Whipping up a comforting and elegant dinner doesn’t have to be complicated, and this Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu proves it. Tender chicken breasts are transformed into golden, cheese-studded rolls with layers of savory ham and Swiss cheese, all crisped to perfection in a buttery, olive-oil-kissed skillet before a gentle bake. Every bite cracks through that golden panko breadcrumb crust to reveal melty, oozy cheese and succulent ham, creating a harmony of textures that will make your kitchen feel like the coziest bistro in town. The first time I made this dish, I was amazed at how such straightforward ingredients—chicken, ham, cheese, and pantry staples—could come together in a way that tastes so indulgent and comforting.
Beyond its irresistible flavors, this recipe is perfect for both an impressive dinner party or a satisfying weeknight meal. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare and just over half an hour to bake, giving you plenty of time to whip up a simple side of steamed veggies or creamy mashed potatoes. While the chicken bakes, a luscious cream sauce thickens on the stovetop, enriched with Parmesan and a hint of Dijon mustard for a subtle tang. Drizzled over each roll, the sauce wraps every morsel in velvety goodness. If you love cozy comfort food with a gourmet touch, this Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu is about to become your new favorite rotation.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CREAMY CHICKEN CORDON BLEU
Let’s talk about what makes this dish shine. Each ingredient plays a specific role in creating the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and aromas—no fancy techniques needed!
- Chicken breasts
Tender, boneless, skinless chicken breasts serve as the star protein. Flattening them ensures even cooking and makes room for the cheesy, hammy filling without any unwieldy lumps.
- Swiss cheese
Mild, slightly nutty Swiss cheese melts beautifully inside the roll, creating that gooey, creamy center that contrasts with the crispy outer coating.
- Cooked ham
Thinly sliced ham brings a savory saltiness that pairs wonderfully with the Swiss cheese. It also helps keep the chicken roll moist as it bakes.
- Salt and pepper
Simple seasonings that elevate the chicken’s natural flavor. Seasoning both sides ensures every bite is flavorful from edge to edge.
- All-purpose flour
This pantry staple helps the egg wash adhere and adds a thin protective layer before the final crisping stage.
- Eggs
Beaten eggs act as a glue, binding the flour base to the panko breadcrumbs for that satisfying crunch.
- Panko breadcrumbs
Japanese-style breadcrumbs that yield a light, super crispy crust, perfect for catching and holding onto buttery flavors.
- Butter
Provides richness and helps develop a golden color on the chicken when searing.
- Olive oil
Keeps the butter from burning in the skillet and contributes a subtle fruity note to the crust.
- Milk
Forms the creamy base of the sauce, adding body and smoothness.
- Parmesan cheese
Offers a sharp, nutty kick and helps thicken the sauce as it melts.
- Dijon mustard
A small amount adds bright, tangy depth, cutting through the richness of the cream.
HOW TO MAKE CREAMY CHICKEN CORDON BLEU
Here’s an overview of the process: you’ll transform simple chicken breasts into rolled, filled packages, crisp them in a skillet, finish them in the oven, and top everything with a dreamy cream sauce. Ready to dive in?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s fully warmed so the chicken cooks evenly once it’s transferred from the stove.
2. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to about 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Lay out each flattened breast, then arrange 2 slices of Swiss cheese and 2 slices of ham in the center. Keep the filling close together for neat rolling.
4. Begin at one end and roll up each chicken breast tightly, making sure the filling stays inside. Secure each roll with toothpicks to prevent slipping during cooking.
5. Dredge each roll first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs.
6. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once bubbly, place the chicken rolls seam-side down and sear, turning carefully, until all sides are golden brown, about 5 minutes total.
7. Transfer the browned rolls to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is cooked through.
8. While the chicken bakes, make the cream sauce: melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until smooth, cooking for about 1 minute to form a roux.
9. Gradually pour in milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Stir in Parmesan cheese and Dijon mustard until fully combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Remove the chicken from the oven, take out the toothpicks, and serve immediately, draping each roll with the luscious creamy sauce.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CREAMY CHICKEN CORDON BLEU
Serving this dish is half the fun! Whether it’s a special family dinner or you want to impress guests, these ideas will elevate every plate and complement those golden chicken rolls beautifully.
- Steamed seasonal vegetables
Lightly steam broccoli, green beans, or asparagus until just tender-crisp. A little squeeze of lemon keeps them vibrant, offering a fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Buttery mashed potatoes
Whip potatoes with a touch of cream and butter until they’re silky smooth. The mild flavor soaks up extra sauce for an indulgent side.
- Garlic and herb rice pilaf
Sauté minced garlic in butter, then cook rice in chicken broth mixed with chopped fresh herbs. The fragrant grains pair perfectly with the savory chicken.
- Crisp green salad
Toss mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and a light vinaigrette. The acidity cuts through the richness and refreshes the palate.
HOW TO STORE CREAMY CHICKEN CORDON BLEU
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is often the case because it’s so delicious), proper storage will keep your Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu tasting as wonderful as when it first came out of the oven.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container
Allow the chicken and sauce to cool to room temperature before sealing. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days, reheating gently to maintain moisture.
- Freeze individual portions
Wrap each chicken roll in plastic wrap, then foil. Place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Separate sauce storage
Keep the creamy sauce in its own sealed jar or container. This prevents the chicken crust from getting soggy. Reheat sauce over low heat, stirring constantly.
- Reheat carefully
For the best texture, reheat in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 10–15 minutes, keeping the rolls covered with foil to avoid drying out. Warm the sauce separately, then combine on the plate.
CONCLUSION
I hope you’ve enjoyed exploring this Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe as much as I loved sharing it with you. From tender, cheese-stuffed chicken rolls to that dreamy Parmesan-Dijon sauce, every element works in harmony to deliver a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal you can recreate in your own kitchen. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you’ll have a dinner that looks impressive but feels cozy and familiar. Don’t forget to print this article or save it in your recipe collection—your future self will thank you when you need a quick, delicious dinner idea for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.
Feel free to leave a comment below if you try this recipe or have any questions about the steps. I’d love to hear how your chicken turns out, any tweaks or side dishes you paired with it, and whether your family gave it the thumbs up. There’s a FAQ section just below if you run into any snags or need extra tips. Your feedback helps me refine recipes and make them even better for fellow home cooks. Happy cooking, and here’s to many more cheesy, golden dinners shared around your table!
Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu
Description
This Chicken Cordon Bleu features tender chicken, savory ham, and melty Swiss cheese, all enveloped in a creamy sauce that elevates every bite. Perfect for a satisfying dinner!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Pound the chicken breasts to about 1/4-inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.
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Place 2 slices of Swiss cheese and 2 slices of ham onto each chicken breast.
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Carefully roll up each chicken breast and secure with toothpicks.
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Dredge each rolled chicken breast in flour, dip in eggs, and then coat with breadcrumbs.
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In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium heat. Brown the chicken rolls on all sides until golden, about 5 minutes.
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Transfer the browned chicken rolls to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
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While the chicken bakes, prepare the cream sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat and add flour. Whisk until smooth and cook for about 1 minute.
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Slowly add the milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens. Stir in Parmesan cheese and Dijon mustard until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Remove chicken from the oven, remove toothpicks, and serve with the creamy sauce draped over the top.
Note
- For a healthier version, try using whole wheat breadcrumbs.
- You can substitute Swiss cheese with mozzarella for a different flavor.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables or mashed potatoes.
- Consider preparing the chicken rolls ahead of time and storing them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
