Chicken cordon bleu is one of those dishes that just screams “special occasion.” When I was growing up my parents would make it for birthdays and holidays and I still remember how excited I’d get seeing that crispy, golden-brown chicken filled with melty cheese and ham. But let’s be honest – the real star of the show? The sauce!
A great sauce can transform chicken cordon bleu from merely good to absolutely memorable. Today, I’m gonna share everything you need to know about what sauce goes on chicken cordon bleu, including 15 delicious options that will elevate your next dinner.
Why Serve Sauce with Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Before diving into the sauce options let’s talk about why sauce matters for this classic dish
- Prevents dryness: Sauce adds moisture to help keep the chicken juicy
- Enhances flavors: A good sauce complements the salty ham and creamy cheese
- Adds texture: Creates a silky counterpoint to the crispy breaded exterior
- Elevates presentation: Makes your dish look restaurant-quality
As a home cook who’s made chicken cordon bleu dozens of times, I can tell you that the right sauce makes all the difference between an “okay” meal and one your family will rave about for days!
15 Best Sauces for Chicken Cordon Bleu
1. Classic Dijon Mustard Sauce
This is the traditional choice and my personal favorite. The tangy mustard cuts through the richness of the dish while complementing the ham and cheese perfectly.
Quick recipe: Melt 3 tablespoons butter, add 3 tablespoons flour to create a roux, slowly whisk in 2¼ cups milk until thickened, then add 4 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 6 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
2. Creamy White Wine Sauce
White wine adds a touch of acidity that balances the dish beautifully. It’s sophisticated yet simple.
Quick recipe: Create a pan sauce using white wine, chicken broth, and butter. Simmer until thickened and drizzle over sliced chicken cordon bleu.
3. Mornay Sauce
Similar to béchamel but with the addition of grated cheese like Gruyère or Parmesan. It’s creamy, rich, and utterly decadent.
4. Hollandaise Sauce
Buttery, rich hollandaise makes a luxurious topping. The lemon flavor brightens the dish while the consistency is perfect for drizzling.
5. Béchamel Sauce
A simple white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk. It’s mild enough to let the chicken, ham, and cheese flavors shine through.
6. Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce
For garlic lovers, this sauce combines the pungent flavor of garlic with the salty nuttiness of Parmesan cheese.
Quick recipe: Melt butter, sauté minced garlic, add flour, then whisk in milk and grated Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
7. Herbed Cream Sauce
Fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or chives add brightness to a basic cream sauce. This is perfect for spring and summer meals.
8. Tomato Sauce
For a fresh twist, try a vibrant tomato sauce. The acidity cuts through the richness of the dish while adding a totally different flavor profile.
9. Alfredo Sauce
Creamy, garlicky Alfredo is a foolproof option. The Parmesan cheese and butter ensure it’s rich, smooth, and full of flavor.
10. Honey Mustard Sauce
If traditional Dijon is too strong for your taste, honey mustard offers a sweeter, milder alternative that kids often prefer.
Quick recipe: Combine 2 tablespoons yellow mustard with ¼ cup honey, 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon olive oil.
11. BBQ Sauce
For a more casual, American twist, try a good quality BBQ sauce. It’s unexpected but delicious, especially if you like sweet and smoky flavors.
12. Cranberry Sauce
The sweet-tart flavor of cranberry sauce pairs surprisingly well with chicken cordon bleu. Whole berry cranberry sauce works best for texture.
13. Lemon Butter Sauce
Light and bright, this sauce adds a touch of citrus that cuts through the richness of the dish.
Quick recipe: Melt butter in a pan, add lemon juice and zest, simmer until slightly thickened.
14. Apricot Glaze
For a sweet and tangy option, try an apricot glaze made from apricot preserves, orange juice, and a touch of ginger.
15. Spicy Buffalo Sauce
If you’re feeling adventurous, a spicy buffalo sauce can add unexpected heat to this classic dish.
