Lazy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

This Lazy Chicken Cordon Bleu transforms the classic French dish into a weeknight wonder that delivers all the flavor with just a fraction of the effort. Tender chicken breasts are layered with savory ham and melty Swiss cheese, then simmered to perfection and topped with a creamy Dijon sauce that will make your taste buds dance. Ready in under 30 minutes, this simplified version skips the pounding, stuffing, and breading while keeping all the delicious elements you love!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Thinly Sliced Chicken Breasts: The star of the show—look for pre-sliced thin cutlets to save even more time. Thin slices cook quickly and evenly.
• Deli Ham: Brings that signature smoky flavor that makes Cordon Bleu special. Choose a quality ham with good flavor since it’s a key component.
• Reduced-Fat Swiss Cheese: Adds the essential creamy, nutty element while melting beautifully over the chicken and ham. The reduced-fat version keeps things lighter while still delivering on taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning that lets the main ingredients shine. Don’t skimp here—proper seasoning makes all the difference.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful simmering liquid that helps cook the chicken gently while adding depth of flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: The backbone of the sauce, providing tangy depth and complexity.
• Horseradish: Adds a subtle kick and brightness that elevates the sauce from good to unforgettable.
• Milk: Creates creaminess in the sauce without heaviness. The 2% offers the perfect balance of richness and lightness.

Variations

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own with these simple twists:

• Cheesy Options: Try Gruyère for a more authentic Swiss flavor, or provolone for a milder option.
• Meat Swap: Substitute prosciutto for ham for a more sophisticated flavor profile.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne to the sauce for gentle heat, or stir in some fresh herbs like thyme or tarragon.
• Veggie Addition: Layer in some wilted spinach or roasted red peppers between the ham and cheese for extra nutrition and flavor.

How to Make Lazy Chicken Cordon Bleu

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season the thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple seasoning creates a foundation of flavor.

Step 2: Assemble the Layers

Place a slice of deli ham on top of each chicken breast, then add a slice of Swiss cheese on top of the ham. The order matters—ham first, then cheese—so the cheese melts perfectly over everything.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Pour the chicken broth into a large skillet over medium heat. Once warm, add the layered chicken (cheese side up) and cover with a lid. Simmer gently for 10-12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.

Step 4: Make the Dijon Cream Sauce

While the chicken cooks, whisk together Dijon mustard, horseradish, chicken broth, and milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the chicken to plates and spoon the warm Dijon cream sauce over the top. The sauce will complement the flavors of the chicken, ham, and cheese perfectly.

How to Serve

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with so many sides:

Light Accompaniments:

Serve with a bright arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to balance the richness, or steamed asparagus drizzled with lemon butter.

Heartier Options:

Pair with roasted baby potatoes or a simple rice pilaf to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of buttered egg noodles also works wonderfully.

Wine Pairing:

This dish calls for a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or an unoaked Chardonnay that can cut through the richness while complementing the creamy sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce can be stored separately to maintain the best texture.

Freezing

While you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months, the texture of the cheese and sauce may change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, I recommend doing so before adding the sauce.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the chicken gently in a covered skillet with a tablespoon of water or broth to create steam. Microwave on 50% power if you’re in a hurry. Warm the sauce separately over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to bring back its creamy consistency.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Lazy Chicken Cordon Bleu is proof that impressive, crave-worthy meals don’t require hours in the kitchen or culinary school training. It’s become my go-to when I want to serve something that feels special without the stress. The combination of tender chicken, savory ham, melty cheese, and that incredible Dijon sauce creates magic on your plate with minimal effort. Give yourself permission to take this shortcut—I promise no one will know just how easy it was to make!

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