Delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu with Savory Sauce

Indulge in the elegance of a classic dish with a modern twist – Chicken Cordon Bleu with Sauce. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and ease, making it ideal for both special occasions and cozy family dinners. The tender chicken enveloping Swiss cheese and savory ham, coated in crunchy breadcrumbs, is elevated to a whole new level when paired with a luscious parmesan sauce.

Picture this: your table adorned with golden-brown parcels of goodness, each bite revealing a delightful melding of flavors and textures. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a restaurant-quality meal at home, this Chicken Cordon Bleu with Sauce is sure to impress even the toughest culinary critics.

From anniversary celebrations to family gatherings, this dish has garnered rave reviews and recipe requests. The secret lies not just in the ingredients, but also in the art of patience – allowing the flavors to meld and the components to chill, resulting in a flawless presentation that will have your guests coming back for seconds. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that will elevate any meal to a memorable occasion.

Quick Benefits

• Impressive yet Easy: Create a restaurant-quality dish that looks and tastes fancy without requiring advanced cooking skills.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions – even impresses those known for being critical about cooking.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare in advance and refrigerate or freeze, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free yet elegant meal.

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu with Savory Sauce Recipe

• Impress your guests with a restaurant-quality dish that looks and tastes fancy but is actually easy to make, perfect for special occasions at home.
• Receive rave reviews from even the toughest critics – this dish has wowed picky eaters and impressed food enthusiasts alike.
• Properly chilling the rolled chicken before cooking is key to the final presentation, ensuring a picture-perfect dish every time.
• Versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides, from roasted asparagus to garlic mashed potatoes, making it a great main course for any meal.
• Customize the recipe with different cheeses, meats, and seasonings to suit your taste preferences and experiment with new flavor combinations.
• Prepare ahead of time for stress-free entertaining – assemble the dish up to a day in advance or freeze for a month, and the sauce can be made ahead and reheated when needed.
• Indulge in the layers of flavor and texture in every bite, from the crispy coating to the gooey cheese, salty ham, and creamy parmesan sauce.
• Enjoy the satisfaction of creating an impressive dish with simple techniques and attention to detail, proving that gourmet meals can be achieved with care and patience.

Ingredients for Delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu with Savory Sauce

For the chicken cordon bleu

• 8 slices Swiss cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• ¾ cup dry breadcrumbs
• 4 slices thinly sliced ham
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

For the cordon bleu sauce

• 1½ cups 2% milk
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

How to Make Delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu with Savory Sauce

Step 1: Toast the breadcrumbs

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread breadcrumbs on a baking sheet and toast for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden brown. Let cool.

Step 2: Prepare the chicken

Dry chicken breasts and place between plastic wrap. Pound until flattened to ¼ inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Assemble the filling

Place 2 slices of Swiss cheese and 1 slice of ham on each flattened chicken breast. Roll tightly into a pinwheel with the filling inside.

Step 4: Set up breading station

Set up three shallow bowls: place flour in the first bowl, beaten eggs in the second, and toasted breadcrumbs in the third.

Step 5: Bread the chicken

Coat each chicken breast in flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs, ensuring full coverage at each stage.

Step 6: Wrap and chill

Individually wrap each breaded chicken breast in plastic wrap, shaping into a cylinder. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Step 7: Bake the chicken

Remove the chicken from its packaging and place it on a baking tray. Bake at 350°F for approximately 35 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 8: Make the sauce

As the chicken bakes, melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour to make a paste, then slowly pour in milk while stirring continuously until thickened.

Step 9: Finish sauce and serve

Take the sauce off the heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth. Slice the cooked chicken and serve with the creamy Parmesan sauce drizzled on top.

Storage Tips

After preparing the Chicken Cordon Bleu with Parmesan Sauce, you can store any leftovers properly to enjoy later. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure the dish is completely cooled before storing it. Properly stored, the Chicken Cordon Bleu should last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

If you want to prepare the dish ahead of time for a future occasion or meal, you can freeze the Chicken Cordon Bleu. Once assembled and wrapped in plastic wrap, place the dish in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to a month. When ready to enjoy it, make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before baking to ensure even cooking throughout. Additionally, the sauce can be made ahead of time and stored separately. Simply reheat it gently with a splash of milk to restore its creamy consistency before serving. By properly storing and reheating the dish, you can enjoy the flavors of the Chicken Cordon Bleu with Parmesan Sauce even after the initial preparation.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a different twist on this classic dish, consider making some ingredient substitutions to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. If you don’t have Swiss cheese on hand, you can try using gruyere or fontina for a different flavor profile. These cheeses also melt well and pair nicely with the salty ham, creating a rich and savory filling for the chicken.

If you prefer a more sophisticated taste, swap out the thinly sliced ham for prosciutto. The slightly nutty and delicate flavor of prosciutto can elevate the dish and add a unique touch to the overall flavor profile. Additionally, adding a thin layer of Dijon mustard before layering the cheese can provide an extra kick of flavor and complexity to the dish.

If you’re looking to add some extra depth to the breadcrumb coating, try incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or sage. These herbs can infuse the breadcrumbs with aromatic flavors, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. Experimenting with different herbs and seasonings can help customize the dish to your liking and create a unique variation of chicken cordon bleu.

Serving Suggestions

For a stunning presentation, serve the chicken cordon bleu with parmesan sauce on a bed of creamy garlic mashed potatoes, allowing the flavors to mingle and complement each other perfectly. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish. Pair this elegant meal with a glass of your favorite white wine or champagne to elevate the dining experience even further.

For a more casual but still delicious option, slice the chicken cordon bleu into medallions and arrange them on a platter alongside a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce. This makes it perfect for a party or game day gathering, allowing guests to customize their bites and enjoy the indulgent combination of gooey cheese, savory ham, and crispy coating in a fun and interactive way. Serve with a side of crunchy carrot and celery sticks for a refreshing contrast in textures.

FAQs for Delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu with Savory Sauce

Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely customize this recipe by using different cheeses like gruyere or fontina for a different flavor profile. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to the plastic wrap stage and refrigerate for up to a day, or freeze for up to a month. If frozen, make sure to thaw completely in the fridge before baking for best results.

Can I skip the refrigeration step?

It’s highly recommended not to skip the refrigeration time as it helps the chicken hold its shape and prevents unrolling during cooking. It makes a significant difference in the final presentation and texture of the dish.

How can I reheat the sauce if I made it ahead of time?

If you’ve made the sauce ahead of time, you can gently reheat it with a splash of milk to restore the consistency. Heat it slowly over low heat while stirring constantly to prevent the sauce from breaking.

Conclusion

As you embark on making this delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu with Sauce, remember that every step you take in preparing this dish is an act of love and creativity. The satisfaction of seeing the golden-brown chicken rolls emerge from the oven, ready to be drizzled with that velvety parmesan sauce, is a rewarding moment that makes all the effort worthwhile.

Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just looking to elevate a regular weeknight meal, this Chicken Cordon Bleu with Sauce recipe is sure to delight and impress. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to savor every bite of this exquisite dish. Your guests, family, or even just yourself will thank you for the effort and care you put into creating such a memorable dining experience. Enjoy every moment in the kitchen and at the table with this standout recipe for Chicken Cordon Bleu with Sauce!