If you love the idea of a tender, juicy chicken breast wrapped around smoky ham and melted Swiss cheese, then you are going to be head over heels for this Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu with Dijon Sauce Recipe. Imagine biting into that perfect crunch of golden breadcrumbs, then being met with the luscious, creamy Dijon-Parmesan sauce that ties all the flavors together in one heavenly experience. It’s a timeless classic with a little modern twist on the sauce, making it both comforting and exciting to enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The dish shows a close-up of a layered chicken meal on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The main piece is a thick layer of cooked chicken, topped with a smooth slice of pink ham. Over the ham, there is a golden brown crumb layer with small green herb bits visible inside. On top of the crumb layer, creamy yellow sauce is spread in smooth lines. In the background, there is a side of bright green broccoli adding color contrast. The image looks bright and sharp, focused on the juicy textures of the chicken and crisp crumb topping. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple yet incredibly important for getting that perfect balance of flavors and textures in this dish. Each component plays its part, from the crunch of the breadcrumbs to the rich creaminess of the sauce, making this recipe a delightful experience.

4 stuffed chicken breasts (rolled): The star of the dish, perfectly layered with ham and Swiss cheese to keep every bite flavorful and moist.
1 cup breadcrumbs + ¼ cup Parmesan: A crispy, cheesy exterior that adds satisfying texture and extra flavor complexity.
2 tbsp butter: Adds richness and helps achieve that golden crust whether you bake or pan-fry the chicken.
1 cup cream: Creates the velvety base for the sauce that turns simple Dijon into something truly luxurious.
2 tsp Dijon mustard: Brings a gentle kick and depth to the sauce without overwhelming the delicate chicken.

How to Make Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu with Dijon Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by ensuring your chicken breasts are stuffed with smoky ham and Swiss cheese, then rolled tightly to seal in those flavors. This rolling step is key to keeping the cheese from melting out during cooking. It’s all about locking in that amazing creamy interior for each bite.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Mix the breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese to create a flavorful crust. Press each stuffed chicken breast into this mixture, coating evenly. The Parmesan will add a lovely nutty note that crisps up beautifully, giving you a golden, irresistible exterior after cooking.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Choose your method of cooking: you can either bake the chicken breasts for around 25 minutes or pan-fry them in butter until they turn golden brown. Both ways result in deliciously crisp chicken, but pan-frying gives you that extra buttery, rich finish. Make sure the chicken is cooked through before moving to the sauce.

Step 4: Make the Dijon Sauce

While the chicken is finishing, gently simmer the cream with Dijon mustard and Parmesan cheese for 2 to 3 minutes. This quick simmer melts the cheese and blends the flavors into a silky sauce. The creamy, tangy Dijon sauce complements the crisp chicken perfectly, adding an indulgent touch without overpowering the other flavors.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Once the chicken is perfectly cooked and golden, spoon the warm Dijon sauce generously over each breast. The contrast of crispy, creamy, and cheesy textures paired with the tangy sauce at the end is what truly defines this Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu with Dijon Sauce Recipe experience.

How to Serve Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu with Dijon Sauce Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a stuffed chicken dish with a golden brown crust on the outside. Inside, there are three layers: a thick white chicken layer, a pink ham layer in the middle, and a melted yellow cheese layer just above the ham. On top of the chicken, there is a dollop of creamy white sauce that is dripping slightly down the side. In the background, there are small pieces of steamed green broccoli and light yellow cauliflower, all placed on a white plate. The whole scene sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a gentle herbal brightness to balance the rich sauce and breaded chicken. For an elegant presentation, add a twist of lemon zest to lift the flavors even further.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that won’t compete but rather complement its richness. Consider creamy mashed potatoes, lightly buttered green beans, or a crisp garden salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to keep the meal balanced and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, slice the cordon bleu into medallions to showcase the beautiful layers inside. Drizzle the Dijon sauce artfully on the plate and garnish with microgreens or edible flowers for a restaurant-worthy look. Serving on a rustic wooden board with a side of crusty bread adds cozy charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate leftover chicken in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Keep the Dijon sauce separate if possible to preserve its creamy texture and warmth.

Freezing

If you want to save this recipe for later, freeze the cooked chicken breasts wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They keep well for up to a month. Defrost completely in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture just right.

Reheating

Reheat your crispy creamy chicken cordon bleu gently in a low oven (around 325°F/160°C) to maintain its crispy crust. Warm the Dijon sauce separately on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is traditional and melts beautifully, Gruyère or mozzarella can be great alternatives for a slightly different but delicious flavor and texture.

Is it better to bake or pan-fry the chicken?

Both methods work wonderfully. Baking is hands-off and easy, while pan-frying adds extra buttery crispness. Choose based on your preference and available cooking time.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble and bread the chicken the day before, then keep it refrigerated until ready to cook. This makes dinner prep much quicker on the day you serve it.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in the sauce?

If you want a lighter sauce, try half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese. Just keep in mind the sauce won’t be as thick or rich but will still be flavorful.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?

Rolling the chicken breasts tightly and sealing them well helps lock in moisture. Cooking to the right temperature without overcooking is key—use a meat thermometer and aim for an internal temp of 165°F (74°C).

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, making this Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu with Dijon Sauce Recipe is like inviting comfort and elegance right to your dinner table. Once you taste that crispy crust paired with the creamy, tangy sauce, you’ll see why this classic deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation. I promise it will become a favorite you’ll want to make again and again!

Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu with Dijon Sauce Recipe

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4.2 from 157 reviews

Author: Chef
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

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Description

Delight in this Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with smoky ham and Swiss cheese, coated in a golden breadcrumb and Parmesan crust. Finished with a luscious Dijon-Parmesan cream sauce that adds the perfect touch of tang and richness to this classic dish.

Ingredients

Chicken and Coating

4 stuffed chicken breasts (rolled with ham and Swiss cheese)
1 cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce

2 tbsp butter
1 cup heavy cream
2 tsp Dijon mustard
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for sauce)

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Ensure your chicken breasts are stuffed with smoky ham and Swiss cheese, then rolled and secured.
Coat the Chicken: In a shallow dish, mix 1 cup breadcrumbs with ¼ cup grated Parmesan. Dredge each rolled chicken breast thoroughly in this mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres well.
Cook the Chicken: You can either bake the chicken or pan-fry it. For baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the coated chicken breasts on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for approximately 25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. For pan-frying, heat 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken breasts about 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Prepare the Dijon Parmesan Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup heavy cream, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, and ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer over low heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes silky.
Serve: Spoon the warm Dijon-Parmesan cream sauce generously over the cooked chicken cordon bleu and serve immediately, enjoying the perfect balance of crispy crust and creamy sauce.

Notes

For best results, pound chicken breasts evenly before rolling to ensure even cooking.
Secure the rolled chicken breasts with toothpicks or kitchen twine to avoid unrolling during cooking.
Use fresh Parmesan cheese for richer flavor in both coating and sauce.
If baking, check chicken internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
The Dijon-Parmesan sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated when ready to serve.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French-inspired