Mouthwatering Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu with a Creamy Twist

This Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu takes the classic dish to the next level with its perfectly golden crust, creamy sauce, and mouthwatering ham and cheese filling. The layers of flavor and texture make it a standout meal for any occasion.

Not only is this recipe ideal for a special dinner, but it’s also surprisingly easy to prepare. The creamy Dijon sauce elevates every bite, creating a harmony of savory goodness. Serve it with a fresh side salad or buttery mashed potatoes for a complete and unforgettable meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 slices of ham
• 4 slices of Swiss cheese
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon butter

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness.
3. Season both sides of the chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Lay a slice of ham and a slice of cheese on each chicken breast, then roll tightly and secure with toothpicks.
5. Prepare a breading station: Place flour in one bowl, whisk eggs in a second bowl, and combine breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt in a third bowl.
6. Dredge each chicken roll in flour, dip in eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs.
7. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken rolls until golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
8. Transfer the chicken rolls to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked.
9. While the chicken bakes, prepare the sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in Dijon mustard, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.
10. Remove chicken from the oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice and drizzle with the creamy sauce.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes

Kcal: 430 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

History and Origin

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a dish with Swiss roots, inspired by the traditional schnitzel. The term “cordon bleu,” meaning “blue ribbon,” was historically used to describe excellence, making this dish a symbol of culinary perfection. While the Swiss first popularized the technique of stuffing meat with cheese and ham, it was in America during the 1960s that this dish gained widespread fame as an elegant and comforting dinner option.

Cooking Tips and Tricks

1. Pounding the Chicken Evenly: Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to flatten the chicken breasts evenly. This ensures uniform cooking and makes rolling easier.
2. Securing the Rolls: Toothpicks are essential to keep the rolls intact while cooking. Be sure to remove them before serving.
3. Making it Extra Crispy: For a crunchier texture, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Lightly toast them before coating for an added golden finish.
4. Cheese Options: While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can use mozzarella, Gruyère, or even provolone for different flavor profiles.
5. Low-Calorie Option: Bake the chicken on a wire rack to allow air circulation around the rolls for a crispy finish without needing to fry them.
6. Perfecting the Sauce: Whisk the cream sauce constantly to avoid lumps and achieve a silky consistency. Add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor.