If you’re craving a dish that combines a golden, crispy crust with a luscious, creamy center, you’re in for a treat with this Crispy creamy chicken cordon bleu recipe. This classic dish brings together tender chicken breasts stuffed with savory ham and melty cheese, all coated in a crisp breadcrumb shell. Perfect for an impressive homemade dinner, this recipe is both satisfying and surprisingly simple to master, delivering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Texture Combination: Crispy on the outside with a creamy, gooey filling inside for a mouthwatering bite every time.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples that come together easily without any fuss.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings where you want to impress with minimal effort.
- Customizable Filling: Easily swap or add ingredients like different cheeses or meats based on your taste preferences.
- Kid-Friendly Flavor: Mild yet flavorful, making it a hit with all ages at the dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients, each playing an essential role in creating the crispy creamy chicken cordon bleu’s signature taste and texture. From savory ham to sharp cheese and crunchy breadcrumbs, here’s everything you need to bring this dish to life.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, pounded thin to form the perfect base for stuffing.
- Ham slices: Thinly sliced for a smoky, salty layer inside the chicken.
- Swiss cheese: Classic choice for melting into a creamy texture inside the roll.
- All-purpose flour: Helps create a light coating that holds the egg wash and breadcrumbs.
- Eggs: Beaten, to bind the coating and ensure a golden crispiness.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko recommended for extra crunch and beautiful browning.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every layer of flavor.
- Butter or oil: For frying to achieve that irresistible crispy exterior.
Variations for Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu
Feel free to get creative with this Crispy creamy chicken cordon bleu recipe! It’s incredibly easy to adapt, whether you are catering to dietary needs or simply experimenting with flavors in your kitchen.
- Cheese swap: Use mozzarella or Gruyère for different melting qualities and tastes.
- Meat alternative: Substitute turkey or prosciutto if you want a lighter or more sophisticated spin.
- Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing texture.
- Herbed twist: Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the breadcrumb mixture for added aroma.
- Spicy kick: Incorporate a dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika into the coating for a subtle heat.
How to Make Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by pounding your chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap until they are about 1/4-inch thick. This ensures even cooking and makes rolling easier. Season both sides with salt and pepper to lay the flavor foundation.
Step 2: Layer the Filling
Place a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese onto each flattened chicken breast. The cheese should cover the ham evenly to create that creamy center once cooked. Roll the chicken tightly, tucking in edges as you go.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Rolls
Set up your dredging station with three plates: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. First, gently coat each chicken roll in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg wash, and finally roll in the breadcrumbs to evenly cover all sides.
Step 4: Cook Until Golden
Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken rolls and cook, turning occasionally, until the coating is golden brown and crispy on all sides and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let the chicken cordon bleu rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute. Slice if desired and serve warm, enjoying the perfect crispy creamy chicken cordon bleu experience.
Pro Tips for Making Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Pound evenly: Ensures the chicken cooks uniformly and rolls without tearing.
- Don’t skip the flour: It helps the egg and breadcrumbs stick better for a perfect crust.
- Use panko breadcrumbs: They create that signature extra crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Cook on medium heat: Prevents burning the coating before the chicken is fully cooked inside.
- Rest before slicing: Avoids the creamy cheese from spilling out and keeps the presentation neat.
How to Serve Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the top for a pop of green and subtle freshness that balances the richness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides like steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a simple garden salad to contrast the richness of the chicken. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles also work beautifully to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve sliced on a platter with drizzled Dijon mustard sauce or a light béchamel for an elegant touch. You can also plate individual portions on a bed of sautéed spinach or alongside colorful roasted root vegetables to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover crispy creamy chicken cordon bleu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool completely before storing to retain texture.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked, breaded chicken cordon bleu by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month, then cook directly from frozen, increasing cooking time as needed.
Reheating
Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes to revive the crispiness without drying out the creamy filling. Avoid microwaving, which can make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in Crispy creamy chicken cordon bleu?
Absolutely! While Swiss is traditional, mozzarella, Gruyère, or even cheddar work well to provide a melty, creamy texture inside the chicken.
Is it necessary to pound the chicken thin for this recipe?
Yes, pounding the chicken to an even thin layer helps it cook evenly and makes rolling easier, ensuring the filling stays inside during cooking.
Can I bake the chicken cordon bleu instead of frying?
Yes, baking at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes will also work and is a great option if you prefer less oil or a lighter version.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking?
Make sure to roll the chicken tightly and seal the edges well before coating and cooking; resting the cooked rolls also helps the cheese set inside.
What side dishes complement Crispy creamy chicken cordon bleu?
Fresh green vegetables like steamed broccoli or roasted carrots, light salads, and creamy mashed potatoes are classic sides that balance and enhance this rich dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a perfectly cooked Crispy creamy chicken cordon bleu that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your plate with delightful textures. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family meal or a special occasion, this recipe will quickly become a favorite you’re proud to share. Give it a try—you won’t regret the crispy, creamy magic on your dinner table!
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Crispy creamy chicken cordon bleu
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs)
Description
This Crispy Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe features tender chicken breasts stuffed with savory ham and melty Swiss cheese, coated in a crunchy breadcrumb shell. It delivers the perfect combination of textures with a golden crispy exterior and a luscious creamy center. Ideal for an impressive homemade dinner that’s easy to prepare and customizable for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken and Filling
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
- 4 slices ham, thinly sliced
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free version)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil, for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap until about 1/4-inch thick to ensure even cooking and easier rolling. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Layer the Filling: Place a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese evenly onto each flattened chicken breast. Roll the chicken tightly, tucking in edges as you go to securely enclose the filling.
- Coat the Chicken Rolls: Set up three plates: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Lightly coat each chicken roll in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg wash, and finally roll in breadcrumbs until fully covered.
- Cook Until Golden: Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken rolls and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy on all sides and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 8-10 minutes.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute. Slice if desired and serve warm for the best crispy creamy experience.
Notes
- Pound chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent tearing.
- Do not skip the flour step; it helps the egg and breadcrumbs stick better for a crisp crust.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch and beautiful browning.
- Cook over medium heat to avoid burning the coating before the chicken is cooked through.
- Rest the cooked chicken before slicing to keep the filling intact and presentation neat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying (optional baking method included)
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: chicken cordon bleu, crispy chicken, creamy chicken, stuffed chicken breasts, classic chicken recipe, homemade dinner, easy chicken recipe, gluten free chicken