Introduction:
Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu is a delicious and easy-to-make version of the classic French dish. This recipe combines tender chicken breasts stuffed with Swiss cheese and chicken ham, then slow-cooked to perfection in a creamy sauce. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights or a special dinner. Best of all, it’s a healthier take on the traditional dish, made without the need for frying and heavy sauces. Let the slow cooker do the work for you, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!
Overview of the Recipe:
This Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe brings together the classic flavors of Swiss cheese, chicken ham, and chicken breast, but with a simplified, hands-off approach thanks to the slow cooker. After stuffing and coating the chicken, all that’s left to do is let it cook slowly, infusing the meat with flavor while making it incredibly tender. The creamy sauce, made from condensed cream of chicken soup and a hint of Dijon mustard, adds richness to the dish, while optional crisping under the broiler adds a nice textural contrast.
History and Origin:
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a modern adaptation of the traditional Cordon Bleu, which originated in Switzerland in the 1940s. The original version of Cordon Bleu involved veal stuffed with cheese and ham, then breaded and fried. The name “Cordon Bleu” itself translates to “blue ribbon” in French, a symbol of high culinary achievement. Over time, variations using chicken instead of veal became popular, particularly in American households, where Chicken Cordon Bleu emerged as a favorite comfort food. This slow cooker version adapts the classic technique for ease and convenience, allowing you to enjoy this beloved dish with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 4 slices of chicken ham (or turkey ham)
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for drizzling)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Lay each chicken breast flat on a cutting board.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket into the side of each breast, ensuring not to cut all the way through the chicken.
- Place one slice of Swiss cheese and one slice of chicken ham (or turkey ham) inside each pocket. If necessary, fold the cheese and ham to fit properly within the chicken.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker:
- In a small bowl, mix the seasoned breadcrumbs with salt and pepper.
- Press the breadcrumb mixture onto the top of each stuffed chicken breast, ensuring a good, even coating.
- Lightly grease the inside of the slow cooker with non-stick spray or olive oil.
- Place the stuffed and coated chicken breasts into the slow cooker with the breadcrumb side facing up.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, Dijon mustard (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken breasts inside the slow cooker.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken is fully cooked when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and it is tender when pierced with a fork.
- Optional Browning (For Crispier Breadcrumbs):
- For a crispy breadcrumb topping, carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the breadcrumbs to enhance browning.
- Place the baking sheet under the broiler in the oven for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown and crispy. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Serve:
- Transfer the cooked chicken breasts to a serving platter.
- Spoon some of the creamy sauce from the slow cooker over each chicken breast.
- Serve the dish alongside mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions:
Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu is a rich and flavorful dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Try serving it with:
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes complements the cheesy filling and the creamy sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add a fresh, light contrast to the richness of the chicken.
- Rice: A side of rice, whether white or brown, soaks up the sauce and provides a neutral base to balance the stronger flavors of the dish.
- Couscous: This quick-cooking grain offers a light and fluffy alternative to rice and can be seasoned with herbs to complement the dish.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions:
To elevate this meal, you can pair it with a crisp salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess of the dish. A sparkling water infused with lemon or lime also works wonderfully as a refreshing, palate-cleansing beverage.
Variations of the Recipe:
- Herb-Infused Chicken Cordon Bleu:
- Add chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the breadcrumb mixture to give the dish a more aromatic flavor.
- Cheese Substitutes:
- Try substituting the Swiss cheese with provolone, mozzarella, or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-Free Version:
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Low-Carb Option:
- Skip the breadcrumbs entirely and opt for a lower-carb version of this recipe. The chicken and filling will still be flavorful without the coating.
- Dijon-Free:
- If Dijon mustard is too strong for your liking, simply omit it from the sauce or replace it with a milder alternative like yellow mustard or a hint of honey.
Health Benefits Notes:
- Lean Protein: Chicken breast is a great source of lean protein, making this dish satisfying without being overly fatty.
- Lower in Fat: Using chicken ham instead of traditional pork ham reduces the fat content of the dish, while still delivering a savory flavor.
- Calcium-Rich: The Swiss cheese provides a good amount of calcium, which is essential for bone health.
- Customizable Calories: By adjusting the amount of cheese, ham, or breadcrumbs, you can control the calorie content of the dish to suit your dietary needs.
- Dairy-Free Modification: To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the cheese with a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free condensed soup.
FAQs:
- Can I use turkey ham instead of chicken ham?
- Yes, turkey ham is a great alternative and works just as well in this recipe. It’s lean and flavorful, making it a healthy substitute.
- Can I prepare this dish in advance?
- Absolutely! You can stuff the chicken breasts the night before and store them in the fridge. In the morning, simply place them in the slow cooker and follow the cooking instructions.
- Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes, you can freeze cooked Chicken Cordon Bleu. Allow it to cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy.
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Certainly! While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or cheddar for different flavors.
- How can I make the chicken more flavorful?
- Marinating the chicken breasts in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs before stuffing them can infuse additional flavor into the meat.
Conclusion:
Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu is an easy and delicious way to enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic dish without the hassle of frying or baking. By using a slow cooker, the chicken remains tender and moist, while the creamy sauce adds a rich and indulgent finish. With simple, wholesome ingredients and various ways to customize it to your preferences, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this slow cooker version of Chicken Cordon Bleu is a winner.
Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Total Time: 4-5 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu is an effortless version of the classic dish. Chicken breasts are stuffed with Swiss cheese and chicken ham, coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, and slow-cooked in a creamy sauce for a tender, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 slices chicken ham or turkey ham
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for crisping)
Instructions
- Slice a pocket into each chicken breast and stuff with Swiss cheese and chicken ham.
- Coat the top of each stuffed chicken breast with seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Grease the slow cooker and place the chicken inside, breadcrumb side up.
- Mix cream of chicken soup, milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Pour over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- Optionally, broil for 2-3 minutes to crisp the breadcrumbs.
- Serve with sauce spooned over the top and pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or veggies.
Notes
- For crispier breadcrumbs, broil the chicken for a few minutes after slow cooking.
- You can substitute Swiss cheese with mozzarella or cheddar.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste or add fresh herbs for more flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American, French-inspired
Nutrition
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g