If you’re craving something classic yet show-stoppingly delicious, Chicken Cordon Bleu with Sauce is the answer to your dinner dreams! This dish combines tender chicken breast, paper-thin ham, and oozy Swiss cheese, all wrapped in a crispy breadcrumb coating, then finished with a creamy Dijon sauce that takes everything over the top. Whether you’re planning a family feast or need a foolproof meal for company, this recipe promises flavor, comfort, and pure joy in every bite.

Chicken Cordon Bleu with Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chicken Cordon Bleu with Sauce lies in its simplicity—just a few humble components create magic together. Every ingredient brings something special, so don’t skip any part for that perfect bite of savory, melty, crispy goodness!

Chicken breasts: Pound these until thin so they’re easy to roll and cook evenly, resulting in tender, juicy meat.
Ham slices: Opt for thinly sliced, high-quality ham—this adds saltiness and a beautiful savory bite.
Swiss cheese: Authentic for this dish, Swiss cheese melts perfectly, giving you that signature gooey center.
All-purpose flour: Helps the egg adhere to the chicken, creating the perfect base for the breadcrumbs.
Eggs: Whisked eggs are essential for binding the breadcrumbs to the chicken.
Bread crumbs: Use panko for extra crunch, or traditional for a finer, classic crust.
Salt & pepper: A generous seasoning of both ensures your chicken and filling sing with flavor.
Butter: Adds richness to the sauce—a little goes a long way.
All-purpose flour (for sauce): Thickens the velvety sauce to just the right consistency.
Milk: Makes the sauce creamy without being too heavy.
Dijon mustard: Sharp and tangy, Dijon is the key flavor in the sauce—it cuts the richness beautifully.
Parmesan cheese: For nutty, complex flavor in the sauce that complements both the chicken and the crumb.

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu with Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by carefully slicing each chicken breast horizontally, but not all the way through—open it like a book. Place each one between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound gently with a meat mallet until about a quarter-inch thick. This makes the chicken much easier to roll, and ensures it cooks evenly.

Step 2: Layer Ham and Cheese

Lay a slice or two of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese over each flattened chicken breast. Leave a small border so the cheese won’t ooze out as much during baking. The delightful trio of chicken, ham, and cheese is what brings the signature comfort to Chicken Cordon Bleu with Sauce!

Step 3: Roll and Secure

Roll up each chicken breast tightly, tucking in the ends as best you can to keep the filling inside. Secure with toothpicks if necessary. This step not only looks impressive, but also ensures those beautiful layers in every slice.

Step 4: Dredge and Bread

Set up a classic breading station: one plate with flour, another with beaten eggs, and a third with breadcrumbs seasoned with salt and pepper. First, dredge the rolled chicken in flour, then dip into the egg, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs. This crunchy exterior is vital for the classic texture of Chicken Cordon Bleu with Sauce.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Arrange the breaded chicken in a baking dish. For an extra-crispy finish, drizzle with a bit of melted butter. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden, crisp, and cooked through. The aroma at this stage will have everyone rushing to the table.

Step 6: Make the Creamy Dijon Sauce

While the chicken bakes, melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook briefly, then gradually add milk, whisking to keep things smooth. Stir in Dijon mustard, a sprinkle of Parmesan, salt, and pepper. You want a pourable, silky sauce to nap over the crispy chicken—this is what elevates Chicken Cordon Bleu with Sauce into true comfort food territory.

How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu with Sauce

Garnishes

Sprinkle fresh parsley or chives over the finished dish for a pop of color and herby freshness. A few extra shavings of Parmesan or a dusting of black pepper are also lovely finishing touches that make Chicken Cordon Bleu with Sauce look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Serve your Chicken Cordon Bleu with Sauce alongside buttery mashed potatoes, crisp green beans, or simple roasted vegetables. If you want to go lighter, a bright leafy green salad with a citrus vinaigrette is refreshing and balances the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a sophisticated touch, slice each roulade into rounds so the spiral of ham and cheese is visible. Arrange on a platter, drizzle with sauce, and scatter with microgreens or edible flowers for a showstopper effect at your next dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu with Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to three days, making it a fabulous candidate for next-day lunches.

Freezing

You can prepare and assemble the stuffed, breaded chicken earlier, then freeze before baking. Just wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen for 40-45 minutes, adding the sauce fresh before serving.

Reheating

To retain the crispiness, reheat leftover chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes. Gently reheat the sauce separately on the stovetop over low heat, whisking so it stays silky and smooth. Pour the warmed sauce over the chicken right before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese inside Chicken Cordon Bleu with Sauce?

Absolutely! Swiss cheese is traditional, but Gouda, mozzarella, or even Gruyere are delicious options. Use whatever melts well and complements your preference.

Is it possible to make Chicken Cordon Bleu with Sauce gluten-free?

Yes—you can substitute gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for the dredging and coating steps, and use cornflour or another gluten-free thickener in the sauce.

What’s the best way to keep the cheese from leaking out during baking?

Try to keep the cheese away from the very edge when rolling up the chicken, and seal the ends as tightly as possible. Secure the roll with toothpicks to keep everything tucked in while it bakes.

Can I prepare Chicken Cordon Bleu with Sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the chicken rolls and keep them in the fridge up to a day in advance. When guests arrive, just bake and make the sauce fresh for a stress-free dinner.

What should I do if my sauce is too thick or too thin?

If your sauce is a bit thick, whisk in a splash of milk to loosen it. If it’s too thin, keep stirring gently over low heat until it reaches your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about Chicken Cordon Bleu with Sauce—it’s comforting, elegant, and sure to impress anyone at your table. I hope you’ll try this recipe, have fun with it, and make it your own favorite special occasion (or weeknight!) showpiece.