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Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce Recipe

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Start Here: Cozy Cravings with Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that feels fancy but comes together like a home-cooked hug, then you’re in for a treat with this Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce Recipe. This classic French-inspired comfort food has been one of my go-to weeknight dinner heroes—simple enough to whip up after work but also impressive enough to serve guests without breaking a sweat. I love how the melty Swiss cheese and savory turkey wrapped inside tender chicken breasts create this amazing flavor combination that sings in every bite. You’ll enjoy how the crispy breadcrumb crust adds just the right crunch, while the silky Swiss cheese sauce ties everything together with a creamy, dreamy finish. This recipe has a bit of everything: sizzle from the skillet, fragrance of garlic in the breading, and a golden glow from the oven. It’s such a satisfying meal anytime you want to feel like a dinner champ! Plus, it’s super flexible—perfect for family dinners, date nights, or whenever you want to impress without stress. Ready to dive in? Let’s amp up the flavor a little more with some ideas that will make your Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce Recipe truly pop!

✧ Flavor Boost Ideas

  • Citrus Lift: Add a bright splash of lemon or orange juice.
  • Spice Spark: Sprinkle in chili flakes or smoked paprika.
  • Herb Pop: Finish with chopped parsley, basil, or mint.
  • Crunch Factor: Add toasted nuts or seeds for texture.

Prep Like a Pro

Before you get cooking, I like to set up my station so everything flows easily—like a mini assembly line in the kitchen. This mise en place approach saves time and frustration when you’re rolling chicken and dredging in flour and breadcrumbs. Trust me, thinking through the steps beforehand means you won’t be scrambling to find ingredients mid-recipe.
  • A set of plastic wrap sheets for pounding the chicken evenly
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Three shallow bowls for flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb mix
  • Large skillet for browning the chicken rolls
  • Baking dish for oven finishing
  • Meat thermometer to check doneness
  • Whisk and saucepan for the luscious Swiss cheese sauce

⏱ Prep Tips & Time Savers

Smart shortcuts and do-ahead steps to keep cooking smooth and quick.

Gather Your Ingredients

Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image
To make this Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce Recipe come out perfectly, getting your ingredients measured and ready is key. Accuracy helps keep the balance just right—especially with the sauce and breading components. Here’s your quick shopping list, without the fuss of exact amounts so you can focus on freshness and quality:
  • Chicken breasts – boneless and skinless, tender and uniform size
  • Deli-style turkey slices – mild and thinly sliced for easy rolling
  • Swiss cheese slices – creamy and melt-worthy
  • Panko breadcrumbs – for crispy crunchy coating
  • Large eggs – for binding the breading
  • All-purpose flour – helps the coating stick
  • Milk – to enrich the egg wash
  • Butter – for cooking and the sauce base
  • Garlic powder – a little seasoning punch
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper – to taste
If you don’t have turkey, ham is a great swap for that smoky edge, and you can use mozzarella or Gruyère instead of Swiss cheese for different textures and flavors. For breadcrumbs, regular fine style works, but I really love panko for that extra crunch.

Step-by-Step to Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce Recipe Bliss

Now for the fun part! Follow along each step carefully, and you’ll have golden, melty, and utterly delicious chicken rolls that feel like a special treat without all the fuss. Ready to get sizzling?
  1. Preheat and Prep: Get your oven ready at 375°F (190°C). While it heats, place each chicken breast between two plastic wrap sheets and gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin to about ½ inch thickness. This helps with even cooking and tender texture.
  2. Roll It Up: Lay two turkey slices and one Swiss cheese slice on top of each flattened chicken breast. Roll them up snugly from one end to the other, securing each with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep everything intact while cooking.
  3. Set Up Your Breading Station: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with eggs beaten together with milk, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder. This makes the coating process quick and mess-free.
  4. Coat the Rolls: Coat each chicken roll first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg mixture, letting it drip off, and finally roll in seasoned breadcrumbs until fully covered. This triple-step breading creates that satisfying crunch you’re aiming for.
  5. Sear for Golden Perfection: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken rolls and cook about 4-5 minutes per side until they’re beautifully golden brown and the aroma fills your kitchen.
  6. Bake Until Juicy: Transfer the browned rolls carefully to a baking dish and pop them in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) — juicy and safe!
  7. Make the Swiss Cheese Sauce: While the chicken bakes, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in an equal amount of flour to form a roux, cooking it gently for a minute. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly until smooth. Stir in shredded Swiss cheese until melted and creamy. This sauce will be the crowning glory of your dish.
  8. Serve with Style: Once the chicken rolls are out of the oven and toothpicks removed, drizzle them generously with the warm Swiss cheese sauce. The sauce’s dreamy texture and flavor are the perfect finishing touch.

