There's nothing quite like the savory delight of Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu gracing your dinner table. This decadent dish combines juicy chicken, layers of smoky ham, melty Swiss cheese, and a rich, velvety cream sauce that ties everything together. It’s a dinner that feels indulgent yet is simple enough to whip up on a weeknight.
I first made this recipe as a twist on the classic breaded version, and it quickly became a household favorite. The creamy sauce adds a comforting touch, making it perfect for cozy family dinners or when you want to impress guests without too much fuss. Let’s dive in and explore what makes this dish so special!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu
Get ready to discover a dish that’s elegant, comforting, and surprisingly easy to prepare. This Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu checks all the boxes for a memorable meal.
First, it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving it on a bed of rice, alongside buttery mashed potatoes, or with a crisp green salad, this dish pairs beautifully with almost any side.
Second, it’s faster and less fussy than traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu. No need for breading or frying—this version keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor.
You’ll also love how the cream sauce elevates the dish. Made with a blend of heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan cheese, it’s a silky addition that adds depth and richness.
Finally, this recipe is perfect for both weeknights and special occasions. It’s quick enough to make after work yet sophisticated enough for dinner parties.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of this Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu lies in its straightforward yet luxurious ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need:
Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. Pound them to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Ham slices: Thinly sliced deli ham works best here. Its salty, smoky flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce and mild chicken.
Swiss cheese: Swiss cheese melts beautifully and has just the right amount of nuttiness to complement the ham and chicken. Provolone or Gruyère can also work as substitutes.
Heavy cream: This is the base of your luscious sauce. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as rich.
Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Chicken broth: Balances the creaminess of the sauce and keeps it from being too heavy.
You’ll also need some pantry staples like butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese to round out the flavors. If you have a meat mallet or rolling pin for pounding the chicken, that will come in handy, too!
How To Make This Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu
Creating this delicious Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked dish every time:
Start by prepping your chicken. Place each breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound it with a mallet or rolling pin until it’s about ½ inch thick. This step ensures even cooking and makes rolling easier.
Next, layer each chicken breast with 1-2 slices of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese. Roll the chicken tightly, starting from the short end, and secure it with toothpicks to hold the shape.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of butter and sear the chicken rolls on all sides until golden brown. This should take about 4-5 minutes. Transfer the seared chicken to a plate while you prepare the sauce.
In the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add the Dijon mustard and stir to combine, followed by the chicken broth and heavy cream. Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes until it starts to thicken.
Return the chicken rolls to the skillet, cover, and let them simmer in the sauce for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Add grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
Remove the toothpicks, slice the chicken rolls, and serve them drizzled with the creamy sauce. Enjoy!
Storage Options
This dish is just as delightful as leftovers, making it a great option for meal prep or saving for later.
Refrigerate: Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: If you want to make this dish ahead of time, freeze the seared chicken rolls (before adding the sauce) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight and continue with the sauce preparation.
Reheat: To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Here are a few ways to adapt it to your preferences:
- Cheese options: Swap Swiss cheese for provolone, mozzarella, or even a smoked Gouda for a unique twist.
- Ham alternatives: Try prosciutto for a more gourmet touch, or use turkey slices for a lighter option.
- Herb infusion: Add fresh thyme, parsley, or rosemary to the sauce for an aromatic boost.
- Low-carb version: Serve the chicken rolls with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to keep it keto-friendly.
- Vegetarian twist: Replace the chicken with large portobello mushrooms or eggplant slices and skip the ham for a creamy, veggie-forward version.
No matter how you customize it, this Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu is sure to become a favorite in your household. Experiment and make it your own!
This Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu is more than just a recipe—it’s an experience. From the first bite to the last, the harmony of flavors and textures will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you're treating your family or impressing dinner guests, this dish is a guaranteed winner. So, gather your ingredients and give it a try tonight—you won’t regret it!
PrintCreamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
This Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe combines tender chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese topped with a luscious creamy sauce. A delicious and comforting dish that's perfect for family dinners or special occasions!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices of ham
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs, beaten
- ½ cup flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Layer a slice of ham and Swiss cheese on each chicken breast. Roll them tightly and secure with toothpicks.
- Dredge the chicken in flour, dip into beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the chicken rolls until golden on all sides.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the sauce by combining heavy cream, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan cheese in a saucepan. Simmer until thickened.
- Remove chicken from the oven, spoon the creamy sauce over it, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use toothpicks to keep the chicken rolls secure during cooking.
- For a lighter version, you can use low-fat cheese and omit heavy cream from the sauce
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken roll
- Calories: 450kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 950mg
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