There's nothing quite like the indulgent flavors of a Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu to elevate your dinner table. This dish takes the classic combination of tender chicken, savory ham, and melted cheese and adds a luscious creamy sauce to create a restaurant-worthy meal you can enjoy at home.

I discovered this recipe while looking for a way to jazz up weeknight dinners without spending hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it quickly became a family favorite. Let’s dive in and see why this recipe will be your new go-to for special occasions or casual dinners alike.

Why You'll Love This Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu

Get ready to savor a dish that’s as impressive as it is easy to prepare. This Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu is a delightful blend of elegance and comfort, making it perfect for any occasion.

First, it’s a time-saver. While the classic version often involves breading and frying, this streamlined recipe skips those steps without sacrificing flavor. You can have it ready in under an hour, making it ideal for busy nights.

Next, the flavors are truly indulgent. Juicy chicken breasts are paired with smoky ham and gooey Swiss cheese, then draped in a rich, creamy sauce that ties everything together beautifully.

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it with various sides, from buttered pasta to roasted vegetables, ensuring it fits seamlessly into your meal plan.

Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're cooking for picky eaters or impressing dinner guests, this dish guarantees smiles all around.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one is carefully selected to balance and enhance the flavors.

Chicken breasts are the star of this dish. Opt for boneless, skinless pieces for the best results. Be sure to pound them evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.

Ham adds a smoky, salty contrast to the mild chicken. Thinly sliced deli ham works perfectly, but feel free to use leftover holiday ham if you have it on hand.

Swiss cheese provides that signature creaminess and tang. You can substitute it with Gruyère or provolone if you prefer.

The sauce combines heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and a touch of garlic for a velvety, flavorful finish. If you’d like a lighter option, you can use half-and-half instead of cream.

To complete the dish, you’ll need butter, olive oil, and chicken broth, which help create a rich base for the sauce while keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.

No special equipment is required, just a good-quality skillet and a baking dish to assemble and finish the dish in the oven.

How To Make This Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu

Creating this Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu is a simple process that yields impressive results. Here’s how to bring it all together.

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it heats, prepare your chicken by placing each breast between sheets of plastic wrap and pounding them to about ½-inch thickness. This step ensures even cooking and makes rolling easier.

Next, lay the chicken breasts flat and layer each one with a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese. Roll the chicken tightly around the filling and secure it with toothpicks or kitchen twine.

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a mix of butter and olive oil. Sear the rolled chicken on all sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Once seared, transfer the chicken to a baking dish.

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Stir in the chicken broth and Dijon mustard, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens slightly.

Pour the sauce over the chicken in the baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes.

Storage Options

Got leftovers? No problem! This dish stores well, so you can enjoy it again later.

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Be sure to include any extra sauce, as it keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.

For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it on medium power, stirring the sauce occasionally to prevent separation.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to get creative with ingredients.

For a lower-carb option, swap out the ham and cheese for spinach and mushrooms to create a lighter version.

Prefer a crispy exterior? Dredge the chicken rolls in flour or breadcrumbs before searing for a golden crust that adds texture.

If you’re short on time, skip rolling the chicken and layer the ham, cheese, and sauce over whole chicken breasts instead.

For added flavor, try incorporating herbs like thyme or rosemary into the sauce, or sprinkle the finished dish with chopped parsley for a pop of freshness.

Don’t have Swiss cheese? Cheddar or mozzarella will work in a pinch, offering a slightly different but equally delicious result.

Cooking is all about making recipes your own, so feel free to experiment and tailor this dish to your taste. Enjoy!