Easy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe to Try
If you’re craving a comforting, decadent dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe is exactly what you need. Featuring tender chicken breast, melted cheese, ham, and a luscious creamy sauce, it combines richness and simplicity in one satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this recipe delivers incredible taste in under 30 minutes. Ready to add a restaurant-quality dish to your dinner rotation? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- Rich and Comforting: The creamy sauce paired with melty cheese and ham offers a deliciously indulgent experience.
- Family Favorite: It’s a crowd-pleaser with a familiar flavor profile that kids and adults both adore.
- Versatile Meal: Works great as a weeknight dinner or impressive dish for guests without complicated steps.
- Minimal Ingredients: Uses everyday items you probably already have, making it budget-friendly and simple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of essential ingredients, this Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe balances taste, texture, and vibrant color for a well-rounded dish. Each component plays its part by enhancing creaminess, savoriness, and the perfect golden crust.
- Chicken breasts: Provides a juicy and lean protein base that soaks up flavors beautifully.
- Sliced ham: Adds a smoky, salty layer that complements the cheese perfectly.
- Sliced Swiss cheese: Melts flawlessly into the creamy sauce, bringing richness to every bite.
- Heavy cream: The key to making the sauce luxuriously smooth and velvety.
- Butter: For sautéing the chicken and enriching the sauce’s flavor profile.
- Garlic and Dijon mustard: Both add depth and subtle zing to round out the cream sauce.
- Breadcrumbs: Optional but great for adding a crunchy texture if baked or pan-fried.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the overall taste.
Variations for Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
Feel free to customize this dish based on your preferences or what you have on hand. It’s surprisingly easy to adapt the Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe to suit different dietary needs, flavors, or textures.
- Swap the cheese: Use mozzarella, Gruyère, or even cheddar for a different cheesy vibe.
- Use turkey instead of ham: For a lighter, leaner protein option that maintains the classic taste.
- Make it gluten-free: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed nuts or gluten-free panko.
- Add herbs: Fresh thyme, parsley, or tarragon mixed in the sauce brighten and elevate the dish.
- Spicy kick: A pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika in the sauce adds a subtle smoky heat.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure quick, uniform cooking. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then layer a slice of ham and Swiss cheese on one side before folding or rolling the chicken neatly.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside to rest while you make the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Using the same skillet, add a touch more butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in Dijon mustard and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and pepper, then let it thicken slightly for a few minutes.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon some of the creamy sauce on top, and heat gently to meld the flavors together. Serve immediately for a warm, cheesy, and creamy delight.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
- Even thickness matters: Pounding the chicken ensures it cooks evenly and stays tender throughout.
- Don’t overstuff: Keep the ham and cheese layer moderate to prevent spillage during cooking.
- Use fresh cheese slices: They melt better and provide a silky sauce texture.
- Sauce consistency: Simmer it gently to thicken naturally without curdling or separating.
- Rest before serving: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes to lock in all those juicy flavors.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh herbal aroma that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair this creamy chicken with light sides like steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a crisp garden salad for balance. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles also complement the sauce perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the stuffed chicken crosswise to reveal the ham and cheese layers for a stunning presentation. Drizzle extra cream sauce on the plate and add edible flowers or microgreens for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any uneaten chicken cordon bleu in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain its creamy texture and flavor.
Freezing
This dish freezes well. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a microwave or in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out chicken or curdling the sauce. Adding a splash of cream or broth can help revive the sauce’s creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor, but be sure to adjust cooking time as thighs generally take a bit longer to cook through.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, simply substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Can I bake this instead of pan-frying?
Yes, baking at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes works well, especially if the chicken is secured tightly. This method produces a nicely browned exterior.
What cheese is best for this recipe?
Swiss cheese is classic for chicken cordon bleu, but Gruyère or mozzarella are excellent substitutes that melt well and complement the creamy sauce.
How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?
Simmer the sauce gently over low heat and avoid boiling. Adding the cream slowly and stirring constantly helps keep it smooth and velvety.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe is a total game-changer when you want something indulgent but quick to prepare. Its irresistible combination of tender chicken, melty cheese, and a dreamy sauce makes every bite pure comfort. I can’t wait for you to try it and make this classic favorite a regular in your kitchen rotation!
PrintCreamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
This Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe is a quick and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, cooked to golden perfection and served with a luscious creamy Dijon-mustard sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, delivering rich, family-friendly flavors with minimal ingredients and effort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying (alternative: Baking)
- Cuisine: French-American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if breadcrumbs replaced or omitted)
Ingredients
Chicken and Filling
- 4 chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
- 4 slices ham
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter (plus extra for cooking chicken)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Optional and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for crunchy texture, can use gluten-free panko)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Lay one slice of ham and one slice of Swiss cheese on each breast, then fold or roll the chicken neatly to encase the filling.
- Cook the Chicken: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside to rest.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, add a bit more butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in Dijon mustard and heavy cream, bringing the sauce to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and pepper, and let thicken slightly over a few minutes without boiling.
- Combine and Serve: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the creamy sauce on top, and heat gently to meld the flavors. Serve immediately, garnished as desired.
Notes
- Even thickness matters: pounding the chicken ensures even cooking and tenderness.
- Don’t overstuff the chicken to prevent filling from spilling out during cooking.
- Use fresh cheese slices for better melting and creamier sauce texture.
- Simmer the sauce gently to prevent curdling or separation.
- Allow the chicken to rest before serving to lock in juices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
Keywords: chicken cordon bleu, creamy chicken, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, Dijon mustard sauce, family dinner, gluten-free option