If you have ever wanted to impress your loved ones with a dish that feels both luxurious and comfortingly familiar, this Oven-Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu with Creamy Dijon Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. This classic French-inspired meal brings together tender chicken breasts wrapped around savory ham and Swiss cheese, all baked to golden perfection. The crowning glory is the smooth, tangy, and rich creamy Dijon sauce that ties every bite together. It’s a recipe that balances elegance with approachability, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Oven-Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu with Creamy Dijon Sauce Recipe lies in its straightforward but carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays an important role—from the thinly pounded chicken that ensures every bite is juicy and tender, to the crisp Panko breadcrumbs that add an irresistible crunch, and the rich, creamy Dijon sauce that elevates the entire dish.
- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These are the perfect canvas for stuffing and rolling, providing lean and tender protein.
- 4 slices ham: Adds a salty, smoky layer that complements the cheese beautifully.
- 4 slices Swiss cheese: Melts into ooey-gooey goodness inside the chicken rolls.
- 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs: Crisp, light breadcrumbs create a delightful crunchy coating.
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning: Offers a subtle herby flavor for extra depth.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Infuses a gentle sweetness and savoriness.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, aromatic punch.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential to enhance all the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper: Provides a mild heat and complexity.
- ½ cup butter, melted: Helps the breadcrumbs adhere and browns them perfectly.
- ¼ cup butter: Used in making the luscious creamy Dijon sauce.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to a silky texture.
- ¾ cup milk: Creates the creamy base for the sauce.
- ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard: Gives the sauce that distinctive tang and sharpness.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth and complexity.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Finishes seasoning the sauce perfectly.
How to Make Oven-Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu with Creamy Dijon Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s hot and ready when you finish prepping the chicken. Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the middle without cutting all the way through, then open each breast like a book. This technique not only helps the chicken cook evenly but creates a roomy pocket for the ham and cheese filling. Next, place each flattened breast between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until the chicken is thin and even in thickness. A light sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked pepper over the chicken prepares it to be layered and rolled.
Step 2: Fill and Roll Chicken
Now comes the fun part—assembling your chicken cordon bleu. Place a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on each flattened chicken breast. Carefully roll the chicken breasts up tightly around the filling to keep everything snug inside. These rolled pockets will lock in moisture and flavor during baking.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Creating the perfect crispy crust is easy but requires your attention to detail. Combine Panko breadcrumbs with Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl for the flavorful breading mix. Set up your breading station: one bowl with melted butter and another with the breadcrumb mixture. Dip each chicken roll first in butter, then coat thoroughly with the seasoned breadcrumbs. This dual step helps achieve a beautifully golden and crunchy crust when baked. Lay the breaded rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ready for the oven.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Bake the prepared chicken rolls in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This guarantees juicy chicken cooked through with a perfectly crispy exterior. The kitchen will start to smell wonderfully savory as the crust browns and the cheese melts inside.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Dijon Sauce
While your chicken bakes, it’s time to prepare the luscious sauce that truly makes this dish memorable. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat and whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens and becomes velvety. Stir in Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce, finishing with a sprinkling of salt to bring out all the flavors. This creamy Dijon sauce offers the perfect tangy, rich partner to the savory chicken rolls.
Step 6: Serve
When your chicken rolls come out golden and delicious, spoon the warm creamy Dijon sauce generously over the top. Each bite combines the crispy crust, melty cheese, flavorful ham, tender chicken, and that dreamy sauce, creating an unforgettable experience.
How to Serve Oven-Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu with Creamy Dijon Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or chives add a bright pop of green that visually enlivens the plate. A few lemon wedges on the side also help cut through the richness of the dish, offering a fresh burst of acidity.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides to balance its richness. Steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a fresh garden salad make excellent companions. For a heartier option, creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice pilaf soak up the sauce beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the chicken rolls diagonally to showcase the ham and cheese swirl when plating. Drizzle the creamy Dijon sauce artistically over each slice for a restaurant-quality look. Serving on a wooden board with rustic bread and colorful vegetables can make your meal feel extra special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate any leftover chicken rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the creamy Dijon sauce separate to maintain its texture and reheat the two components individually for the best result.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for later, wrap each breaded chicken roll tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking to enjoy fresh-baked flavors.
Reheating
The best way to reheat leftovers and keep the crust crispy is to bake them in a preheated 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Gently reheat the creamy Dijon sauce on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid separation.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses in this Oven-Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu with Creamy Dijon Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is traditional and melts beautifully, Gruyere or mozzarella can be wonderful substitutes for a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.
Is it necessary to pound the chicken breasts thin?
Yes, pounding the chicken breasts ensures even cooking and makes rolling easier. It also helps create a delicate texture so the layers meld together perfectly.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely, the creamy Dijon sauce can be made a day in advance and refrigerated. Reheat gently on the stove and whisk to revive its smooth consistency before serving.
What if I don’t have Panko breadcrumbs?
You can substitute regular breadcrumbs, but Panko is preferred for its light, airy texture that crisps up beautifully. You might want to toast regular breadcrumbs slightly for a crunchier coating.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, this recipe contains gluten due to the breadcrumbs and flour. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free Panko and a gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Oven-Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu with Creamy Dijon Sauce Recipe is such a wonderful dish to have in your culinary repertoire. It feels fancy enough for special dinners but comes together with easily found ingredients and simple steps. The blend of crispy, cheesy, and saucy flavors is comforting and impressive all at once—trust me, your kitchen (and guests) will thank you! Give this recipe a try and watch it become a cherished favorite in your home.
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Oven-Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu with Creamy Dijon Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu features tender chicken breasts stuffed with savory ham and melted Swiss cheese, breaded with seasoned panko, baked to golden perfection, and served with a rich Dijon mustard cream sauce. This elegant yet easy-to-make dish is ideal for a comforting dinner that impresses.
Ingredients
Chicken and Filling
- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices ham
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
Breading
- 1 ½ cups Panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ½ cup butter, melted
Sauce
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup milk
- ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Chicken: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the middle without cutting all the way through, then open it like a book. Place each breast between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until an even thin layer is achieved. Season both sides lightly with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Fill and Roll Chicken: Lay one slice of ham and one slice of Swiss cheese on each flattened chicken breast. Carefully roll up the chicken breasts tightly to encase the filling completely.
- Bread Chicken: In a shallow bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set up a breading station with one bowl of melted butter and one bowl with the breadcrumb mixture. Dip each chicken roll in the melted butter, then coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Place the breaded chicken rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the breaded chicken rolls in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is golden brown.
- Make Sauce: Meanwhile, melt ¼ cup butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk to avoid lumps, then stir until the sauce thickens. Add Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and salt; whisk until smooth and heated through.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy mustard sauce generously over the baked Chicken Cordon Bleu rolls and serve immediately for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- Make sure not to over-pound the chicken breasts; they should be thin but not torn.
- Internal temperature of the chicken must reach 165°F to ensure it’s safe to eat.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes after baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- The sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
- Use freshly grated Swiss cheese for a better melt and flavor.
- Leftovers can be cooled and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
