month prior to cooking.

What cheeses work best in the cheese sauce?

Parmesan, Swiss, and sharp cheddar cheeses blend well together, creating a rich and flavorful cheese sauce that complements the chicken perfectly.

How do I ensure my Chicken Cordon Bleu stays crispy?

To maintain crispiness, coat the chicken thoroughly with breadcrumbs and avoid overcrowding during baking or frying.

Can I substitute other meats instead of ham?

Yes! You can use turkey or prosciutto as alternatives if you prefer different flavors in your Chicken Cordon Bleu.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion—whether it’s family dinner or entertaining guests. Feel free to customize it by swapping out cheeses or adding herbs into the filling. Enjoy this delightful dish that’s sure to impress anyone at your table!

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