This Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu is a tasty treat! It’s made with juicy chicken stuffed with ham and cheese, then baked until golden and crispy. Plus, it has a simple Dijon sauce to drizzle on top!
When I make this dish, my family can’t resist going for seconds. The blend of flavors is just so yummy that we joke about keeping leftovers—there’s usually none left! 😂
What I love most is how easy it is! Just layer the ingredients, bake, and pour on that Dijon sauce. Dinner is ready in no time, and it’s sure to impress!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is the star here. You can use chicken thighs for a juicier alternative. They add more flavor but will change the cooking time slightly.
Ham: Deli ham is convenient and works well, but you could substitute with turkey or even prosciutto for a gourmet twist. Just remember to choose thin slices!
Cheese: Swiss cheese is traditional, but Gruyère is my personal favorite for its nutty flavor. If you need a substitute, try mozzarella or provolone; they melt beautifully, too.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a nice crunch, but regular breadcrumbs can work in a pinch. If avoiding gluten, use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the same crispy finish!
How Do I Get a Perfect Crunch on My Cordon Bleu?
Getting that crispy outer layer is all about technique. Here’s how to ensure a perfect crunch:
- Coat the chicken evenly. Start with seasoned flour to help the egg stick, then fully cover with panko.
- Use melted butter in the breadcrumb mix to promote browning and crunch when baking.
- Space out the chicken in the baking dish to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Consider broiling for the last few minutes! This will add an extra layer of crunch but watch closely to avoid burning.
Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu with Easy Dijon Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices of deli ham
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese or Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing the baking dish
For the Easy Dijon Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon honey (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 15 minutes for preparation and around 30 minutes for baking, making it a total of 45 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough for guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Baking Dish:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of oil to ensure the chicken doesn’t stick during baking.
2. Preparing the Chicken:
Use a sharp knife to carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through! Once you have the pockets, stuff each one with a slice of ham and a slice of cheese. If needed, secure the openings with toothpicks to keep the fillings secure.
3. Breading the Chicken:
In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Now, it’s time to bread the chicken! Start by coating each stuffed chicken breast in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip each piece into the beaten eggs, and finally, coat them evenly with the panko breadcrumb mixture. This creates that wonderful crispiness!
4. Baking the Chicken:
Place the breaded chicken breasts into your prepared baking dish. Bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the coating is nice and crispy. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reads 165°F (75°C). It should be golden brown and fragrant!
5. Making the Easy Dijon Sauce:
While the chicken is baking, you can whip up the easy Dijon sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey (if you like it a bit sweet), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
6. Final Touches:
Once the chicken is done baking, carefully remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Discard any toothpicks used to secure the filling. Then, it’s time to serve! Drizzle the Dijon sauce over the chicken or place it on the side for dipping.
Enjoy your crispy, creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu with the tangy and smooth Dijon sauce! It’s bound to be a hit with everyone!
FAQ for Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. There are plenty of good brands available that will work just as well without sacrificing texture.
What Can I Use Instead of Swiss Cheese?
If you don’t have Swiss cheese on hand, feel free to use other cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or gouda. Each will bring its unique flavor to the dish, and they’ll still melt beautifully!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This will help maintain the crispiness of the coating!
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight. Just make sure to allow it to come to room temperature before baking, ensuring even cooking.
