Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake

This creamy chicken cordon bleu bake transforms the classic restaurant dish into a comforting casserole that's perfect for busy weeknights. The tender chicken wraps around savory ham and melty cheese, all topped with a velvety Parmesan sauce that makes this dish truly special.

I first made this dish when trying to impress my inlaws during their first visit to our home. Three years later they still mention it every time they come over and my father in law has even requested it for his birthday dinner.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: choose uniform sized pieces for even cooking
• Ham slices: look for quality deli ham with good flavor not the prepackaged variety
• Swiss cheese: provides the classic flavor but mozzarella works beautifully for a milder option
• Breadcrumbs: create that signature crispy coating fresh homemade ones add the best texture
• Butter: adds richness to both the coating and sauce for maximum flavor
• Olive oil: helps achieve golden browning on the chicken
• Garlic and onion powder: infuse flavor throughout without overwhelming the dish
• Parmesan cheese: adds nutty depth to the cream sauce use freshly grated for best results
• Dijon mustard: provides subtle tanginess that balances the richness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven:

Set your oven to 375°F giving it plenty of time to preheat while you prepare the chicken. Grease your baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking which can tear the delicate chicken rolls.

Pound the Chicken:

Place each breast between plastic wrap or parchment and pound gently with a meat mallet working from the center outward until reaching an even half inch thickness. Take your time with this step as properly flattened chicken will roll much more easily.

Assemble the Rolls:

Lay each flattened breast flat and place a slice of ham followed by cheese leaving a small border around the edges. Roll tightly starting from the narrowest end tucking in the sides as you go. Secure with toothpicks inserted at an angle to keep everything in place.

Create the Coating:

Mix your breadcrumbs with the seasonings and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. The butter helps the coating brown beautifully and adds incredible flavor. Press each roll firmly into the mixture ensuring complete coverage.

Baking Process:

Arrange the coated rolls seam side down in your prepared dish leaving space between each piece. Drizzle with olive oil for extra browning and moisture. Bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F about 30 to 35 minutes when the coating turns golden brown.

Perfect the Sauce:

Start your sauce when the chicken has about 10 minutes left. Create a roux by cooking butter and flour together until it smells nutty but not brown. Slowly whisk in the milk in a steady stream to prevent lumps. Let it gently bubble until thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Finish with Parmesan and seasonings whisking until completely smooth.

Save This

The Dijon mustard is my secret ingredient in this recipe. While optional I discovered its importance when I accidentally left it out once. The sauce lacked that special something that cuts through the richness. Just half a teaspoon transforms the entire dish adding complexity without tasting mustardy.

Make Ahead Instructions

This dish is perfect for planning ahead. You can prepare the chicken rolls up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve simply coat with the breadcrumb mixture and bake. The sauce is best made fresh but can be prepared up to 2 days ahead. Reheat it gently on the stovetop adding a splash of milk if needed to restore the creamy consistency.

Simple Variations

For a lighter version skip the breadcrumb coating and simply roll the chicken with ham and cheese. Secure with toothpicks bake until done and top with the cream sauce. You can also substitute turkey ham for regular ham or try different cheese varieties like provolone or Gruyere for unique flavor profiles. For an extra flavor boost add fresh herbs like thyme or tarragon to both the breadcrumb mixture and the cream sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This elegant chicken dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that complement without competing. Serve alongside buttered egg noodles steamed asparagus or a bright green salad with lemon vinaigrette. For a more substantial meal creamy mashed potatoes make an excellent base for soaking up the extra sauce. A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio makes this weeknight dinner feel like a special occasion.

Common Queries

→ Can I use a different cheese instead of Swiss?

Yes, mozzarella or Gruyère work well and melt beautifully, offering a slightly different flavor profile.

→ Is chicken ham necessary or can I substitute?

You may use regular ham or even turkey ham for a similar savory result if chicken ham isn't available.

→ How do I keep the chicken roll-ups from unrolling during baking?

Secure each roll with toothpicks before breading and baking to help hold their shape while cooking.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and bread the chicken in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Sauce is best made fresh.

→ What side dishes pair best?

This dish goes well with mashed potatoes, rice, or simply steamed vegetables to soak up the flavorful sauce.