A decadent twist on a beloved classic, this Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce features tender, juicy chicken breasts rolled around savory slices of turkey and melty Swiss cheese, all encased in a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust. I finish it off with a creamy Swiss cheese sauce that makes every bite irresistibly rich and comforting. It’s a show-stopping meal perfect for special occasions or a fancy family dinner at home.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 slices deli‑style turkey
4 slices Swiss cheese
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
2 large eggs
1 cup all‑purpose flour
½ cup milk
4 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Then, I place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to about ½ inch thick.
On each flattened breast, I lay two slices of turkey and one slice of Swiss cheese. I roll them tightly and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
Then I set up a breading station: seasoned flour in one dish, egg and milk beaten together in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder in the third.
I dredge each roll in flour, dip in the egg mixture, and coat evenly with breadcrumbs, pressing gently so they stick.
In a skillet, I melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat and cook the rolls for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. I do this in batches if needed.
I transfer the browned rolls to a baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C).
While baking, I make the Swiss cheese sauce: melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan, whisk in 1 tablespoon of flour and cook for 1 minute. I gradually whisk in the milk until thickened, then stir in the Swiss cheese until smooth. Season to taste.
Once baked, I let the chicken rest a few minutes, slice into rounds, drizzle with cheese sauce, and serve hot.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Calories: ~450 kcal per serving
Variations
I sometimes swap the turkey for ham to stay closer to the traditional version. For a smoky twist, I use smoked gouda instead of Swiss cheese. I’ve also tried adding a touch of Dijon mustard inside the roll for an extra layer of flavor. For a gluten-free option, I substitute the flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions, and it still turns out great.
Storage/Reheating
To store leftovers, I place the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I keep the cheese sauce in a separate container. For reheating, I use the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes to maintain the crispy coating. I reheat the cheese sauce gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed to thin it out.
FAQs
How do I keep the chicken from unrolling during cooking?
I make sure to roll the chicken tightly and secure it with toothpicks or kitchen twine. Chilling the rolls for 15 minutes before breading can also help them hold their shape.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, I often assemble and bread the chicken rolls a few hours in advance, store them in the fridge, and then cook just before serving. The sauce is best made fresh.
What can I serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu?
I like to serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a light green salad. The cheese sauce pairs beautifully with most sides.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
While chicken breasts are traditional for this recipe, I’ve tried boneless, skinless thighs. They’re more tender but harder to roll, so I pound them thin and use extra twine to secure.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
I always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer to ensure it’s safe and juicy inside.
Conclusion
Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce is a timeless comfort dish with an elegant touch. I love how the flavors come together—from the tender meat to the melty cheese and crispy coating, all finished with a rich and creamy sauce. It’s the kind of recipe that never fails to impress and brings warmth to any dinner table.
Recipe:
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Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A decadent twist on a beloved classic, this Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce features juicy chicken breasts rolled with savory turkey and Swiss cheese, coated in crispy breadcrumbs and topped with a rich, creamy Swiss cheese sauce.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 slices deli‑style turkey
4 slices Swiss cheese
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
2 large eggs
1 cup all‑purpose flour
½ cup milk
4 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for sauce)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound to about ½ inch thick.
- Layer two slices of turkey and one slice of Swiss cheese on each flattened chicken breast. Roll tightly and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- Set up a breading station with seasoned flour in one dish, beaten eggs and milk in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder in a third.
- Dredge each roll in flour, dip in the egg mixture, then coat with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken rolls for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Cook in batches if needed.
- Transfer browned rolls to a baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- While baking, make the Swiss cheese sauce: melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan, whisk in 1 tablespoon of flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in ½ cup milk until thickened, then stir in Swiss cheese until smooth. Season to taste.
- Let chicken rest a few minutes after baking. Slice into rounds, drizzle with cheese sauce, and serve hot.
Notes
Chill rolled chicken for 15 minutes before breading to help hold shape.
Ham can be substituted for turkey for a traditional variation.
Use smoked gouda instead of Swiss for a smoky flavor twist.
Add Dijon mustard inside the roll for extra flavor.
For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
Store leftovers in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Reheat chicken in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes; reheat sauce gently with a splash of milk if needed.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast roll with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