Serve & Savor

Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image
Presenting this Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce Recipe at your dinner table always brings a smile. The golden crisp crust with ooey-gooey melted cheese inside just begs to be eaten right away—though it cools gracefully if you need a minute or two to snap a picture! Take your time enjoying all the textures and flavors coming together. I find it’s one of those meals that turns any evening into a celebration of everyday deliciousness.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

  • Perfect Pairings: Serve with garlic mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a fresh mixed greens salad.
  • Plating Touch: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives to add color and a fresh aroma.
  • Leftover Magic: Slice and use cold in sandwiches or salads for a quick next-day lunch treat.
  • Celebration Twist: Swap turkey for prosciutto and add a drizzle of truffle oil for that fancy wow factor.

Creative Variations with Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce Recipe

  • Use ham instead of turkey for a classic, smoky flavor profile.
  • Add a layer of Dijon mustard inside before the cheese for a tangy kick.
  • Switch Swiss cheese with Gruyère or mozzarella based on your mood.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute panko with crushed gluten-free crackers or almonds.
  • Try adding fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms inside the roll for extra veggies.
  • Make a spicy cheese sauce by mixing in a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce.

Make-Ahead, Store & Reheat

  • Prep the chicken rolls, coat them, and refrigerate uncooked up to 24 hours before cooking.
  • Cooked rolls keep in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge.
  • Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to keep crust crisp.
  • Swiss cheese sauce can be kept separately refrigerated for 2-3 days; rewarm on stovetop, adding a splash of milk to loosen.
  • Freeze cooked chicken rolls wrapped well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.

Your Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce Recipe Questions Answered

  • Can I use chicken thighs? You could, but thighs are harder to flatten evenly—boneless, skinless breasts work best for rolling.
  • Is it okay not to pound the chicken? Pounding helps to cook evenly and tenderize; skipping this may result in uneven cooking.
  • How do I know when the chicken is done? Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (75°C) internal temperature; the juices should run clear.
  • Can I bake without searing first? Yes, but searing adds that golden color and flavor you’ll crave.
  • What if I don’t have Swiss cheese? Gruyère, mozzarella, or even Emmental are great melty substitutes.
Print

Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 12 reviews

This Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce is a classic dish featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with turkey and Swiss cheese, breaded and pan-seared to golden perfection, then baked to juicy finish. The meal is elevated with a creamy Swiss cheese sauce, making it perfect for a sophisticated dinner or special occasion.

  • Author: Fiona
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French-American

Ingredients

Chicken Rolls

  • 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 slices deli-style turkey
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 4 tablespoons butter (divided)

Swiss Cheese Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 slices Swiss cheese (or 1/2 cup shredded)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken rolls.
  2. Flatten chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them with a meat mallet until about 1/2 inch thick for even filling and cooking.
  3. Assemble rolls: Lay two slices of turkey and one slice of Swiss cheese on each flattened chicken breast, then roll tightly and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling inside.
  4. Set up breading station: Prepare three shallow dishes with flour, beaten eggs mixed with milk, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, salt, and pepper for coating the chicken rolls.
  5. Bread the rolls: Coat each chicken roll first in flour, then dip in the egg and milk mixture, and finally coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.
  6. Brown rolls: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the breaded chicken rolls for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown to lock in juices and add color.
  7. Bake chicken: Transfer the browned rolls to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to cook through.
  8. Prepare cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour to form a roux. Gradually add 1 cup milk while whisking until smooth and thickened. Stir in the Swiss cheese until melted and smooth.
  9. Serve: Remove toothpicks or twine from the chicken rolls and serve hot, drizzled generously with the creamy Swiss cheese sauce.

Notes

  • Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness in the breading.
  • Ensure chicken breasts are evenly pounded to cook uniformly.
  • Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee safety and juiciness.
  • Substitute turkey with ham if preferred for a traditional twist.
  • The Swiss cheese sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated.
  • For a lower fat version, use light butter or omit butter from the sauce and substitute with a low-fat milk alternative.

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