Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu brings together the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The crispy, golden crust gives way to a tender, juicy chicken filled with savory ham and melted Swiss cheese. Paired with a rich, creamy Dijon sauce, this dish elevates the classic Cordon Bleu to new heights of comfort and indulgence. Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or any special occasion, it’s guaranteed to impress. Best of all, it’s surprisingly easy to make, requiring only a bit of patience and a few simple ingredients.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Main Components:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon onion powder

16 slices Swiss cheese

225 g ham, thinly sliced

Breading:

Peanut oil or vegetable oil, for frying

125 g all-purpose flour

4 eggs, beaten

100 g panko bread crumbs

Creamy Dijon Sauce:

3 tablespoons butter

2 garlic cloves, minced

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

480 mL milk

60 g Dijon mustard

100 g shredded Parmesan cheese

Salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste

Directions

Season the Chicken
Evenly coat the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure all surfaces of the chicken are seasoned well.

Pound the Chicken
Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1 cm using a meat mallet, rolling pin, or heavy pan. This ensures even cooking.

Stuff and Roll the Chicken
Remove the top sheet of plastic wrap. Layer 2 slices of Swiss cheese followed by 2 slices of ham. Add another layer of Swiss cheese and ham. Roll the chicken tightly using the plastic wrap, forming a uniform log.

Chill the Chicken
Wrap each prepared chicken roll tightly in plastic wrap, twisting the ends to seal. Tie the ends securely, then repeat with the remaining chicken breasts. Refrigerate the rolls for 30 minutes to allow them to set.

Prepare for Frying
Heat 5 cm of oil in a tall-sided pan to 170°C, preparing for deep frying.

Bread the Chicken
Arrange flour, beaten eggs, and panko bread crumbs in separate shallow dishes. Dredge each chilled chicken roll in flour, then dip in the beaten egg, followed by a coating of bread crumbs, ensuring an even and complete coverage.

Fry the Chicken
Fry the breaded chicken rolls in the hot oil, cooking each side for approximately 5 minutes or until golden brown. If the internal temperature has not reached 75°C, transfer the rolls to a baking tray with a wire rack and finish baking in the oven at 170°C until fully cooked.

Make the Creamy Dijon Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until softened. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth, then simmer until the sauce thickens.

Finish the Sauce
Add the Dijon mustard and shredded Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.

Serve
Slice the cooked chicken rolls and arrange them on serving plates. Generously drizzle with warm Dijon sauce before serving.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 6 servings (6 stuffed and breaded chicken portions)

Prep Time: 35 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 65 minutes

Variations

Cheese Options: You can swap the Swiss cheese for Gruyère, mozzarella, or cheddar for a different flavor profile.

Ham Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of ham, try using turkey or prosciutto for a lighter or more flavorful option.

Baking Option: Instead of frying, bake the breaded chicken rolls at 180°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. To keep the breading crisp, avoid microwaving.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken rolls up to the point of frying, then refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. This allows the flavors to meld together even more.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the breaded chicken at 180°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 75°C.

Can I use other types of cheese for the filling?

Absolutely! Gruyère, mozzarella, or even cheddar would work well as alternatives to Swiss cheese.

How can I make this dish spicier?

You can add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the Dijon sauce or sprinkle a little chili powder into the breading for some extra heat.

Can I freeze this dish for later?

Yes, you can freeze the breaded chicken rolls before frying. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To cook, thaw them overnight in the fridge and fry as directed.

What can I serve with this dish?

Crispy roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad make excellent side dishes. You can also serve it with a light pasta or steamed asparagus.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 75°C (165°F). If you don’t have a thermometer, ensure the chicken is no longer pink in the center.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute dairy-free cheese and milk alternatives like almond or oat milk. For the sauce, use dairy-free butter and vegan Parmesan.

Can I skip the Dijon sauce?

While the Dijon sauce adds a rich and tangy layer of flavor, you can serve the chicken with a simple gravy, a béchamel sauce, or even a light tomato sauce if you prefer.

How do I get the breading to stick to the chicken?

Make sure the chicken rolls are well-chilled before breading and frying. This helps the coating adhere better and stay crispy.

Conclusion

This Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu is an indulgent yet manageable dish that’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a comforting family meal. With layers of cheese and ham, a crispy coating, and a rich Dijon sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you choose to fry or bake, this dish will bring elegance and flavor to your dinner table without the fuss.

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