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Chicken Cordon Bleu with Cheese Sauce

This classic Chicken Cordon Bleu features tender chicken breasts stuffed with slices of ham and Swiss cheese, breaded and baked to golden perfection. Topped with a rich cheese sauce, this dish is ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts each split into 3 thin slices
  • 8 slices ham
  • 8 slices Swiss cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup 125g all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups 220g Panko breadcrumbs

For the Cheese Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups 473ml whole milk
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard paste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup 55g grated Swiss cheese
  • 1/2 cup 60g grated sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

  • Slice and Pound: Split each chicken breast into 3 thin slices. Place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet until about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.
  • Stuff and Roll: Lay out 3 pounded chicken slices on plastic wrap. Season with salt and pepper. Layer 2 slices of ham and 2 slices of Swiss cheese on top. Roll tightly like a jellyroll, wrapping them in the plastic wrap. Twist the ends to secure.
  • Chill: Place the rolled chicken in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to help them hold their shape.

Coat the Chicken:

  • Flour: In a shallow bowl, mix flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. Roll the chicken roulades in the flour to coat.
  • Egg Wash: In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs and season with salt and pepper. Dip the floured chicken rolls into the beaten eggs.
  • Breadcrumbs: In a third shallow plate, spread out the breadcrumbs and season with salt and pepper. Roll the chicken in the breadcrumbs, pressing to adhere.

Bake the Chicken:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
  • Place the coated chicken rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Spray generously with cooking spray.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Make the Cheese Sauce:

  • In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the olive oil and butter. Add the flour and cook for 2 minutes, whisking constantly to create a roux.
  • Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously, until the sauce thickens.
  • Stir in garlic powder, mustard paste, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for a minute.
  • Add Parmesan, Swiss, and cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy. Remove from heat.

Serve:

  • Let the baked chicken cool for 10 minutes. Slice each roll into 1-inch pinwheels.
  • Drizzle the cheese sauce over the sliced chicken and garnish with chopped parsley.

Alternate Cooking Methods

    Air Fryer:

    • Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Place breadcrumb-coated chicken in the air fryer basket. Spray with cooking spray and cook for 15-18 minutes, turning once, until golden brown.

    Stovetop (Pan-Fried):

    • Heat 2 tablespoons oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken rolls for 2 minutes on each side, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.

    Notes

    Use Thin Chicken Slices: Thin slices make rolling easier and ensure even cooking.
    Chill Before Cooking: Chilling helps the roulades hold their shape and prevents them from unraveling during baking.
    Generous Coating: Ensure the chicken is fully coated in breadcrumbs for a crispy texture.
    Make Ahead:
    Stuffed chicken rolls can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to a month.
    Fully baked chicken can also be refrigerated for 2-3 days or frozen for up to a month.