Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They're naturally more flavorful and forgiving when cooked. Just be sure to trim excess fat and adjust cooking time slightly as thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through.

What if I don't have reduced-fat Swiss cheese?

Regular Swiss cheese works perfectly fine! The reduced-fat version just cuts a few calories, but the regular version will give you an even meltier, richer result. In a pinch, other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella can substitute, though the flavor profile will change slightly.

Is there a substitute for the Dijon mustard?

If you're not a fan of Dijon, you can use whole grain mustard for a milder flavor with interesting texture, or even honey mustard for a sweeter profile. Yellow mustard works in a pinch but lacks the depth of flavor that makes this sauce special.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use your favorite plant-based cheese that melts well (many cashew-based options work nicely) and substitute unsweetened almond milk or oat milk in the sauce. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Lazy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

Description

Experience all the classic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu with this quick and easy ‘Lazy’ version. Featuring tender chicken, savory ham, and melty Swiss cheese, this streamlined recipe skips the breading and oven, delivering maximum taste in minimal time with a luscious Dijon cream sauce.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken Cordon Bleu

4 oz thinly sliced chicken breasts
1 slice deli ham
1 slice reduced fat Swiss cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 tbsp chicken broth, for simmering

For the Dijon Cream Sauce

40 g Dijon mustard
1 tsp horseradish
30 g chicken broth
24 g 2% milk

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Season the thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Lay them flat in preparation for assembling.
Assemble: Place the slice of deli ham on top of the chicken, followed by the slice of reduced fat Swiss cheese. Roll up or fold the stack, securing with a toothpick if needed.
Cook the Chicken: Place the assembled chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Add 4 tbsp chicken broth to the pan to keep the chicken moist and enhance flavor. Cover and simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted.
Make the Dijon Cream Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, combine Dijon mustard, horseradish, chicken broth, and milk in a small saucepan over low-medium heat. Stir continuously until warmed through and slightly thickened, about 3–5 minutes. Set aside.
Serve: Remove toothpicks from the chicken, plate, and drizzle with the Dijon cream sauce. Serve hot for best results.

Notes

This recipe is great for a quick weeknight meal or an impressive lunch.
You can substitute turkey or other deli meats for the ham if desired.
Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or provolone for variation.
Double the sauce for extra dunking or if you prefer a creamier dish.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 250
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 830mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 36g
Cholesterol: 90mg