Indulge In Culinary Delight: Try This Restaurant-quality Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe With A Creamy White Sauce

Indulge in the culinary delight of chicken cordon bleu, a classic dish elevated with a velvety white sauce. This recipe combines tender chicken, crispy breading, and a flavorful filling of ham and cheese, all enveloped in a rich and creamy white sauce. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this delectable dish that is perfect for special occasions or a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup butter, divided
• 4 slices cooked ham
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

2. Make the Filling:

• Place the ham and cheese slices inside each chicken breast pocket. Secure the openings with toothpicks.

3. Bread the Chicken:

• In a shallow dish, combine the flour, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Dredge the chicken breasts in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

4. Pan-Fry the Chicken:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Cook the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.

5. Make the White Sauce:

• In a saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
• Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
• Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, heavy cream, white wine, Dijon mustard, cornstarch, and nutmeg.
• Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the sauce thickens.

6. Assemble the Dish:

• Place the cooked chicken breasts in a baking dish.
• Pour the white sauce over the chicken breasts and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the chicken is heated through.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. Pair with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad.

Tips for Success

• Use high-quality ingredients, especially the chicken and cheese, to ensure the best flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when pan-frying the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Cook the chicken until it is cooked through but not overcooked, to maintain its tenderness.
• Adjust the seasonings in the white sauce to your preference.
• Serve the chicken cordon bleu immediately with your favorite sides for a complete meal.

Variations

• Experiment with different types of cheese for the filling, such as Gruyère, Emmental, or mozzarella.
• Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the filling for extra flavor.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for a crispier coating on the chicken.
• For a healthier version, bake the chicken cordon bleu instead of pan-frying.
• Try different herbs and spices in the breadcrumb mixture for a unique flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair the chicken cordon bleu with roasted vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, or asparagus.
• Serve mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta as a side dish to complement the creamy white sauce.
• A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
• For a special occasion, consider serving the chicken cordon bleu with a glass of white wine.

“The Ultimate Chicken Cordon Bleu with White Sauce”

This classic dish, elevated with a velvety white sauce, is a culinary masterpiece that will impress your guests. The tender chicken, crispy breading, and flavorful filling come together in perfect harmony, while the white sauce adds a creamy richness that takes this dish to the next level. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a comforting meal, this chicken cordon bleu recipe with white sauce is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Frequently Discussed Topics

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs as a substitute for chicken breasts. They are a more flavorful and juicy cut of chicken, but they may take a few minutes longer to cook.

2. What type of white wine should I use in the white sauce?

For the best flavor, use a dry white wine such as Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or Sauvignon Blanc. Avoid using sweet wines as they can overpower the delicate flavors of the dish.

3. Can I make the chicken cordon bleu ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken cordon bleu up to 24 hours in advance. Simply assemble the chicken breasts and bread them, but do not cook them. Cover and refrigerate until ready to cook. When ready to serve, pan-fry the chicken breasts and make the white sauce according to the recipe instructions.