Are you tired of dry, boring chicken cordon bleu? Trust me I’ve been there! The secret to elevating this classic dish is all in the sauce. As someone who grew up watching my dad make special occasion cordon bleu I learned that a creamy, flavorful sauce transforms this dish from good to absolutely restaurant-worthy.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about making the perfect chicken cordon bleu sauce, particularly focusing on the classic Dijon cream sauce that pairs beautifully with the crispy chicken, salty ham, and melty Swiss cheese Plus, I’ll introduce you to 9 other amazing sauce options to keep things interesting!
Why Sauce Makes All the Difference
Before diving into recipes, let’s understand why sauce is so crucial for chicken cordon bleu
- Adds necessary moisture to prevent the dish from drying out
- Enhances the flavors of the chicken, ham, and cheese
- Creates another layer of complexity to the dish
- Elevates a home-cooked meal to restaurant quality
- Takes only about 15 minutes to prepare!
Classic Dijon Cream Sauce for Chicken Cordon Bleu
This is the sauce that made me fall in love with chicken cordon bleu. It’s rich, tangy, and incredibly easy to make. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (freshly grated works best!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of thyme (optional)
Instructions:
-
Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
-
Add garlic: Once butter is melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
-
Create a roux: Stir in the flour until the mixture clumps together. This creates the base that will thicken your sauce.
-
Add milk gradually: Slowly whisk in the milk, working out any lumps as you go. Add just a few tablespoons at a time, whisking constantly until smooth before adding more.
-
Season the sauce: Once the mixture is smooth and beginning to thicken, add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.
-
Simmer until perfect: Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
-
Serve: Drizzle generously over your chicken cordon bleu right before serving.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Dijon Cream Sauce
- Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as nicely as freshly grated.
- Don’t rush the milk addition: Adding it slowly prevents lumps.
- Adjust thickness: If your sauce is too thick, add a bit more milk. If it’s too thin, simmer it longer.
- Make ahead: You can prepare this sauce up to 2 days ahead and reheat it gently on the stove.
- Don’t skimp on the Dijon: It’s the key flavor component that makes this sauce special!
9 Alternative Sauces for Chicken Cordon Bleu
While the Dijon cream sauce is a classic, there are plenty of other delicious options to try:
1. Béchamel Sauce
A simple white sauce made from butter, flour, and milk. It’s mild but creamy and lets the flavors of the chicken, ham, and cheese shine through.
2. Mornay Sauce
Essentially a béchamel sauce with cheese added. Use Gruyère or Parmesan for a rich, cheesy topping that complements the Swiss cheese inside.
3. Hollandaise Sauce
This buttery, lemony sauce adds a bright note to chicken cordon bleu. While it’s traditionally made from scratch, you can find quality pre-made options to save time.
4. White Wine Sauce
Create a quick pan sauce using white wine, chicken broth, and butter. Simmer until thickened for a sophisticated flavor profile.
5. Alfredo Sauce
Creamy and garlicky, Alfredo sauce pairs wonderfully with chicken cordon bleu. You can make it in just 10 minutes with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan.
6. Tomato Sauce
For a fresher take, try a vibrant tomato sauce. The acidity cuts through the richness of the dish for a balanced meal.
7. Cheese Sauce
For cheese lovers! Combine melty cheeses like Gouda, cheddar, and Gruyère for an indulgent topping.
8. Chicken Gravy
A homestyle option made with chicken broth, pan drippings, and flour or cornstarch. Add a pat of butter at the end for extra richness.
9. Cranberry Sauce
For a unique twist, try sweet-tart cranberry sauce. The flavor contrast with the salty ham and creamy cheese is surprisingly delightful!
How to Serve Sauce with Chicken Cordon Bleu
The presentation matters almost as much as the sauce itself:
- Allow chicken to rest: Let your breaded chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and adding sauce to maintain crispiness.
- Drizzle or serve on the side: You can either drizzle sauce over individual pieces or serve it in a small bowl for dipping.
- Match sides appropriately: Lighter sauces pair well with vegetable sides, while richer sauces complement starches like mashed potatoes or rice.
- Add fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley, chives, or dill over the sauced chicken for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate leftover sauce: Store in an airtight container for 4-5 days.
- Don’t freeze cream-based sauces: They tend to separate when thawed.
- Reheat gently: Warm sauce in a saucepan over low heat, whisking until smooth. Add a splash of milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Make sauce while chicken bakes: Prepare your sauce while the chicken cordon bleu is in the oven so everything’s ready at the same time.
What to Serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu
Complete your meal with these perfect sides:
- Starches: Mashed potatoes, rice, or small pasta like orzo
- Vegetables: Asparagus, green beans, broccoli, or sliced carrots
- Bread: A crusty baguette to soak up extra sauce
- Salad: A simple green salad with vinaigrette balances the rich main dish
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use heavy cream instead of milk?
Absolutely! This will give your sauce a luxurious, extra-creamy texture.
What does “Cordon Bleu” actually mean?
“Cordon Bleu” comes from French and literally means “blue ribbon,” signifying a well-prepared, high-quality dish.
How do I prevent my sauce from becoming lumpy?
Whisk constantly when adding flour to butter, and add milk gradually, incorporating fully between additions.
Can I make this sauce without dairy?
Yes! Substitute plant-based butter and milk alternatives, though the texture may differ slightly.
My Final Thoughts
After making chicken cordon bleu countless times, I’ve learned that the sauce can truly make or break this classic dish. While the Dijon cream sauce remains my personal favorite (and has converted many dinner guests!), don’t be afraid to experiment with other options.
The beauty of this dish is that while it seems fancy and complicated, it’s actually quite simple to prepare—especially the sauce! In just 15 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality sauce that will have everyone thinking you spent hours in the kitchen.
Remember, the key to a perfect chicken cordon bleu experience is ensuring every component shines: juicy chicken, quality ham, melty Swiss cheese, crispy breadcrumb coating, and of course, a delectable sauce that ties it all together.
Which sauce will you try first? I’d love to hear about your chicken cordon bleu adventures in the comments below!
Note: This recipe was updated in February 2025 to include additional sauce options and serving suggestions.
