Why You’ll Love this Buttery Homestyle Chicken Cordon Bleu
If you’re tired of dry chicken dinners that lack imagination, this Buttery Homestyle Chicken Cordon Bleu will absolutely change your cooking game.
I’m talking tender chicken wrapped around savory ham and melty Swiss cheese, all coated in a rich, garlicky sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance.
What’s not to love? The crispy exterior gives way to juicy meat inside, while that velvety butter sauce—enhanced with bouillon and just a hint of onion—ties everything together.
Perfect for impressing dinner guests, yet simple enough for a weeknight treat. No fancy techniques required, just good ingredients and a bit of patience.
What Ingredients are in Buttery Homestyle Chicken Cordon Bleu?
The secret to a truly delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu lies in using quality ingredients that complement each other perfectly. This classic dish combines tender chicken, savory ham, and melty cheese, all brought together with a velvety butter sauce that takes it from good to absolutely memorable. The ingredients are simple enough to find at any grocery store, making this an accessible yet impressive meal for any occasion.
- 4 chicken breast halves
- 4 slices deli ham
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- All-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 chicken bouillon cube, crushed
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon onion salt
- 1/2 teaspoon chopped parsley
- Toothpicks (for securing the rolled chicken)
When shopping for these ingredients, consider choosing high-quality deli ham rather than pre-packaged varieties for better flavor and texture. The Swiss cheese should be sliced thin enough to roll easily but thick enough to provide that wonderful melt. For the chicken, try to find breasts of similar size so they’ll cook evenly. And don’t skimp on the butter—it forms the foundation of that silky sauce that makes this version of Chicken Cordon Bleu so special. Got dietary concerns? You could substitute the Swiss for another good melting cheese like Gruyère or provolone if preferred.
How to Make this Buttery Homestyle Chicken Cordon Bleu
The process of making Chicken Cordon Bleu might look fancy, but trust me, it’s quite manageable for home cooks. Start by pounding your 4 chicken breast halves until they’re nice and flat—this is where you can release any pent-up frustrations from the day!
Once flattened, top each breast with a slice of deli ham and a slice of Swiss cheese. Now comes the slightly tricky part: carefully roll up each chicken breast, tucking in the sides as you go, and secure with toothpicks to keep everything snug inside. Think of it as wrapping a delicious chicken present for your dinner guests.
Next, melt 3 tablespoons of butter in an 8-inch saucepan over medium heat. While that’s happening, lightly dredge your chicken rolls in flour, shaking off any excess (but save that leftover flour—it’ll come in handy soon).
Place the chicken in the melted butter and sauté for about 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on all sides and the juices run clear. Doesn’t the kitchen smell amazing already?
Remove the chicken and keep it warm while you work on that luxurious sauce that makes this dish truly special.
Using the same pan—because who wants to wash extra dishes?—add your crushed chicken bouillon cube and 2 teaspoons of minced garlic to those wonderful brown bits left behind. For best results, consider investing in a premium cookware set that distributes heat evenly and prevents scorching of delicate sauces. Stir in 2 tablespoons of your reserved flour and cook for about a minute, creating a roux that will thicken your sauce.
Gradually whisk in 1/2 cup of milk until the mixture becomes bubbly and smooth. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of onion salt, then return your chicken rolls to the pan, coating them generously with the velvety sauce.
Before serving, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Remember to remove those toothpicks before eating—they’ve done their job admirably, but nobody wants a surprise toothpick in their elegant dinner!
Buttery Homestyle Chicken Cordon Bleu Substitutions and Variations
While our classic recipe creates a scrumptious chicken dinner, sometimes you need to switch things up based on what’s in your pantry or your dietary preferences.
I suggest trying provolone or mozzarella if Swiss cheese isn’t your thing. No ham? Prosciutto or turkey work beautifully too.
For a lighter version, skip the flour dredging and use yogurt in place of milk for the sauce.
Want to get fancy? Add mushrooms to the sauce or stuff the chicken with spinach alongside the cheese.
Gluten-free? Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free flour blend. The possibilities are endless, don’t you think?
What to Serve with Buttery Homestyle Chicken Cordon Bleu
Since your Chicken Cordon Bleu deserves perfect accompaniments, I’ve got some delicious side dish ideas that’ll complete your meal beautifully.
Crisp roasted asparagus or green beans add a fresh contrast to the rich chicken. A light garden salad with vinaigrette dressing helps cut through the buttery sauce.
For starches, consider fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up that gorgeous garlic sauce, or buttered egg noodles for something different. Rice pilaf works wonderfully too.
Want to impress? Add a small side of cranberry sauce—the tartness perfectly balances the savory chicken and creamy Swiss cheese.
Final Thoughts
Now that we’ve covered all the elements of a perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu meal, I’m confident you’re ready to create this classic dish at home.
There’s something magical about cutting into that crispy exterior to reveal the melty cheese and savory ham inside.
