This Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu is a treat! It features tender chicken wrapped around ham and cheese, then baked until golden and crispy—all with an easy tangy Dijon sauce to top it off!
Who doesn’t love that delightful crunch? The melty cheese inside is just the cherry on top. I like to serve it with green beans for a pop of color. Yum!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star here. If you’re looking for a substitution, turkey cutlets work just as well. They will still be tender and flavorful!
Ham: I typically go for sliced ham, but you can also use prosciutto or turkey slices for a healthier take. It all depends on your taste!
Cheese: Swiss cheese brings a wonderful melty quality, but feel free to substitute with mozzarella for a milder flavor or cheddar for extra sharpness. Both are delicious!
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give a crunchy texture. If you can’t find them, regular breadcrumbs are fine, but they won’t be quite as crispy. You could also look for gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
Dijon Mustard: This adds a zesty kick to the sauce! If you want a milder flavor, try yellow mustard or omit it altogether, using just mayonnaise and sour cream.
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu?
The key to making sure your chicken rolls turn out perfectly is the baking process. Here’s how to get that golden crispiness!
- First, preheat your oven properly. A hot oven helps the chicken cook evenly.
- Coat each chicken roll with cooking spray or a drizzle of oil before baking. This helps achieve that lovely golden brown color.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, ensuring it reaches 165°F (74°C) for juiciness without drying out.
- If you like extra crunch, you can broil them for the last couple of minutes—just keep a close eye on them to avoid burning!
With these tips, you’ll have a delicious, crispy chicken dish that’s sure to impress!
Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu with Easy Dijon Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices of ham (about 4 oz)
- 4 slices Swiss cheese (or Gruyère)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Breading & Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
For the Easy Dijon Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Miscellaneous:
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing baking sheet
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30-35 minutes to bake—roughly 50 minutes total. Plus, you’ll have some tasty leftovers if you have any!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Get a baking sheet ready by lining it with parchment paper or giving it a light coat of cooking spray.
2. Flatten the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast and place it between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. This makes it easier to roll and helps it cook evenly.
3. Season the Chicken:
Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the flattened chicken breasts for extra flavor.
4. Add Ham and Cheese:
On each chicken breast, lay down one slice of ham and one slice of Swiss cheese. The gooey cheese is what makes this dish so delightful!
5. Roll the Chicken:
Carefully roll each chicken breast, tucking in the edges to keep the ham and cheese from spilling out. If you like, you can secure the rolls with toothpicks to hold everything together.
6. Breading Station Setup:
Get your breading station ready! In one shallow dish, place the flour. In a second dish, beat the two eggs. In a third dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter until well combined.
7. Bread the Chicken Rolls:
Dredge each chicken roll in flour first, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally, coat it evenly with the panko breadcrumbs. This step gives them that delicious crunchy exterior!
8. Bake the Chicken:
Arrange the breaded chicken rolls on your prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or drizzle them with oil to help them brown. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (you’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C) and the coating is golden and crispy.
9. Make the Easy Dijon Sauce:
While the chicken bakes, mix up your sauce! In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if you like!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chicken is done, carefully remove any toothpicks if used. Serve the crispy Cordon Bleu warm, drizzled generously with the Dijon sauce alongside your favorite sides.
Enjoy a plateful of crispy, creamy goodness that’s sure to impress!
FAQ for Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can substitute it with mozzarella for a milder flavor, cheddar for a sharper taste, or even provolone for a delicious twist. Just ensure whichever cheese you choose melts well!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken rolls up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes to maintain their crispiness.
Can I Bake This Without Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs will work, though they won’t be as crispy. Alternatively, you can crush up crackers or chips for a unique breading option!
