There’s something truly delightful about the combination of tender chicken, savory turkey, and creamy Swiss cheese that makes my heart skip a beat. I originally stumbled upon this Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce recipe during a busy week when I craved a comforting yet impressive dinner. As I prepared the dish, the mouthwatering aroma filled my kitchen, reminding me of special family gatherings and festive celebrations.
This classic recipe not only impresses with its presentation but also delivers on flavor and simplicity. The best part? It’s gluten-free, making it accessible for anyone looking to savor homemade goodness without the worry of dietary restrictions. Each bite offers a crispy, golden exterior that gives way to juicy, flavorful filling, all topped off with a decadent cheese sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Join me as we dive into this deliciously easy Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe that’s perfect for an elegant evening or a cozy family dinner. Let’s get cooking!
Why is Chicken Cordon Bleu a Must-Try?
Irresistible flavor: The combination of moist chicken, savory turkey, and gooey Swiss cheese will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Easy preparation: Despite its impressive appearance, this recipe is simple enough for home cooks of any skill level.
Gluten-free delight: With a few easy substitutions, everyone can indulge in this rich dish without worry.
Perfect for gatherings: Serve this stunning dish at dinner parties or family gatherings, and watch your guests rave about it!
Comforting texture: Experience the crispy exterior paired with a creamy cheese sauce, making every bite a joy.
Give this delightful Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe a try, and you might just discover your new favorite dish!
Chicken Cordon Bleu Ingredients
• • Discover the key components of this delightful dish!
For the Chicken
- Chicken Breast – This prime protein adds juiciness and structure to your meal.
- Turkey Slices – Enhances the filling with savory flavor; swap for ham if you prefer a classic taste.
- Swiss Cheese – Creates a creamy, rich sauce and filling that makes this dish truly memorable.
For the Breading
- Gluten-Free Flour – Essential for coating; helps the breading adhere perfectly. Replace with regular flour if not gluten-free.
- Eggs – Binds everything together and adds richness; can substitute with a flax egg for a vegan alternative.
- Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs – For that crunchy exterior; traditional breadcrumbs can be used if gluten is not a concern.
- Garlic Powder – Elevates the flavor profile; fresh minced garlic can also enhance the taste.
For the Sauce
- Butter – Used for cooking and creating a luscious cheese sauce; olive oil is a lighter option.
- Milk – Helps craft that creamy sauce; almond milk can make it dairy-free.
- Salt & Pepper – A must for enhancing flavors; adjusts your seasonings to taste.
Craft this Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce and enjoy an irresistible dining experience!
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce
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Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring a perfectly cooked chicken once it’s time to bake.
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Flatten the chicken: Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and gently pound them to about 1/2 inch with a meat mallet, creating an even surface for your filling.
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Assemble the filling: Lay turkey slices and Swiss cheese on each flattened chicken piece, then roll them up tightly and secure using toothpicks or kitchen twine for a neat finish.
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Prepare the breading station: Set up three shallow dishes—one with gluten-free flour seasoned with salt and pepper, another with beaten eggs mixed with milk, and a third with gluten-free breadcrumbs and garlic powder.
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Dredge the chicken rolls: Take each chicken roll, coat it in flour, dip it into the egg mixture, and finally, press it into the breadcrumb mixture until well coated.
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Brown the chicken: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Brown each chicken roll for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown, developing that beautiful crust.
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Bake the rolls: Transfer the browned chicken rolls to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
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Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter, then whisk in gluten-free flour and milk until thickened. Stir in Swiss cheese until smooth, seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste.
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Serve and enjoy: Allow the chicken to rest for a few moments, slice each roll, and drizzle generously with the creamy Swiss cheese sauce before serving.
Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for an extra pop of color.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Even Pounding: Ensure chicken breasts are evenly pounded for uniform cooking. This avoids dry spots and helps achieve the perfect texture.
- Skillet Space: Don’t overcrowd the skillet while browning. This allows for a nice golden crust on your Chicken Cordon Bleu rolls without steaming them.
- Use a Thermometer: Invest in a meat thermometer to confidently confirm that your chicken reaches the safe temperature of 165°F (75°C) for juicy results.
- Resting Time: Let the chicken rest after baking. This keeps the juices from running out when you slice it, resulting in a moist and flavorful filling.
- Substitution Flexibility: Feel free to experiment with fillings or cheese. Gruyère can add nuttiness, or try adding spinach for nutritional value in your Chicken Cordon Bleu.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Variations
Feel free to explore these tasty twists and substitutions to make this comforting dish truly your own!
- Turkey Swap: Use turkey breast instead of chicken for a lighter yet equally delicious twist.
- Cheese Alternatives: Try Gruyère or Provolone for a different flavor profile that adds richness to your dish.
- Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or thyme inside the chicken for a fragrant touch that brightens every bite.
For an extra burst of freshness, mixing herbs like parsley or spinach can transform the classic into a garden-fresh delight.
- Crunchy Topping: Add crushed gluten-free crackers on top of the breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute regular milk with almond or coconut milk to create a creamy sauce without dairy.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumbs for a subtle kick of heat that surprises the palate!
You can elevate this beloved dish with just a few creative swaps, delighting everyone at the table with your adventurous culinary spirit.
Make Ahead Options
These irresistible Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce rolls are perfect for meal prep! You can assemble the chicken rolls up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to keep them fresh. To prevent any unwanted drying, make sure to cover them well. When you’re ready to enjoy this delicious dish, simply proceed with browning them in the skillet and baking as directed. The creamy Swiss cheese sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge; just reheat before drizzling over the chicken. This meal prep strategy not only saves time during busy weeknights but ensures your dinner is just as delightful when it’s time to serve!
What to Serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce?
Complement this classic dish with delightful sides that enhance its rich flavors and textures.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: These buttery potatoes create a comforting foundation, soaking up the luscious cheese sauce beautifully.
- Steamed Broccoli: The bright, fresh crunch of broccoli provides a contrast to the creamy richness, making for a well-rounded meal.
- Garlic Green Beans: Their crisp-tender texture and vibrant flavor make them a perfect, nutritious pairing to cut through the richness.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette livens up the plate, balancing the hearty flavors of the chicken.
- Caramelized Carrots: Sweet, buttery carrots bring a delightful sweetness that complements the savory chicken while adding a gorgeous pop of color.
- Savory Quinoa Pilaf: This fluffy pilaf offers a nutty flavor and an interesting texture that pairs nicely with the cheesy goodness of the main dish.
- Herbed Rice: Lightly seasoned rice with fresh herbs provides a neutral base that allows the Chicken Cordon Bleu to shine.
- Chardonnay: A glass of chilled Chardonnay lends a crisp acidity that cuts through the richness of the creamy cheese sauce.
- Chocolate Mousse: End the meal on a sweet note with a rich, velvety mousse that feels indulgent without being overly heavy.
Storage Tips for Chicken Cordon Bleu
Room Temperature: Store leftovers no longer than 2 hours at room temperature to ensure food safety.
Fridge: Keep wrapped Chicken Cordon Bleu in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. This helps maintain quality without drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unbaked rolls or cooked Chicken Cordon Bleu without sauce for up to 3 months. Wrap securely to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through, ensuring the chicken stays juicy.
Chicken Cordon Bleu with Creamy Swiss Cheese Sauce Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Absolutely! For the chicken, look for fresh breasts that are firm and plump with no discoloration. When selecting Swiss cheese, choose slices that are creamy and free of any dark spots, indicating freshness. If you’re using turkey slices, opt for ones that are moist and not overly dry or tough.
What’s the best way to store Chicken Cordon Bleu leftovers?
Very! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let them cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation, which can make them soggy. If you need to keep them for a shorter period, you can wrap each roll in plastic wrap before placing them in a container.
Can I freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu?
You sure can! To freeze, I recommend wrapping the assembled rolls tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and bake them as usual. If you’ve already cooked them, freeze without the sauce.
What should I do if my chicken turns out dry?
Ah, don’t worry, it happens to the best of us! If you find your chicken is dry, make sure to pound it evenly next time for consistent cooking. Additionally, consider adding a bit more butter to the skillet while browning to keep it moist, or allow it to rest after baking to redistribute the juices which helps make it more tender.
Is this Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe suitable for those with allergies?
Great question! This recipe can be easily customized. To accommodate gluten allergies, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. If dairy is a concern, substitute Swiss cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative. I often find dairy-free options like almond milk and nutritional yeast can provide a nice flavor and texture.
What if I don’t have Swiss cheese?
No worries at all! Gruyère or provolone cheese works beautifully as alternatives and will give you a deliciously creamy sauce, too. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing in some mozzarella for a stretchier effect that everyone loves!
Irresistible Chicken Cordon Bleu with Creamy Swiss Cheese Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Flatten the chicken breasts between plastic wrap and gently pound them to about 1/2 inch.
- Lay turkey slices and Swiss cheese on each chicken piece, then roll up and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- Set up three shallow dishes: one with gluten-free flour, one with beaten eggs and milk, and one with breadcrumbs and garlic powder.
- Dredge the chicken rolls in flour, then dip in the egg mixture, and coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and brown each chicken roll for 4-5 minutes on each side.
- Transfer browned rolls to a baking dish and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour and milk until thickened, stir in Swiss cheese, and season with salt and pepper.
- Allow the chicken to rest, slice each roll, and drizzle with the creamy Swiss cheese sauce before serving.