Hello, I’m Sam.
Since retiring, I’ve come to appreciate meals that feel comforting without being complicated. This classic Chicken Cordon Bleu is one of those reliable recipes, tender chicken, melty cheese, and a golden crust that feels restaurant-worthy but stays calm and easy at home. The creamy mustard sauce adds just enough richness without being fussy. For other cozy meals, you might enjoy my Cheesy Chicken Potato Casserole or Creamy Cheddar Potato Chowder, both warm, simple favorites from my kitchen.
Why This Recipe Works
- Crispy outside, tender inside
- Easy steps with simple pantry ingredients
- Classic flavor combination of ham and Swiss cheese
- Homemade mustard cream sauce adds cozy richness
- Baked or pan-fried options
- Great for make-ahead dinners
- Tastes restaurant-quality without the stress
Ingredient Breakdown
Chicken Breasts:
Boneless and skinless, pounded thin for even cooking and easy rolling.
Ham Slices:
Adds savory depth and balances the creaminess. Deli ham works well.
Swiss Cheese:
Melts beautifully and gives that classic cordon bleu flavor. You can swap with provolone if you prefer milder cheese.
Breadcrumbs & Flour:
Create the crisp coating. Use Panko for extra crunch or regular breadcrumbs for a softer crust.
Eggs:
Help the coating stick and brown nicely in the oven or skillet.
Butter & Olive Oil:
A mix ensures golden color and flavor while preventing dryness.
Creamy Mustard Sauce:
Made from Dijon mustard, cream, and a hint of garlic, smooth, tangy, and perfectly balanced with the crispy chicken.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
- Prep the Chicken
Slice each chicken breast horizontally and pound gently between two sheets of parchment until about ¼ inch thick. - Add Filling
Layer a slice of ham and Swiss cheese over each piece of chicken. Roll tightly and secure with toothpicks. - Coat the Chicken
Dredge each roll in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs. Press gently to help the crumbs stick. - Sear or Bake
Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown each roll on all sides, then transfer to a baking dish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, until cooked through. - Make the Creamy Mustard Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt butter, add garlic, and cook for 30 seconds. Whisk in cream, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Simmer gently until thickened, about 5 minutes. - Serve
Slice the chicken rolls and drizzle with warm mustard sauce. Sprinkle with parsley if you’d like a fresh touch.
Tips & Helpful Notes
- Don’t skip pounding: It helps the chicken cook evenly.
- Secure the rolls tightly: Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to prevent unrolling.
- For extra crunch: Bake on a wire rack set over a sheet pan.
- Make ahead: Prep and refrigerate rolls up to 24 hours before baking.
- Lighten it up: Use Greek yogurt in place of heavy cream for the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that balance its rich flavors. Try serving with:
- Creamy Cheddar Potato Chowder – when you want a cozy, filling dinner.
- Cheesy Kielbasa Potato Skillet – for a hearty meal night.
- Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies – for a sweet finish that feels homemade.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes.
Store sauce separately and reheat over low heat with a splash of cream to restore texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken tenders instead of breasts?
Yes, just roll smaller portions and reduce the baking time slightly.
2. Can I bake instead of pan-fry?
Absolutely! Brush with olive oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes until golden.
3. What cheese works best?
Swiss is classic, but provolone or mozzarella melt beautifully too.
4. Can I freeze them?
Freeze unbaked rolls, wrapped tightly, up to 2 months. Thaw before baking.
Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu with Creamy Mustard Sauce – Simple & Elegant
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu filled with ham and Swiss cheese, topped with creamy mustard sauce, comforting, elegant, and easy to make.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 slices ham
4 slices Swiss cheese
1/2 cup flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper
For the mustard sauce:
2 tbsp butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Pound chicken thin and layer ham and cheese on top.
3. Roll tightly and secure with toothpicks.
4. Coat in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.
5. Sear in butter and oil until golden.
6. Bake 20–25 minutes until cooked through.
7. For sauce, melt butter, add garlic, stir in cream and mustard, simmer 5 minutes.
8. Slice chicken and serve with sauce drizzled on top.
Notes
Use Panko for extra crunch.
Make ahead and refrigerate unbaked rolls for 24 hours.
Reheat sauce gently with a splash of cream if thickened.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked or Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: French / European
Conclusion
Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu is one of those calm, steady recipes that always impresses without the rush. The crisp coating, warm ham, and melty cheese wrapped inside tender chicken feel timeless. The creamy mustard sauce brings everything together with a smooth, cozy touch. It’s the kind of dinner that feels special, yet still simple enough to make any night of the week.