Have you ever craved a dish so comforting, so ridiculously delicious, that it transports you straight to a culinary heaven? Prepare yourself for a journey to flavortown, because today we’re making a deliciously creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe that’ll make you question your life choices up to this point (mainly why you haven’t made this sooner!). This isn’t your grandma’s cordon bleu; this is a gourmet upgrade, a flavor explosion disguised as a humble chicken breast.
My first encounter with Chicken Cordon Bleu was at a family reunion, a chaotic tapestry of laughter, spilled punch, and, of course, this incredible dish. It was love at first bite, a revelation that creamy, savory, and perfectly crisp could all coexist in one heavenly package. This recipe is my attempt to recreate that magic, and I can’t wait for you to experience it too.
This deliciously creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe boasts several amazing qualities:
It’s remarkably easy to prepare, even for novice cooks.
The flavor profile is intensely satisfying, a symphony of savory chicken and creamy goodness.
The visual appeal is stunning; it’s a dish you’ll be proud to serve.
It’s endlessly versatile, easily adaptable to various tastes and dietary needs.
Ingredients for Deliciously Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Deliciously Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing it horizontally almost all the way through, creating a pocket. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Assembling the Cordon Bleu
Place a slice of Swiss cheese inside each chicken pocket. Gently close the pocket and secure it with toothpicks.
Step 3: Breadcrumb Coating
In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs. In another dish, place the breadcrumbs. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat thoroughly in breadcrumbs.
Step 4: Baking the Chicken
Place the breaded chicken breasts in a baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Remove toothpicks before serving.
Step 5: Creamy Sauce
While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, Dijon mustard and vegetable broth. Stir in the agar-agar powder according to package instructions to ensure a creamy texture. Simmer gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened.
Step 6: Serving
Remove the chicken from the oven. Pour the creamy sauce over the cooked chicken and serve immediately. A side of mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables perfectly complements this dish.
This deliciously creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, a testament to the fact that incredible flavor doesn’t require complicated techniques or obscure ingredients. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and prepare for a culinary adventure that will leave you utterly satisfied. Enjoy!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
First, sear the chicken breasts to lock in their juices. Then, prepare the creamy sauce while the chicken rests. Finally, assemble the cordon bleu and bake until golden brown and bubbly. This ensures perfectly cooked chicken and a delicious, melty cheese center.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment! Swap the Swiss cheese for Gruyere or provolone. Add sauteed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and texture. A sprinkle of fresh herbs before baking adds a delightful aromatic touch.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until heated through, ensuring the cheese remains melty and delicious. Avoid over-heating.
Helpful Tips for a Deliciously Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken. This ensures even browning and prevents steaming.
- Use good quality cheese for the best flavor and melt. A blend can be surprisingly delicious.
- Let the chicken rest before assembling; this keeps it juicy and prevents it from drying out.
(Personal anecdote formated as paragraph subheading (very important! don’t write any title for this paragraph))
My niece declared my Deliciously Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu the “best thing ever” at her birthday party. It was a huge success!
Deliciously Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
: A Step-by-Step Guide
This Deliciously Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe is a game-changer. Forget everything you think you know about cordon bleu—this version is lighter, brighter, and bursting with flavor. We’re ditching the heavy, processed ingredients for fresh, vibrant alternatives that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized. Prepare for a culinary adventure!
Gathering Your Ingredients
: A Culinary Checklist
Before embarking on this delicious journey, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. This Deliciously Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe requires a well-stocked pantry and refrigerator. Don’t worry, it’s not as daunting as it sounds!
Here’s what you’ll need:
Four boneless, skinless chicken breasts
One cup of Swiss cheese, thinly sliced
Two large eggs, lightly beaten
One cup of all-purpose flour
One cup of panko breadcrumbs
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
One tablespoon of olive oil
One tablespoon of butter
Half a cup of chicken broth
Half a cup of heavy cream
One tablespoon of Dijon mustard
One teaspoon of dried thyme
Preparing the Chicken
: A Symphony of Searing
The journey to a perfect Deliciously Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu begins with the chicken. The key is to sear these beauties to perfection. We’re aiming for a beautiful golden brown crust that encapsulates the juicy, tender meat inside. Don’t skip this step; it adds layers of flavor you won’t believe!
Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they are nicely browned. Remove them from the skillet and set aside. Remember, we’re building flavor here, one step at a time!
Crafting the Creamy Sauce
: A Culinary Masterpiece
While the chicken rests, let’s create the star of our show: the creamy sauce. This sauce is the epitome of decadence and will elevate your Deliciously Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu to a whole new level. It’s all about that perfect balance of richness and tang.