How to Make the Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu Sauce
Let me share my favorite creamy Dijon mustard sauce recipe in more detail:
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2¼ cups whole or 2% milk
- 4 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 6 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat
- Sprinkle in the flour while whisking to create a paste (this is your roux)
- Cook for 1 minute until the mixture begins to brown slightly
- While continuously whisking, slowly add the milk and allow the sauce to thicken
- Add the Dijon mustard, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper
- Stir until everything is well combined and smooth
- Serve immediately over chicken cordon bleu
Tips for Serving Sauce with Chicken Cordon Bleu
After years of making this dish, I’ve picked up a few tricks:
- Make ahead: Prepare the sauce while the chicken is baking to save time
- Rest the chicken: Let the breaded chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and adding sauce so the coating stays crispy
- Serving styles: You can either drizzle sauce over individual pieces or serve it on the side for dipping
- Side dish pairing: Match lighter sauces with vegetable sides and richer sauces with starchier sides like rice or mashed potatoes
- Garnish: Add a pop of color with fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill
What to Do with Leftover Sauce
Don’t throw away that extra sauce! Here are my favorite ways to use leftover chicken cordon bleu sauce:
- Drizzle over grilled or baked salmon
- Use as a dip for grilled cheese sandwiches
- Mix into pasta for a quick mac and cheese
- Spoon over steamed vegetables
- Use in a chicken or turkey pot pie
FAQs About Chicken Cordon Bleu Sauce
Q: Can I make chicken cordon bleu sauce without mustard?
A: Absolutely! While traditional sauce includes mustard, you can leave it out. Just compensate with additional Parmesan cheese and maybe a teaspoon of vinegar or hot sauce to add brightness.
Q: Can I make the sauce healthier using skim milk?
A: Yes, though the sauce will be thinner and less flavorful. If using skim milk, consider adding more cheese to help compensate.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed to thin it out.
Q: Is cordon bleu sauce freezer-friendly?
A: Unfortunately, cream-based sauces don’t freeze well as they tend to separate when thawed. It’s best to make this sauce fresh.
Q: What does “cordon bleu” actually mean?
A: “Cordon bleu” is a French term that literally means “blue ribbon.” It signifies high quality or excellence, particularly in cooking.
Conclusion
A delicious sauce can truly elevate chicken cordon bleu from a good meal to an unforgettable one. Whether you prefer the classic Dijon mustard sauce, something creamy like a béchamel, or want to experiment with more unique options like cranberry or BBQ sauce, there’s something for everyone!
My advice? Start with the classic Dijon sauce recipe I’ve shared, then branch out to find your personal favorite. The best part about cooking is making dishes your own, and the sauce is a perfect place to let your creativity shine.
What’s your favorite sauce for chicken cordon bleu? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments!
More Ways to Use Chicken Cordon Bleu Sauce
This sauce is, of course, essential for Chicken Cordon Bleu, but there are many delicious dishes that are made even better with this sauce. Here are some ideas:
- Use it as a pizza sauce! Spread this creamy sauce over pizza dough, then add mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, black olives, mushrooms, onions, garlic, bacon, green peppers, parmesan cheese, red onions, all your favorite toppings, and bake. Delicious twist on traditional pizza!
- Give your ketchup and bbq sauce a break and use this sauce for chicken nuggets or chicken tenders. The kids will love it!
- Try it as a warm dip for French bread, carrots, cucumbers, broccoli or cauliflower.
- Serve it as a gravy or sauce over one of the recipes below:
Give this creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Sauce a try and let us know how it turned out! Leave a comment and star rating below – we’d love to hear how you served it!
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Sauce
What I love about this sauce is that it is SO easy to make and it doesn’t require a roux. You simply bring the ingredients to a simmer, then add the thickener a little at a time. By doing it this way you can easily control the thickness of the sauce and make it to your liking. I prefer a slightly thicker sauce so I use almost all of the cornstarch mixture but it can easily be cut back to make a thinner sauce.
- Combine cornstarch and heavy whipping cream in a small bowl. Whisk until blended.
- In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth, bouillon, and butter to a simmer. Reduce for 10-15 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in the cornstarch and cream mixture, then keep cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens.
- Once the sauce is heated through and thickened, stir in the pepper. Add basil for a brighter flavor, if desired.
Yes! You can make the sauce up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat over low heat, whisking constantly as it heats to restore the creamy texture.
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. However, the sauce will be thinner. If you prefer a thicker sauce, make a slurry of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water. Whisk the slurry into the heated sauce and continue to heat and stir until thickened. Coconut milk can also be used, but the flavor will be slightly altered.
It can be refrigerated, but we don’t recommend freezing it. The cream separates and changes the texture. It is best enjoyed fresh.
Yes, this recipe uses cornstarch instead of flour to thicken the sauce making it naturally gluten-free. Make sure both the chicken broth you are using and the chicken bouillon do not contain gluten.