Oh my goodness, let me just tell you about my absolute favorite dish to whip up—Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu with a Creamy Twist! It’s like a warm hug on a plate and always impresses at dinner parties or even just a casual weeknight meal. I can’t quite pinpoint the moment I fell head over heels for this dish, but I clearly remember the first time I made it for my family. The look on their faces as they took that first bite? Priceless. Crispy, golden chicken wrapped around savory ham and gooey Swiss cheese, drizzled with a dreamy creamy sauce—it’s a total showstopper!
The best part? It’s easier to make than you might think! Sure, it looks fancy and tastes like something you’d get at a restaurant, but it can totally be a fun family activity too. My kids always love getting involved, especially when it comes to the breading station—who doesn’t love getting a little messy, right? Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special!
What’s in Mouthwatering Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu with a Creamy Twist?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show! They are lean, versatile, and cook up beautifully when rolled with all those delicious fillings.
Ham: I prefer thinly sliced ham; it wraps around the chicken perfectly. Plus, the savory flavor is what makes this dish classic Cordon Bleu.
Swiss cheese: Creamy and simply delicious. It melts so well and pairs beautifully with ham and chicken—it’s hard to resist!
All-purpose flour: This is essential for the breading process; it helps the egg and breadcrumbs stick to the chicken beautifully.
Eggs: Beaten and ready to coat the chicken after dredging in flour—think of it as the glue that brings everything together.
Breadcrumbs (preferably panko): For that ultimate crunch factor! Panko breadcrumbs give an extra crispy texture that you just can’t beat.
Garlic powder and onion powder: Essential seasonings that make everything taste better! It’s amazing how these simple spices can elevate the flavor profile.
Salt and pepper: Simple but necessary; seasoning our chicken is key!
Olive oil: For frying, of course! I like to use extra virgin for that wonderful flavor.
Heavy cream: This is what makes our sauce rich and creamy. You can stare at it longingly; it’s just that delightful.
Chicken broth: Adds depth to our sauce, making it silky smooth.
Dijon mustard: A splash of tanginess that rounds out the creamy sauce perfectly.
Fresh parsley: It’s not just for decoration, though it definitely looks pretty! It adds a pop of freshness to your dish.
Is Mouthwatering Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu with a Creamy Twist Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about how this dish fits into our culinary adventures in the kitchen. While Mouthwatering Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu isn’t exactly a “diet food,” it does offer some benefits.
Chicken: A fantastic source of protein, which is essential for muscle building and keeping you full!
Ham: While it adds flavor, it’s worth noting to keep an eye on sodium levels. Just make sure to choose a quality ham without too many additives.
Heavy cream: Great for a little indulgence, but it’s definitely rich! You could opt for half-and-half or a lighter blend if you prefer.
Eating in moderation is key, along with balancing this meal with fresh veggies or a side salad to brighten things up. Remember, it’s all about balance and enjoying the delicious flavors as they come!
Ingredients List
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 8 slices of ham (preferably thinly sliced)
– 8 slices of Swiss cheese
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for frying
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
This recipe generously serves about 4 people, or more if you want to call it an appetizer—just saying!
How to Make Mouthwatering Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu with a Creamy Twist?
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to about 1/2 inch thick. Trust me, it works wonders!
3. Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
4. Lay two slices of ham and two slices of Swiss cheese on top of each chicken breast. Roll the chicken tightly around the filling and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
5. Set up a breading station: Place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs in a third dish.
6. Dredge each chicken roll in flour, dip in the egg, and then coat with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. This is the fun part—get those hands messy!
7. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken rolls and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
8. Once browned, transfer the chicken rolls to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
9. While the chicken is baking, prepare the creamy sauce. In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, chicken broth, and Dijon mustard over medium heat. Whisk until warmed and slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Remove the chicken from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice into rounds. Serve drizzled with the creamy sauce and garnish with chopped parsley.
Enjoy your delicious crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu with a creamy twist!
Serving Tips and Variations: Make It Your Own!
Feel free to get creative! You could swap out the Swiss cheese for cheddar or even add some spinach for an extra veggie boost. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a colorful plate. And don’t even get me started on leftovers—try slicing it up and tossing it into a pasta salad or sandwich for lunch the next day; you won’t regret it!
I hope you give this recipe a try! It’s such a crowd-pleaser, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Happy cooking!
