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Golden Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu with Rich Cream Sauce

Golden Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu with Rich Cream Sauce
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Golden Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu with Rich Cream Sauce is a classic dish featuring tender, thinly pounded chicken breasts wrapped around savory ham and melting Swiss cheese, coated in a crunchy panko breadcrumb crust, and served with a luscious, silky cream sauce. This recipe combines comforting textures and flavors with an elegant presentation, perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin (about 1/4 inch thick)
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese
  • 4 thin slices ham (or prosciutto, turkey slices, or bacon as alternatives)

Breading

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)

Rich Cream Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons minced shallots
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half / coconut milk for lighter option)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or thyme, chopped

Optional Garnish and Serving

  • Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
  • Buttery roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or green salad (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch for quick, uniform cooking and easier rolling.
  2. Layer the Filling: On each flattened chicken breast, lay one slice of ham followed by one slice of Swiss cheese, ensuring even coverage for melting and flavor.
  3. Roll and Secure: Roll up each chicken breast tightly around the filling and secure the edges with toothpicks to keep the ham and cheese enclosed during cooking.
  4. Breading Process: Prepare three shallow dishes: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Dredge each rolled chicken first in the flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat generously with the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
  5. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet with oil or butter over medium heat. Brown the breaded chicken rolls on all sides until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side, then transfer them to a baking dish.
  6. Bake to Finish: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the chicken rolls for approximately 20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and juices run clear.
  7. Make the Rich Cream Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté minced shallots and garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add heavy cream and Dijon mustard, then simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh chopped herbs to taste.
  8. Serve: Slice the chicken rolls into medallions if desired, arrange on plates, pour the warm cream sauce over the top, garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, and serve with your choice of sides.

Notes

  • Pounding chicken breasts to even thickness ensures uniform cooking and neat rolls.
  • Secure edges tightly with toothpicks or kitchen twine to prevent cheese leakage during cooking.
  • Chill the breaded chicken for 15 minutes before cooking to help the coating adhere better.
  • Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier crust compared to regular breadcrumbs.
  • Simmer cream sauce gently to prevent curdling and achieve silky texture.
  • Allow cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing to lock in juices.
  • For gluten-free version, substitute flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs respectively.
  • You can assemble and bread chicken rolls up to one day in advance; store covered in refrigerator until ready to cook.
  • Freeze uncooked breaded chicken tightly wrapped for up to 2 months; thaw before cooking.
  • Reheat gently in oven at 325°F (160°C) to maintain crispiness, and warm sauce separately.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Cordon Bleu, crispy chicken, creamy sauce, comfort food, baked chicken, ham and cheese, elegant dinner, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/golden-crispy-chicken-cordon-bleu-with-rich-cream-sauce/