Effortless Elegance: Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

Chicken Cordon Bleu, a dish synonymous with elegance and sophisticated flavors, might seem like a complex undertaking best left for special occasions. However, with the magic of the slow cooker, you can enjoy this classic meal any night of the week with minimal effort. This recipe transforms the traditionally breaded and pan-fried dish into a tender, juicy, and incredibly flavorful slow-cooked delight. Prepare to be amazed by how easy it is to create a restaurant-worthy meal right in your own kitchen!

## Why Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu?

* **Ease and Convenience:** The slow cooker does most of the work for you. Simply assemble the ingredients, set the timer, and let it cook. No hovering over the stove required!
* **Tender and Juicy Chicken:** Slow cooking ensures that the chicken remains incredibly tender and juicy, preventing it from drying out.
* **Flavor Infusion:** The flavors meld together beautifully as the dish simmers slowly, creating a rich and harmonious taste.
* **Perfect for Busy Weeknights:** This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to cook but still want a delicious and satisfying meal.
* **Make-Ahead Meal:** Prepare the ingredients in the morning and have a delicious dinner waiting for you when you get home.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather the ingredients. This recipe serves approximately 4-6 people.

* **Chicken Breasts:** 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Opt for breasts that are of similar size to ensure even cooking.
* **Ham:** 4-6 slices of cooked ham. Use your favorite variety – Black Forest, honey ham, or smoked ham all work well.
* **Swiss Cheese:** 4-6 slices of Swiss cheese. This cheese provides a classic nutty and slightly sweet flavor that complements the ham and chicken.
* **Cream of Chicken Soup:** 1 (10.75 ounce) can. This forms the base of the creamy sauce and adds moisture to the dish.
* **Sour Cream:** 1/2 cup. Sour cream adds richness and tanginess to the sauce.
* **Dijon Mustard:** 2 tablespoons. Dijon mustard provides a subtle tang and depth of flavor.
* **Garlic Powder:** 1 teaspoon. Garlic powder enhances the savory flavor of the dish.
* **Onion Powder:** 1 teaspoon. Onion powder adds another layer of savory flavor.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season the chicken and sauce to your liking.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh parsley, chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of paprika for visual appeal.

## Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Slow Cooker Masterpiece

Follow these detailed instructions to create a delicious and effortless Chicken Cordon Bleu in your slow cooker.

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

1. **Pound the Chicken (Optional):** If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, you can pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps them cook more evenly and prevents them from drying out. To pound the chicken, place each breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently flatten them.
2. **Season the Chicken:** Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Be generous with the seasoning to ensure that the chicken is flavorful.

**Step 2: Assemble the Chicken Cordon Bleu Rolls**

1. **Layer the Ham and Cheese:** Place a slice of ham on top of each chicken breast. Then, top the ham with a slice of Swiss cheese. Make sure the ham and cheese are neatly arranged to ensure even coverage.
2. **Roll Up the Chicken:** Starting at one end, tightly roll up the chicken breast, enclosing the ham and cheese inside. Secure the roll with toothpicks if necessary. This will help the chicken rolls maintain their shape during cooking.

**Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce**

1. **Combine the Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and Dijon mustard until smooth and well combined. This mixture will form the creamy and flavorful sauce that coats the chicken.

**Step 4: Slow Cook the Chicken Cordon Bleu**

1. **Place Chicken in the Slow Cooker:** Lightly grease the bottom of your slow cooker with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken rolls seam-side down in the slow cooker in a single layer. If the chicken rolls are too large to fit in a single layer, you may need to use a larger slow cooker or cook them in batches.
2. **Pour Sauce Over Chicken:** Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken rolls, ensuring that they are all coated in the sauce.
3. **Cook on Low:** Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts and the specific slow cooker being used. The chicken is done when it is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy**

1. **Remove Toothpicks:** If you used toothpicks to secure the chicken rolls, carefully remove them before serving.
2. **Serve Hot:** Serve the Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu hot, drizzled with the creamy sauce from the slow cooker. Garnish with fresh parsley, chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of paprika, if desired.

## Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu

* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure that it is cooked through but not overcooked.
* **Use Quality Ingredients:** Using high-quality ingredients, such as fresh chicken breasts, good-quality ham, and Swiss cheese, will result in a more flavorful and delicious dish.
* **Adjust Seasoning to Taste:** Taste the sauce before adding the chicken and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder to suit your preferences.
* **Thicken the Sauce (Optional):** If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can thicken it by whisking together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can remove the chicken rolls from the slow cooker and simmer the sauce on the stovetop over medium heat until it thickens.
* **Add Vegetables:** You can add vegetables to the slow cooker along with the chicken to create a complete meal. Consider adding sliced mushrooms, asparagus, or green beans during the last hour of cooking.
* **Browning the Chicken (Optional):** For added flavor and visual appeal, you can quickly sear the chicken rolls in a hot skillet before placing them in the slow cooker. This will help to brown the chicken and create a flavorful crust.

## Serving Suggestions: Completing Your Meal

Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic accompaniment to Chicken Cordon Bleu.
* **Rice Pilaf:** A flavorful rice pilaf provides a light and fluffy side dish.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts, add a healthy and colorful element to the meal.
* **Green Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Chicken Cordon Bleu.
* **Pasta:** Buttered noodles or a creamy pasta dish are a great way to soak up the delicious sauce.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.

## Variations: Adding Your Own Twist

This Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to experiment and add your own personal touches. Here are a few variations to consider:

* **Different Cheese:** Try using different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, provolone, or mozzarella, in place of the Swiss cheese.
* **Different Meat:** Use turkey or pork in place of the chicken for a different flavor profile.
* **Add Mushrooms:** Add sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker for a more earthy and savory dish.
* **Add Spinach:** Add fresh spinach to the chicken rolls along with the ham and cheese for added nutrients and flavor.
* **Cream Cheese Filling:** Mix softened cream cheese with herbs and spices and spread it on the chicken breasts before adding the ham and cheese.
* **Breadcrumb Topping:** For a crispy topping, sprinkle the chicken with breadcrumbs during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
* **Wine Sauce:** Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for a more complex flavor.

## Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** To reheat, you can microwave the chicken for a few minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Please note that nutritional information is approximate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

* Calories: 400-500 per serving
* Protein: 40-50 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams

## Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu: A Recipe for Success

With its ease of preparation, tender and juicy chicken, and flavorful sauce, this Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a delicious weeknight meal or an elegant dish for a special occasion, this recipe delivers every time. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home!

## Printable Recipe Card

**Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu**

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 6-8 hours (Low) or 3-4 hours (High)
**Serves:** 4-6

**Ingredients:**

* 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 4-6 slices cooked ham
* 4-6 slices Swiss cheese
* 1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
* 1/2 cup sour cream
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional garnishes: Fresh parsley, chopped green onions, paprika

**Instructions:**

1. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Place a slice of ham and Swiss cheese on top of each chicken breast.
3. Roll up the chicken breast and secure with toothpicks if needed.
4. In a bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and Dijon mustard.
5. Lightly grease the bottom of your slow cooker.
6. Arrange chicken rolls seam-side down in the slow cooker.
7. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken rolls.
8. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until chicken is cooked through (165°F).
9. Remove toothpicks before serving.
10. Serve hot with the creamy sauce from the slow cooker. Garnish as desired.

Enjoy!