Ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce

• 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5-2 lbs total): Main protein. Provides the tender core of this classic dish. Pound thin for even cooking.
• 8 slices thinly sliced deli ham (about 4 oz): Adds a crucial salty, savory layer to the cordon bleu. Use good quality ham for best flavor.
• 4 slices Swiss cheese (about 4 oz), or 1 cup shredded: The essential gooey center, melting beautifully inside the chicken. Use a good melting Swiss cheese.
• 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs: Creates that irresistible crispy, golden-brown crust. Panko provides superior crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
• ½ cup all-purpose flour: Forms the base for dredging and thickens the luscious Swiss cheese sauce. Ensures a beautifully browned exterior.
• 2 large eggs, beaten: Acts as the “glue” for the breading, ensuring a perfectly crispy coating. Lightly whisk until just combined.
• ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter: The foundation for a rich roux and the creamy Swiss cheese sauce. Unsalted allows for better salt control.
• 1 ½ cups whole milk, warmed: Creates the velvety base for the luxurious Swiss cheese sauce. Warming prevents lumps and ensures smooth melting.
• 1 ½ cups Swiss cheese, shredded (about 6 oz): The star of the creamy sauce, delivering that signature nutty, cheesy flavor. Shred your own for best melt.
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth, cutting through the richness of the chicken and sauce. A secret ingredient for balanced flavor.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for browning the chicken to a perfect golden crisp. Choose a light olive oil for neutral flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, or to taste: An essential seasoning that enhances all the flavors in this cordon bleu recipe. Always taste and adjust as needed.
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste: Adds a subtle warmth and aromatic kick to both the chicken and the sauce. Grind fresh for best impact.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Aromatic seasoning that complements the savory ham and chicken beautifully. Distributes evenly for consistent flavor.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish: Adds a vibrant pop of color and fresh herb flavor to finish the dish. Garnish right before serving.

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce

Prep Chicken:

Gently pound chicken breasts to ½-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Set up three shallow dishes: flour, beaten eggs, and Panko breadcrumbs for your Chicken Cordon Bleu.

Fill Chicken:

Place a slice of ham and Swiss cheese on each pounded chicken breast. Carefully roll each chicken breast tightly, tucking in the sides to fully enclose the filling. This prevents cheese explosions!

Bread Rolls:

Dredge each chicken roll first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip in beaten egg, and finally coat thoroughly in Panko breadcrumbs. Press firmly to ensure an even, crisp coating for your Chicken Cordon Bleu.

Cook Chicken:

Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken rolls for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer skillet to a preheated 375°F oven; bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.

Make Sauce:

While chicken bakes, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in warm milk and Dijon mustard. Gradually add shredded Swiss cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy. Emulsify well for a luscious Swiss Cheese Sauce.

Plate Dish:

Once chicken is golden and cooked, remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes. Slice each Chicken Cordon Bleu roll into thick medallions or serve whole. Arrange beautifully on plates, ready for sauce.

Serve Warm:

Spoon generous amounts of the warm Swiss Cheese Sauce over each serving of Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant finish. Enjoy this classic dinner!

How to Store Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce

To store leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu, refrigerate it promptly in an airtight container. Keep the Swiss cheese sauce separate. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Don’t leave it out too long, or it won’t be safe to eat – a mistake I’ve made! Discard if any off smells or slimy texture develop.

You can assemble the chicken rolls up to 24 hours in advance; store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to bread and cook. For reheating, gently warm the chicken in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispness.

What to Serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce

Serve your Irresistible Chicken Cordon Bleu warm, either whole or sliced into elegant medallions. For a beautiful presentation, pair it with roasted asparagus or creamy mashed potatoes. Generously spoon the warm Swiss cheese sauce over each piece. This dish is perfect with a crisp garden salad and a glass of chilled white wine.

My personal favorite way to serve this is alongside a simple buttered pasta. The rich, creamy Swiss cheese sauce perfectly coats the noodles, transforming it into an incredibly comforting and complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I prevent the cheese from exploding out of my Chicken Cordon Bleu while baking?

To prevent cheese explosions, ensure you roll each chicken breast tightly, tucking in the sides completely to enclose the filling. Chilling the assembled rolls for 30 minutes also helps them hold shape better, a trick I learned the hard way!

→ Can I prepare Irresistible Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time for busy nights?

Yes, you can assemble the chicken rolls up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator before breading and cooking. I’ve found this makes dinner much less stressful! Freezing cooked chicken isn’t ideal for crispness.

→ Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of Panko for the Chicken Cordon Bleu breading?

You can use regular breadcrumbs, but Panko provides a noticeably crisper texture that I prefer. If you do use regular, expect a slightly softer coating. I always stick to Panko for that perfect crunch.

→ How long can I store leftover Irresistible Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce?

Store leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu and the Swiss cheese sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat the chicken in the oven or air fryer to restore crispness; trust me, soggy cordon bleu is no fun!

→ Can I make this Irresistible Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe gluten-free for dietary needs?

Absolutely! You can substitute gluten-free flour and gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs for the regular versions. The Swiss cheese sauce is naturally gluten-free if you ensure your Dijon mustard is too. I’ve tried it, and it works great!