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Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake

Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake
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Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake is a comforting and indulgent dish combining tender chicken breasts layered or rolled with savory ham and melty Swiss cheese, all smothered in a luscious, creamy sauce and topped with a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb crust. Baked to golden perfection, it’s an easy yet impressive meal perfect for busy weeknights or special family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 slices Swiss cheese
  • 8 slices ham

Sauce Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup additional Swiss cheese, shredded

Topping Ingredients

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pound the chicken breasts evenly thin to ensure quick, uniform cooking and tenderness. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to create a flavorful base.
  2. Layer ham and cheese: Place two slices of ham and two slices of Swiss cheese on each chicken breast. Either roll them up tightly or layer them flat, according to your preference, to form delicious pockets filled with melted cheese.
  3. Make the creamy sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and whisk in the flour to form a roux. Gradually add the heavy cream while stirring continuously until the sauce thickens. Stir in Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and the shredded Swiss cheese until fully melted and smooth.
  4. Assemble the bake: Arrange the prepared chicken rolls or layered breasts in a baking dish. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken. Sprinkle the top with a mixture of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs for a crunchy golden crust.
  5. Bake until bubbly: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the dish for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Allow to rest a few minutes before serving to let the layers set.

Notes

  • Use a meat mallet to ensure even chicken thickness for uniform cooking and to prevent dryness.
  • Let the bake rest after coming out of the oven to meld flavors and facilitate easier slicing.
  • Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
  • Homemade breadcrumbs brown more evenly and provide superior texture.
  • The sauce consistency should coat the back of a spoon – neither too runny nor too thick.
  • To make gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • For dairy-free options, use plant-based cream and cheese alternatives.
  • Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for best texture retention.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken cordon bleu, creamy chicken bake, baked chicken recipe, cheesy chicken dish, family dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/creamy-chicken-cordon-bleu-bake/