Hey there, friend! I’m so excited to share this Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce recipe with you! This dish holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of cozy family dinners from when I was growing up. My husband loves it just as much, and it always gets a smile from our little furball, too. Plus, the savory ham paired with gooey melted Swiss cheese is simply irresistible!
The combination of flavors is just heavenly! The chicken gets golden and crispy, while the filling has that delicious mix of ham and cheese that makes every bite a delight. And let’s not forget about that creamy Swiss cheese sauce—it’s like a warm hug on a plate! This dish might sound fancy, but it’s surprisingly easy to whip up, making it perfect for a weekend treat or even a weeknight dinner that feels extra special. If you’re in the mood, you might also want to check out my recipe for garlic mashed potatoes—they pair beautifully with this chicken! Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce
- Juicy chicken stuffed with savory ham and melted Swiss cheese for a flavor explosion
- Crunchy panko breadcrumbs for a delightful texture contrast
- Rich and creamy Swiss cheese sauce that elevates the dish
- Easy to follow instructions make this meal approachable for home cooks
- Perfect for impressing guests or a cozy family dinner
- Customize with your choice of herbs or spices for added flavor
- Leftovers (if any!) reheat beautifully without losing texture
This version of Chicken Cordon Bleu stands out for its generous cheese and ham filling, making each bite incredibly satisfying and delicious!
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce
This Chicken Cordon Bleu is a scrumptious twist on a classic! Tender chicken rolls stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, finished off with a creamy Swiss cheese sauce—perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in. Ready in just under an hour, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe!
What You’ll Need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – 4 breasts. Look for organic chicken for the juiciest flavor!
- Thinly sliced ham – 8 slices. I love using honey ham for a touch of sweetness.
- Swiss cheese – 8 slices. Opt for deli-fresh Swiss for the best melting quality.
- All-purpose flour – 1 cup, for dredging. Using King Arthur flour gives a nice texture!
- Eggs – 2 large, beaten. Fresh eggs work wonders for sticking the breadcrumbs.
- Panko breadcrumbs – 2 cups for extra crunch. I adore Kikkoman Panko; they’re light and crispy!
- Melted butter – 1/4 cup to get that gorgeous golden color when frying.
- Salt and pepper – to taste. Always season to enhance those flavors!
- Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped, for a vibrant garnish.
- Butter – 2 tablespoons. Unsalted is perfect here.
- All-purpose flour – 2 tablespoons, to thicken the sauce. Again, I prefer King Arthur!
- Milk – 1 cup. Whole milk makes the sauce rich and creamy.
- Shredded Swiss cheese – 1 cup. More melted cheese equals more happiness!
- Salt and pepper – to taste.
- Garlic powder – 1/2 teaspoon (optional, but adds nice flavor).
For the Swiss Cheese Sauce:
The Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when the chicken is ready.
- Between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper, pound each chicken breast to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- On each flattened breast, lay 2 slices of ham and 2 slices of Swiss cheese.
- Starting from one end, roll up the chicken tightly and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep all that deliciousness inside.
- Set up your dredging station: Place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs in a third.
- Coat each rolled chicken piece in this order: flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs. Make sure they’re evenly coated for that crispy texture!
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Carefully add the chicken rolls and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. You might need to cook them in batches to avoid crowding the pan.
- Transfer the browned rolls to a baking dish and pop them in the oven to bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- While the chicken bakes, it’s time for the Swiss cheese sauce! In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes until it turns lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded Swiss cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if you like.
- Once the chicken is baked, let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy!
- Slice the Chicken Cordon Bleu into rounds, drizzle with that creamy Swiss cheese sauce, and garnish with chopped parsley.
Enjoy your delightful Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce! It’s a meal that’s sure to bring smiles to the table.
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese Instead of Swiss?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese gives traditional flavor, you can substitute it with provolone, mozzarella, or even cheddar for a different taste profile. Just keep in mind that the melting characteristics may vary slightly, so adjust cooking times if needed.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free flour for dredging and substituting the breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers. Just ensure all packaged ingredients are labeled gluten-free for safety.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs will work fine. For extra crunch, you can also crush some crackers or use crushed cornflakes as a substitute. Just ensure they are well-seasoned to maintain the flavor profile!
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
Yes, you can assemble the chicken rolls a day ahead! Just store them in the refrigerator, covered tightly. When ready to cook, bring them to room temperature for about 30 minutes before frying to ensure even cooking.
