Chicken Cordon Bleu Swiss

This Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce combines tender chicken breasts wrapped around savory turkey and creamy Swiss cheese, all coated in crispy breadcrumbs. The crowning glory is a luscious Swiss cheese sauce that elevates each bite. This dish has a wonderful balance of textures and flavors that make it feel like a special family dinner any night of the week.

I first made this recipe for a holiday gathering, and it quickly became the star of the meal. Now it is a go-to when I want something impressive but straightforward.

Ingredients List

• Chicken breasts: boneless and skinless for easy rolling and even cooking
• Deli-style turkey: adds savory flavor without overwhelming the chicken
• Swiss cheese: melts smoothly inside and in the sauce, offering that characteristic nutty taste
• Panko breadcrumbs: give a light and crispy crust, better than regular breadcrumbs
• Large eggs: bind the breading layers together for an even coating
• Flour: forms the base of the breading and thickens the cheese sauce
• Milk: makes the egg wash and the Swiss cheese sauce creamy
• Butter: adds richness both in cooking and in the sauce for that smooth silkiness
• Garlic powder: infuses a subtle savory note in the breadcrumb mixture
• Salt and pepper: to season and bring the flavors together

Cooking Steps

Prepare The Chicken:

Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound it until it is about half an inch thick for easy rolling.

Assemble The Rolls:

Lay two slices of turkey and one slice of Swiss cheese on each flattened chicken breast. Roll the chicken tightly around the filling and secure it firmly with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep everything snug.

Set Up The Breading Station:

Place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs mixed with milk in another, and panko breadcrumbs combined with garlic powder in a third.

Coat Each Roll:

Dip each chicken roll first in flour, coating it fully. Then move to the egg wash to moisten the surface, and finally press into the breadcrumb mixture to cover every side completely.

Brown The Chicken:

Melt two tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the rolls for four to five minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and develop a crispy crust.

Bake Through:

Transfer the browned rolls to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, checking that the internal temperature reads 165 Fahrenheit to guarantee they are fully cooked.

Prepare The Swiss Cheese Sauce:

In a saucepan, melt the remaining butter and whisk in flour to make a roux. Gradually add milk while whisking until smooth. Stir in Swiss cheese until melted into a creamy sauce.

Serve:

Remove toothpicks or twine and plate the chicken rolls drizzled generously with the warm Swiss cheese sauce for an inviting presentation.

Swiss cheese has always been my favorite for melting dishes. This recipe reminds me of weekends spent cooking with family, sharing stories as we prepared something warm and comforting together.

Best Storage Practices

Store leftover chicken rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in an oven or toaster oven to keep the crust crisp rather than microwaving, which can make the coating soft. The Swiss cheese sauce can be refrigerated separately and warmed on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent separation.

Ingredient Swaps

Try ham in place of deli turkey for a traditional flavor twist. Gruyere cheese or mozzarella can replace Swiss cheese if you prefer a milder or creamier texture. For a gluten free option, use almond flour or gluten free panko breadcrumbs and adjust the flour accordingly.

Serving Pairings

Pair this dish with lightly steamed green beans or roasted asparagus to add bright, fresh notes. A simple rice pilaf or buttery mashed potatoes soak up the cheese sauce beautifully. For a cozy touch, a crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette balances the richness.

This dish is a comforting yet elegant choice that brings family together with its rich flavors and satisfying textures.

Frequently Asked Cooking Questions

→ What type of cheese is used in the dish?

Swiss cheese is layered inside the chicken roll and also melted into a creamy sauce for coating.

→ How is the chicken prepared before cooking?

Each chicken breast is pounded to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking and easy rolling.

→ What is the purpose of using panko breadcrumbs?

Panko breadcrumbs create a light, crispy crust that stays crunchy even after baking.

→ How do you keep the rolls from falling apart during cooking?

Securing the rolled chicken with toothpicks or kitchen twine helps maintain their shape throughout cooking.

→ How is the Swiss cheese sauce made?

Butter is melted and combined with flour to form a roux, then milk and shredded Swiss cheese are whisked in for a smooth, creamy sauce.

→ What internal temperature should the chicken reach?

The chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety and optimal juiciness.