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Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce

Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce

Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce is a classic, elegant dish featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with savory ham and melted Swiss cheese, all encased in a crisp golden breaded crust. Topped with a creamy homemade Swiss cheese sauce, this recipe combines simple ingredients into a deliciously balanced and family-friendly meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Cordon Bleu

  • 4 thin, boneless chicken breasts (about 1/2 pound each)
  • 4 slices thin deli ham
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for GF version)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup bread crumbs (panko or regular; gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons butter or oil (for frying)

For the Swiss Cheese Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour)
  • 1 1/2 cups warm milk
  • 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Pound the chicken breasts evenly to about 1/4 inch thick to ensure easy rolling and even cooking. Lay them flat on a clean surface.
  2. Layer with Ham and Swiss Cheese: Place one slice of ham and one slice of Swiss cheese on each chicken breast, leaving a small border around the edges to prevent leakage.
  3. Roll and Secure: Roll each chicken breast tightly from one side, tucking in the edges as you go. Secure rolls with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
  4. Bread the Chicken Rolls: Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with bread crumbs mixed with garlic and onion powder. Dredge each roll first in flour, then dip into the egg, and finally coat thoroughly with bread crumbs.
  5. Cook the Chicken Rolls: Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the chicken rolls on all sides until golden brown. Transfer rolls to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  6. Make the Swiss Cheese Sauce: While baking, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux, cooking for about a minute. Gradually add warm milk, whisking continuously, until the sauce thickens. Reduce heat and stir in shredded Swiss cheese and mustard until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve: Remove toothpicks or twine from chicken rolls carefully. Spoon warm Swiss cheese sauce over the rolls just before serving.

Notes

  • Use a meat mallet to pound chicken breasts evenly for uniform cooking.
  • Roll chicken tightly and secure well to prevent filling from leaking.
  • Panko breadcrumbs deliver extra crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
  • Keep Swiss cheese sauce warm on low heat until ready to serve for best texture.
  • Check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer to avoid drying out.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Cordon Bleu, Swiss Cheese Sauce, Breaded Chicken, Ham, Classic Recipe, Gluten-Free Option, Easy Dinner