This tasty chicken cordon bleu has a crunchy outside and a creamy cheese filling that makes every bite so satisfying. With ham and melty cheese wrapped inside, it’s hard to resist!
And let’s not forget about that easy dijon sauce; it’s the perfect touch to make it even better! I love serving it with some veggies on the side—dinner is ready in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best, but if you prefer dark meat, you can use thighs instead. Just remember they may take a bit longer to cook through.
Swiss Cheese: I love using Swiss cheese for its meltiness! If you can’t find it, Gruyère is a delicious alternative. You could also try mozzarella for a milder flavor.
Ham: Thinly sliced deli ham is tasty, but feel free to use turkey or even prosciutto for a different flavor. Just match it to your personal taste!
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give you a fantastic crunch, but you can use regular breadcrumbs if panko isn’t available. Just know your coating might be a bit softer.
Dijon Mustard: If you don’t have Dijon, you can substitute yellow mustard. It won’t have the same zing, but it will still work well!
How Can I Get My Chicken Perfectly Cooked and Crispy?
Getting that crispy coating while ensuring the chicken is fully cooked can be a challenge! Here’s how to nail it:
- Make sure your oil and butter are hot before adding the chicken. You want to hear that sizzle!
- Cook the chicken in batches if your skillet is small. This avoids overcrowding, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.
- Use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking; this helps keep it juicy!
Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu with Easy Dijon Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Cordon Bleu:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 thin slices of Swiss cheese (or Gruyère)
- 4 thin slices of ham
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crispiness)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Easy Dijon Sauce:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This crispy chicken cordon bleu takes about 30 minutes of prep time, followed by about 20 minutes in the oven. So in total, you can expect around 50 minutes to have this delicious dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’s hot and ready when we need to bake the chicken!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast and slice it horizontally to create a pocket without cutting all the way through. This will hold our yummy filling.
3. Stuff the Chicken:
Inside each chicken pocket, place one slice of ham and one slice of Swiss cheese. If you’re worried about the filling falling out, you can secure the pocket with toothpicks.
4. Set Up the Coating Stations:
Grab three shallow dishes. In the first dish, mix the flour with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. In the second dish, beat the eggs until they’re nice and frothy. In the third dish, mix the breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Coat the Chicken:
Now, take each stuffed chicken breast and first dip it in the seasoned flour, shaking off any extra. Next, dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally, coat it well with the breadcrumb mixture. This will give it a crispy outer layer!
6. Brown the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken breasts and cook each side until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
7. Bake the Chicken:
Once browned, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (165°F in the center) and the cheese is melted.
8. Make the Dijon Sauce:
While the chicken is baking, you can whip up the easy dijon sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix the heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Stir and heat until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and honey if you want a sweeter taste.
9. Serve Up & Enjoy!
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the toothpicks, if used. Plate the chicken and drizzle generously with the Dijon sauce. This meal pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed veggies or a fresh salad.
Enjoy your crispy, creamy chicken cordon bleu with that delicious easy Dijon sauce!
FAQ: Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu with Easy Dijon Sauce
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can also use Gruyère, mozzarella, or even cheddar if you prefer a different flavor profile. Just make sure it melts well!
What Can I Substitute for Ham?
If you’re looking for a substitute, turkey or chicken deli meat works great! Prosciutto is another delicious option. Feel free to experiment based on your preferences!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers 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, which helps maintain the crispiness.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the chicken and coat it in breadcrumbs ahead of time. Just cover it and refrigerate for up to a day. When ready to cook, follow the frying and baking instructions as usual!
