If there’s one dish that always feels special but is secretly simple enough for a satisfying weeknight dinner, it’s the Skillet Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe. This mouthwatering French-inspired favorite features juicy chicken breasts wrapped around savory ham and Swiss cheese, encrusted in a golden, crunchy panko coating, and finished with a luscious Dijon cream sauce. Every bite is the perfect medley of creamy, crispy, salty, and savory, bringing both elegance and unbeatable comfort to your table. Whether you’re trying to impress guests or treat your family, this Skillet Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish is how just a handful of simple ingredients come together to create an unforgettable meal. Each component adds its own flair, whether it’s creaminess, crunch, or a pop of color, so don’t skip any of these essentials!
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and pounded thin for faster, even cooking and easy stuffing.
- Salt and black pepper: The must-have seasonings every savory recipe needs for well-rounded flavor.
- Deli ham: Adds a deep, smoky savoriness that pairs beautifully with melty cheese.
- Swiss cheese: Melt-in-your-mouth goodness that oozes perfectly as the chicken cooks.
- All-purpose flour: Helps the egg adhere and gives an even base for the breadcrumb crust.
- Large eggs: Binds the panko to the chicken, making sure every bite is perfectly crisp.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Extra crispy breading for that irresistible golden crunch—don’t substitute regular breadcrumbs!
- Olive oil: Gives the breading flavor and helps brown the chicken beautifully in the skillet.
- Butter: Provides richness and a classic French touch, both in the skillet and for the sauce.
- Milk: Forms the creamy base of your Dijon sauce—whole milk is best for a luxurious texture.
- Dijon mustard: Brings signature tang and complexity to the cream sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a nutty, salty finish.
- Salt and black pepper (for sauce): Rounds out all the flavors, ensuring every element shines.
How to Make Skillet Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
Step 1: Pound and Season the Chicken
Start by placing each boneless, skinless chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to about 1/2-inch thickness. This step ensures even cooking and makes the chicken easy to fold. Once flattened, sprinkle both sides with a generous dash of salt and black pepper, setting the stage for delicious flavor in every bite of your Skillet Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe.
Step 2: Add Ham and Cheese, Then Fold
Lay a slice of deli ham and a slice of Swiss cheese over each chicken breast. The classic pairing is undeniably delicious here! Fold each chicken breast over, much like closing a book, to neatly encase the ham and cheese. If needed, secure the open edges with toothpicks to keep all that gooey goodness inside during cooking.
Step 3: Prepare the Breading Station
Organize your breading station: one bowl with all-purpose flour, one bowl with your beaten eggs, and a third with panko breadcrumbs. Dredge each stuffed chicken breast in flour first (shaking off excess), then dip into the eggs, letting any extra drip away, and finally press into the panko so the entire surface is coated in crispy crumbs. This triple layer is what gives the Skillet Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe its irresistible crunch.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is foaming, gently add your breaded chicken. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning just once, until the outside is crisp and beautifully browned and the inside reaches 165°F. The aroma is a sure sign you’re on the right track! Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a couple of minutes so the juices don’t escape when you cut into it.
Step 5: Make the Dijon Cream Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, whisk in the flour, and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux (the secret to ultra-smooth sauce!). Gradually whisk in the milk and continue stirring as the mixture thickens—this should take 2-3 minutes tops. Add the Dijon mustard, grated Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. This sauce is the final flourish that takes the Skillet Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe from delicious to downright swoon-worthy.
Step 6: Serve and Devour!
Slice the rested chicken and drizzle generously with the warm Dijon cream sauce. Every forkful blends the savory ham, melty cheese, and that tangy, buttery sauce. Gather round and enjoy—this is comfort food with serious style.
How to Serve Skillet Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a scatter of finely chopped chives adds a burst of color and brings freshness to the rich flavors. Lemon zest is another lovely finishing touch, giving just a hint of brightness that cuts through the creamy sauce. For a more dramatic presentation, a few extra shavings of Parmesan on top never hurt!
Side Dishes
The classic Skillet Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe is a star, so keep sides simple and bright. Creamy mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or crisp green beans work beautifully. For something lighter, a fresh arugula salad with a squeeze of lemon complements the richness perfectly. If you want a French bistro vibe, add crusty baguette slices to soak up every drop of that dreamy Dijon sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try slicing the chicken into rounds and arranging them fan-style on a large platter with sauce on the side. Or, serve each piece whole for classic homestyle appeal. If you’re making this Skillet Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe for a buffet, consider slicing into smaller pieces and serving with toothpicks for an elegant appetizer. Small touches like colorful microgreens or edible flowers elevate the look in a flash.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have a few pieces left from your Skillet Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe feast? Cool the chicken completely, wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate in an airtight container. The separated Dijon cream sauce can be covered and kept cold as well. Both will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making excellent leftovers for lunch or easy dinners.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze cooked chicken cordon bleu (without the sauce) for up to 2 months. Cool the cutlets completely, wrap individually, and seal in a freezer bag or airtight container. The cream sauce is best made fresh, but you can freeze it for convenience; just know it may separate slightly—simply whisk as it reheats to bring it back together.
Reheating
To reheat the chicken, place it on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through and the panko is crispy again, about 10-15 minutes. For the Dijon cream sauce, gently rewarm on the stovetop over low heat, whisking in a splash of milk if needed to restore that silky smooth texture. Avoid microwaving the chicken if you want to keep its lovely crust!
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese besides Swiss?
Absolutely! Gruyère is a classic alternative with an even more nutty flavor, or you can try provolone or mozzarella for extra ooze factor. Just be sure it’s a good melting cheese to keep the Skillet Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe irresistibly gooey inside.
Do I need toothpicks to hold the chicken closed?
They’re handy, especially if your chicken is especially stuffed, but not strictly necessary. Just fold tightly and cook seam-side down first to help the chicken “seal.” Remove any toothpicks before serving for a smooth bite.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The best way is a meat thermometer—look for an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don’t have one, the juices should run clear when you cut into the thickest part, and there should be no pink left in the chicken meat.
Can I make this Skillet Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe gluten-free?
You sure can! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend, and use gluten-free panko or crushed cornflakes for the breading. Everything else works just as beautifully for those avoiding gluten.
What’s the best way to keep the breading from falling off?
The key is to press the panko firmly into the chicken after dipping in egg, and handle gently when flipping in the pan. Also, make sure your skillet is hot and don’t overcrowd—crisp crust needs space and a little patience!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal that wows with both flavor and flair, this Skillet Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe is your ticket. It’s surprisingly achievable, always satisfying, and destined to become a new favorite. Trust me—give this classic a try, and your kitchen will feel like the coziest French bistro in town.
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Skillet Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this flavorful Skillet Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe that brings together tender chicken breasts filled with ham and Swiss cheese, coated in crispy breadcrumbs, and served with a creamy Dijon sauce. A French-inspired dish that’s easy to make and perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 slices deli ham
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
For the Dijon Cream Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound chicken breasts, season, layer ham and cheese, then fold and secure.
- Breading Station: Dredge chicken in flour, egg, and panko.
- Cook the Chicken: Brown in a skillet until cooked through.
- Make the Dijon Sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, add milk, Dijon, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Serve: Drizzle sauce over the chicken and enjoy!
Notes
- Consider using Gruyère cheese or prosciutto for variations.
- Pair with roasted veggies or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
