Elevate Your Dinner: Chicken Cordon Bleu with Decadent Dijon Cream Sauce

Chicken Cordon Bleu, a classic dish of chicken breast stuffed with ham and cheese, is a timeless favorite. This recipe takes it to the next level with a luscious Dijon cream sauce that perfectly complements the richness of the chicken, ham, and cheese. Whether you’re looking for a special occasion meal or simply want to impress your family with a restaurant-quality dish, this Chicken Cordon Bleu with Dijon Cream Sauce is guaranteed to be a hit.

## What is Chicken Cordon Bleu?

The name “Cordon Bleu” is French for “blue ribbon.” While the exact origin is debated, it generally refers to food prepared to a very high standard by outstanding cooks. In culinary terms, Chicken Cordon Bleu typically consists of a boneless chicken breast that is butterflied, pounded thin, and then filled with a slice of ham and Swiss cheese (or Gruyere). It’s then breaded and either pan-fried or baked until golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. The result is a flavorful and satisfying combination of textures and tastes.

## Why This Recipe Works

This recipe builds upon the classic by adding a creamy Dijon sauce that elevates the dish to a whole new level. The tangy Dijon mustard cuts through the richness of the cheese and ham, while the cream sauce adds a luxurious velvety texture. Here’s what makes this recipe stand out:

* **Flavorful Chicken:** We use high-quality chicken breasts and season them generously to ensure maximum flavor.
* **Perfect Cheese Pull:** The Swiss cheese melts beautifully and provides that iconic cheese pull that everyone loves.
* **Crispy Coating:** The breadcrumb coating is perfectly golden and crispy, adding a delightful textural contrast.
* **Decadent Dijon Cream Sauce:** The creamy Dijon sauce is the star of the show, adding a layer of sophistication and flavor that sets this dish apart.
* **Easy to Follow:** Despite its elegant presentation, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make at home.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

### For the Chicken Cordon Bleu:

* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
* 4 slices of cooked ham (thinly sliced)
* 4 slices of Swiss cheese (or Gruyere)
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 large eggs, beaten
* 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs work best for extra crispiness)
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 cup olive oil or vegetable oil, for pan-frying
* Optional: Toothpicks, for securing the chicken rolls

### For the Dijon Cream Sauce:

* 2 tablespoons butter
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/8 teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper)
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### Preparing the Chicken:

1. **Pound the Chicken:** Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a resealable plastic bag. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. This ensures even cooking and makes it easier to roll.
2. **Season the Chicken:** Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This will add flavor to the chicken and make it more delicious.
3. **Assemble the Cordon Bleu:** Place a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on top of each chicken breast. Make sure the ham and cheese don’t extend beyond the edges of the chicken.
4. **Roll the Chicken:** Starting at one end, roll the chicken breast up tightly, encasing the ham and cheese. If necessary, secure the rolls with toothpicks to prevent them from unraveling during cooking. (Remember to remove the toothpicks before serving!)

### Bread the Chicken:

1. **Set up the Breading Station:** Prepare three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the all-purpose flour. In the second dish, whisk the eggs. In the third dish, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
2. **Coat the Chicken:** Dredge each chicken roll in the flour, making sure to coat it evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
3. **Dip in Egg:** Dip the floured chicken roll into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
4. **Coat with Breadcrumbs:** Finally, coat the egg-dipped chicken roll in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the chicken. Make sure the entire surface is covered for a crispy crust.

### Cook the Chicken:

1. **Pan-Fry the Chicken:** Heat the olive oil or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when a breadcrumb is dropped into it.
2. **Cook the Chicken:** Carefully place the breaded chicken rolls into the hot oil, seam-side down. Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
3. **Rest the Chicken:** Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.

### Make the Dijon Cream Sauce:

1. **Melt the Butter:** In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. **Make a Roux:** Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture forms a smooth paste. This is called a roux and it will help thicken the sauce.
3. **Add Chicken Broth:** Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to break up any lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth.
4. **Simmer the Sauce:** Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
5. **Add Cream and Dijon:** Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, salt, and white pepper (or black pepper). Mix well to combine.
6. **Heat Through:** Heat the sauce through, but do not boil. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

### Assemble and Serve:

1. **Slice the Chicken:** Remove any toothpicks from the chicken rolls. Slice the chicken into 1-inch thick slices.
2. **Plate the Chicken:** Arrange the sliced chicken cordon bleu on plates.
3. **Drizzle with Sauce:** Generously drizzle the Dijon cream sauce over the chicken.
4. **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
5. **Serve Immediately:** Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and the sauce is creamy.

## Tips for Success

* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of the dish. Use good quality chicken, ham, and cheese for the best results.
* **Pound the Chicken Evenly:** Pounding the chicken to an even thickness is crucial for even cooking. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin and pound the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap.
* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
* **Make the Sauce Ahead of Time:** The Dijon cream sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. This will save you time on the day you plan to serve the dish.
* **Adjust the Dijon Mustard to Your Taste:** If you prefer a milder flavor, use less Dijon mustard. If you like a stronger flavor, add more.
* **Get Creative with the Cheese:** While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses such as Gruyere, provolone, or even a smoked Gouda.
* **Add Some Veggies:** You can add a layer of spinach leaves inside the chicken roll for some extra nutrients and flavor. Just be sure to wilt the spinach before adding it to the chicken.
* **Baking Option:** If you prefer to bake the chicken cordon bleu, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the breaded chicken rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free flour to make this dish gluten-free.

## Serving Suggestions

Chicken Cordon Bleu with Dijon Cream Sauce is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts make a healthy and delicious side dish.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with chicken cordon bleu.
* **Rice Pilaf:** Rice pilaf adds a touch of elegance to the meal.
* **Green Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
* **Pasta:** Buttered noodles or pasta tossed with olive oil and herbs are a simple and satisfying side dish.
* **Bread:** Crusty bread or rolls are perfect for soaking up the delicious Dijon cream sauce.

## Variations

While this recipe is delicious as is, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences. Here are a few variations to try:

* **Turkey Cordon Bleu:** Substitute turkey breast for chicken breast for a lighter version of this dish.
* **Pork Cordon Bleu:** Use pork loin instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.
* **Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole:** Layer sliced chicken cordon bleu with the Dijon cream sauce and breadcrumbs in a casserole dish and bake until bubbly and golden brown.
* **Mini Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites:** Cut the chicken into smaller pieces and assemble mini cordon bleu bites for appetizers or party snacks.
* **Spicy Chicken Cordon Bleu:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
* **Mushroom Cream Sauce:** Replace the Dijon mustard with sautéed mushrooms for a rich and earthy mushroom cream sauce.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

Chicken Cordon Bleu can be prepped in advance, making it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.

* **Assemble Ahead:** You can assemble the chicken cordon bleu (stuffing the chicken with ham and cheese and rolling it up) up to 24 hours in advance. Store the assembled chicken rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Bread Ahead:** You can bread the chicken cordon bleu up to 4 hours in advance. Store the breaded chicken rolls in a single layer on a baking sheet in the refrigerator.
* **Make the Sauce Ahead:** The Dijon cream sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently over low heat before serving.

When ready to cook, follow the cooking instructions in the recipe. If the chicken has been refrigerated, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it is cooked through.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or in the oven until heated through.
* **Freezer:** Cooked Chicken Cordon Bleu can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap each chicken roll individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

The Dijon cream sauce can also be frozen, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Store the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently over low heat, whisking occasionally to restore the smooth texture.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 15-20g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Conclusion

Chicken Cordon Bleu with Dijon Cream Sauce is a show-stopping dish that is surprisingly easy to make at home. With its combination of tender chicken, savory ham, melted cheese, and creamy Dijon sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to elevate your dinner routine, this recipe is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step instructions, and get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen!

Bon appétit!