The Ultimate Recipe
Sink your fork into this show-stopping Crispy and Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu with Dijon Sauce: The Ultimate Recipe for those who want melt-in-your-mouth chicken, gooey cheese, and savory ham all wrapped in a golden crunch. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or just craving something truly delectable, this dish always delivers drama and flavor, especially with that seductively tangy Dijon sauce draped on top. With The Ultimate Recipe at your fingertips, you’ll find confidence in each step and sheer joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for The Ultimate Recipe couldn’t be simpler, but each one plays a critical part—whether that’s crunchy texture, creamy filling, or punchy personality. These basics are what transform everyday chicken into a feast that’s both comforting and elegant.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Look for evenly sized pieces for uniform cooking and easy rolling.
- Swiss cheese slices: Melts beautifully for pockets of creamy flavor in every slice.
- Deli ham slices: Adds a smoky, savory contrast and keeps the chicken super moist.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the chicken a light initial coating to help the next layers stick better.
- Large eggs, beaten: This acts as the magic glue for the breadcrumb coating.
- Milk: Whisked into the eggs for a silky, even batter.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Delivers irresistibly crisp crunch, so don’t skip if you want authentic texture!
- Garlic powder: Infuses the crust with gentle, savory warmth.
- Paprika: Adds a touch of color and a subtle smoky depth.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning every bite properly.
- Black pepper: Gives a mild, aromatic heat that lingers pleasantly.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Brushed on before baking for golden, tasty crust.
- Vegetable oil: Ideal for an even, golden sear before baking.
- For the Dijon Sauce: This element brings the entire dish together and elevates the experience.
- Unsalted butter: Forms the rich base of your creamy sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to perfect, silky consistency.
- Milk & heavy cream: Combine for luscious, creamy texture and loads of flavor.
- Dijon mustard: Delivers a tangy, sharp kick that defines The Ultimate Recipe.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds complexity and umami to the sauce.
- Grated Parmesan: Melts in for cheesy depth.
- Salt and pepper: Season to your personal taste for a final flavor boost.
How to Make The Ultimate Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Pound the Chicken
Start by placing each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even, 1/2-inch thickness. This not only ensures tender chicken, but also makes it easy to roll—and guarantees every bite of The Ultimate Recipe is beautifully balanced with filling and crisp coating.
Step 2: Stuff and Roll
Lay a slice of Swiss cheese and a slice of ham on top of each pounded chicken breast. Starting at one short end, tightly roll up each breast, tucking in the sides as you go to keep all that cheesy goodness sealed inside. Secure the rolls with toothpicks—this little step is your insurance for a perfect reveal later.
Step 3: Breading Station Set-Up
Set up three shallow bowls: one with the flour, one with beaten eggs and milk, and the third with panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Taking each chicken roll, dredge first in flour (shake off any excess), then dip into the egg mixture, and finally press into the seasoned breadcrumb mix for an even, crunchy coating. This step seals in all the juiciness and creates the irresistible crunch The Ultimate Recipe is famous for.
Step 4: Sear for Crunch
Heat a generous layer of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, carefully add the chicken rolls and sear on all sides until gorgeous and golden, about 2-3 minutes per side. You’re not cooking them through here—just giving them that crispy, bronzed exterior that sets The Ultimate Recipe apart.
Step 5: Bake to Finish
Transfer the seared chicken rolls to a greased baking dish. Brush the tops generously with melted butter for extra crisp and shine. Slide the dish into your preheated 375°F oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through and the juices run clear when pierced with a knife. The aromas filling your kitchen let you know The Ultimate Recipe is nearly ready!
Step 6: Make the Dijon Sauce
While the chicken bakes, whip up that dreamy sauce. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, until it forms a thick, bubbling roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened. Add Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until everything is lusciously combined. A final taste for salt and pepper, and your sauce for The Ultimate Recipe is ready to pour!
Step 7: Rest, Slice, and Serve
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes—this crucial pause lets the juices settle and makes for neater slices. Remove toothpicks, slice each roll into rounds, and drizzle generously with that warm, velvety Dijon sauce right before serving. The combination of textures and flavors is the hallmark of The Ultimate Recipe!