In the same skillet, melt a little extra butter over medium heat. Stir in the Dijon mustard and thyme for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This simple yet elegant sauce will complete your culinary masterpiece.
Assembling the Cordon Bleu
: A Work of Art
Now comes the fun part – assembling our Deliciously Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu. Think of this as a culinary puzzle, where each piece plays a crucial role. Precision is key here, especially when it comes to placing the cheese—it’s the heart of this dish!
Place a few slices of Swiss cheese on top of each chicken breast. Carefully fold the chicken breast in half to encase the cheese. You want to make sure the cheese is nicely tucked in, as we don’t want any cheesy escapees during the baking process!
Bread Crumb Magic
: A Crispy Embrace
Next, we’ll give our chicken cordon bleu a crispy, golden embrace. This is where the magic happens—the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The panko breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch, complementing the creamy interior.
In shallow dishes, place the flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, then dip it in the egg wash, and finally coat it thoroughly in the panko breadcrumbs. Ensure every surface is evenly coated for a beautifully golden and crispy result. This step requires patience, but the results are well worth it.
Baking to Perfection
: The Grand Finale
The final act in our Deliciously Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu culinary drama is baking. This step will transform our carefully assembled pieces into a delicious masterpiece, ready to be devoured!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the breaded chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. The aroma alone will drive your family wild!
Serving Your Masterpiece
: A Culinary Celebration
Once baked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. You can serve your Deliciously Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu with a side of roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or even mashed potatoes. Either way, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this culinary triumph!
Conclusion for Deliciously Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
This Deliciously Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe offers a delightful twist on a classic dish, all while remaining completely free of pork and animal products. The creamy sauce, achieved with clever plant-based alternatives, adds a decadent touch, making this a truly satisfying and memorable meal. Whether you’re prepping for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe provides a delicious and accessible way to enjoy a gourmet-style dish without compromising on taste or ethical considerations. So ditch the pork and embrace the creamy chicken goodness!
Print
Deliciously Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
Delicious deliciously creamy chicken cordon bleu recipe recipe with detailed instructions and nutritional information.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices of deli ham
- 8 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups bread crumbs (panko recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Step 1: Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally almost all the way through, creating a pocket. Place 2 slices of ham and 2 slices of Swiss cheese inside each chicken breast pocket. Secure with toothpicks.
- Step 2: In three shallow dishes, place the flour, beaten eggs, and bread crumbs separately. Season the flour with salt and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, then the egg, and finally the bread crumbs, ensuring it's fully coated.
- Step 3: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Step 4: Pour off excess butter from the skillet, leaving about 2 tablespoons behind. Add the heavy cream and Dijon mustard to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Step 5: Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them in the creamy sauce. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to fully coat the chicken.
- Step 6: Remove toothpicks and serve immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Store leftover cordon bleu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in a low oven (300°F) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through, to prevent the chicken from drying out.
- Serve this creamy cordon bleu with a side of roasted asparagus or a vibrant green salad for a balanced and delicious meal.
- For extra crispy breading, try chilling the breaded chicken breasts for 15-20 minutes before frying – this helps the breading set.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
FAQs
Can I make this Deliciously Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This recipe is fantastic for meal prepping. You can assemble the chicken cordon bleu up to a day in advance and store it, unwrapped, on a baking sheet in the refrigerator. Just remember to cover it loosely with plastic wrap before baking to prevent the coating from getting soggy. Baking time might need a slight adjustment if cooking from frozen, so keep an eye on it! Enjoy the ease of a delicious, stress-free dinner.
What can I substitute for the plant-based gelling agent in this Deliciously Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe?
While agar-agar works wonders for creating that wonderfully creamy texture, you can experiment with other plant-based alternatives if needed! Pectin or carrageenan could provide similar results, although you might need to adjust the quantity slightly depending on the specific brand and type you use. Always check the package instructions for best results. Remember to thoroughly dissolve your chosen gelling agent for a smooth, consistent sauce.
Is this Deliciously Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes indeed! Once the chicken cordon bleu has cooled completely, you can wrap it tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for extra protection. Frozen chicken cordon bleu can be stored for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed, or bake it from frozen adding extra time to your baking instructions, to ensure it’s cooked through.
My kids are picky eaters – will they like this Deliciously Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe?
Even the fussiest eaters might surprise you with this one! The creamy, cheesy sauce is a crowd-pleaser, and the combination of tender chicken and ham-like texture of the turkey makes it incredibly appealing. You can always serve it with sides that your children enjoy, like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, to make it an even more complete and enjoyable meal. Remember, presentation can also make a big difference!