Chicken Cordon Bleu with Dijon Cream Sauce

Why You’ll Love It!

Welcome back! Today, we’re diving into the classic and exquisite world of Chicken Cordon Bleu with a Dijon Cream Sauce. This dish combines the elegance of French cuisine with the hearty satisfaction of a homemade meal. Imagine tender chicken breasts, wrapped around slices of succulent ham and melted cheese, then breaded and baked to golden perfection. Topped off with a creamy Dijon mustard sauce, this dish is a true culinary delight!

The term “Cordon Bleu” translates to “Blue Ribbon” in French, signifying a dish of high distinction. While the exact origins of Chicken Cordon Bleu are a bit murky, it is widely believed to have been inspired by traditional Swiss and French recipes. Historically, “cordon bleu” referred to an award given to chefs of outstanding culinary talent in France. By the 20th century, the name began to be associated with this particular poultry dish, which combines influences from Swiss schnitzels and French techniques. It’s a recipe that celebrates the decadence and complexity of classic European cooking, made accessible for home kitchens around the world.

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What’s Needed

Before we embark on this delicious culinary journey, let’s gather up all the necessary ingredients and tools to make Chicken Cordon Bleu with a Dijon Cream Sauce.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (split horizontally into 4 cutlets)
• 8 slices of Swiss cheese
• 8 slices of ham (preferably thinly sliced deli ham)
• 1/2 teaspoon all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (I used whole wheat panko)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Dijon Cream Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Tools

• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Meat mallet or rolling pin
• Two shallow bowls for breading
• Baking sheet with rack
• Whisk
• Saucepan
• Measuring spoons and cups

Getting Started

Now that you have everything at hand, let’s get started on preparing your Chicken Cordon Bleu with Dijon Cream Sauce.

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a cutting board, lay each chicken breast and slice horizontally to make two thin cutlets. Afterward, lay a piece of plastic wrap over the top. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. This ensures they cook evenly and makes them easier to roll.

Step 2: Assemble the Cordon Bleu

Place two slices of Swiss cheese inside two slices of ham and fold the edges of the ham in and roll the meat and cheese into a log. From here, add the roll on top of each chicken breast. Roll the chicken tightly, starting from the edges, fold in the sides like you did with the ham and roll the chicken into a log. Finally, wrap the chicken in a new sheet of plastic wrap and wrap tightly. From here we will want to refrigerate the rolled up chicken for about 30 minutes so that it holds its shape better when breading.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Set up a breading station with two shallow plates. In the first bowl, place the flour and egg mixture and whisk together along with some salt and pepper to taste. The second bowl will contain the panko. Dredge each chicken roll first in flour egg mixture, then in the panko, ensuring an even coating. Place on a wire rack on top of a baking sheet to ensure there is good air circulation around the chicken.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

Spritz the chicken with olive oil to help brown and form a nice crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). While the chicken is baking, you can prepare the luscious Dijon cream sauce.

Finishing Touches

The final elements bring everything together, turning this meal from great to extraordinary.

Step 6: Prepare the Dijon Cream Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of flour and whisk continuously to create a roux, cooking for about 1 minute until it’s lightly golden. Afterwards, slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Finally, add the Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and stir until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Serve

To serve, place each Chicken Cordon Bleu roll on a plate and generously spoon the Dijon cream sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley if you’d like an added touch of color and flavor.

Final Thoughts

You’re going to fall in love with this Chicken Cordon Bleu for so many reasons. First, the flavors are simply sublime. The combination of tender chicken, savory ham, gooey melted Swiss cheese, and the rich, tangy Dijon cream sauce is a match made in culinary heaven. Secondly, while it sounds and looks impressive, this dish is quite approachable and achievable in a home kitchen. Moreover, it’s versatile, perfect for a fancy dinner party or a comforting family meal.

Chicken Cordon Bleu with Dijon Cream Sauce is not just a dish; it’s an experience. From the careful preparation of each chicken roll to the final drizzle of decadent sauce, every step is a testament to the art of cooking. Share this exquisite meal with loved ones and savor the rich history and tradition it brings to your table.

Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this Chicken Cordon Bleu is sure to impress and satisfy. It embodies the elegance of French cooking with a hearty twist that appeals universally. Plus, the Dijon cream sauce is a delightful addition that elevates the dish to new heights.