How to Serve The Ultimate Recipe
Garnishes
A sprig of fresh parsley or a sprinkle of chopped chives not only brightens the plate but adds a fresh, herbal note that cuts through the richness. If you want to play up the French theme, a grating of lemon zest over the top offers a pop of color and a little zing. Presentation is part of what makes The Ultimate Recipe feel so special!
Side Dishes
Classic pairings like buttery mashed potatoes, garlicky green beans, or a crisp green salad are all stars here. You want sides that let the main event shine but also soak up that dreamy sauce. Crusty French bread is never a bad idea for chasing every last drop from your plate. The Ultimate Recipe loves good company on the dinner table!
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant dinner party, serve the sliced chicken fanned out over a bed of wilted spinach with a little bowl of Dijon sauce on the side for dipping. Want to go family-style? Arrange the rounds on a platter, pour the sauce over the center, and invite everyone to dig in. For a fun twist, make mini versions using chicken tenders—your guests will adore The Ultimate Recipe in canapé form!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu holds up beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Let the chicken cool completely before refrigerating to keep the crust as crisp as possible. Store the Dijon sauce in its own container to reheat and pour fresh each time—The Ultimate Recipe is just as swoon-worthy the next day!
Freezing
To freeze, assemble and bread the chicken rolls—but don’t cook them yet. Place uncooked rolls on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They can live in your freezer for up to two months. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the cook time. For the Dijon sauce, freeze in a separate airtight container and gently thaw before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the chicken in a 350°F oven. Place pieces on a lined baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and heat until warmed through and crispy—about 15-18 minutes. Gently warm the Dijon sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave, whisking in a splash of milk if needed to smooth it out. This way, The Ultimate Recipe tastes just as luscious on day two (or three!).
FAQs
Can I make The Ultimate Recipe ahead for a dinner party?
Absolutely! Assemble and bread the chicken rolls a few hours in advance, then refrigerate. When guests arrive, all you need to do is sear, bake, and make the sauce—it’s a total game changer for stress-free entertaining.
What’s a good substitute for Swiss cheese in The Ultimate Recipe?
Gruyère is fantastic for a slightly nutty richness, but provolone or even mozzarella can work in a pinch. Feel free to play with different cheeses for your own signature twist!
Is it possible to make The Ultimate Recipe gluten-free?
Definitely—simply swap all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free versions. Double-check your ham and Dijon mustard labels too, as some brands may add gluten-containing fillers.
Can I bake the chicken without frying first?
Yes, for a lighter approach, you can skip the sear and bake the breaded rolls on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Brushing with a bit of melted butter still helps you achieve a lovely golden crust.
Does The Ultimate Recipe work with turkey or pork?
Absolutely! Thin, boneless turkey or pork cutlets can substitute for chicken with similar stuffing and rolling techniques; just adjust cook times as needed based on thickness.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s for a weeknight comfort dinner or a special celebration, The Ultimate Recipe for Chicken Cordon Bleu with Dijon Sauce is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you see that golden crust and taste the dreamy sauce, you’ll want it in regular rotation. Give it a try—The Ultimate Recipe is sure to win you plenty of raving fans!
Print
The Ultimate Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this crispy and creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe, featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with Swiss cheese and ham, coated in a crunchy breadcrumb crust, and served with a luscious Dijon sauce. A classic French-inspired dish with a delicious twist!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 slices deli ham
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Vegetable oil for frying or baking
For the Dijon Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F: Pound chicken breasts to 1/2-inch thickness. Place cheese and ham on each breast, roll up, and secure with toothpicks.
- Prepare coating: Set up bowls with flour, egg mixture, and breadcrumbs with seasonings. Coat chicken rolls in sequence.
- Sear and bake: Sear rolls until golden, then bake for 20–25 minutes.
- Make Dijon sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, add milk and cream, then stir in remaining ingredients. Season to taste.
- Serve: Slice chicken, drizzle with Dijon sauce, and enjoy!
Notes
- For a lighter version, bake without frying.
- Try Gruyère cheese for a richer flavor.
- Pair with mashed potatoes or a green salad.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying, Baking
- Cuisine: French-Inspired, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 960 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 48 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg
