It only takes less than 15 minutes to make this creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Sauce by melting butter and adding garlic, flour, and milk. Then, add mustard, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of thyme to taste.
As a child, I knew it was going to be a special night when my dad made Chicken Cordon Bleu.
The crispy, salty chicken filled with ham slices and Swiss cheese was great, but it was THIS creamy sauce made with Dijon mustard that really made it stand out.
And what’s even more amazing about it? It tastes like something you’d get at a fancy restaurant but is SO quick and simple. In fact, it’s ready in a mere 15 minutes!
My specific ingredient notes and tips are listed below. Please see the recipe card for more detailed ingredient amounts and instructions.
Chicken cordon bleu is a classic dish that combines juicy chicken, savory ham, and melty cheese all wrapped up in a crispy breadcrumb coating. It’s a real crowd pleaser! But when it comes to sauces, people often wonder what sauce pairs best with chicken cordon bleu. The good news is that there are lots of delicious sauce options to consider.
Why Use a Sauce?
Adding a sauce to chicken cordon bleu can help enhance the flavors and prevent the dish from drying out The sauce adds moisture while also providing another layer of taste Many sauces pair nicely with the salty ham, creamy cheese, and mild chicken flavors. So take your chicken cordon bleu to the next level by serving it with a tasty sauce!
10 Recommended Sauces for Chicken Cordon Bleu
Here are 10 delicious sauces to try with your chicken cordon bleu
1. Creamy Mustard Sauce
A creamy mustard sauce is a classic pairing with chicken cordon bleu. It’s usually made with ingredients like Dijon mustard, butter, white wine, and cream. The tangy mustard cuts through the richness of the dish while the cream provides a smooth, luxurious texture. It’s easy to make this sauce yourself at home too. Simply whisk together melted butter, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and cream or milk. Season with salt and pepper and you’ve got a quick and tasty sauce for chicken cordon bleu.
2. Hollandaise Sauce
Buttery, rich hollandaise sauce makes a decadent topping for chicken cordon bleu. The lemon flavor brightens up the dish while the consistency is perfect for drizzling over each piece. Although making hollandaise from scratch can be tricky, you can find high quality pre-made and refrigerated options that are almost as good as homemade. Warm up the hollandaise sauce and spoon it over your breaded chicken right before serving.
3. Béchamel Sauce
For an easy, creamy white sauce, whip up some béchamel. A simple roux of butter and flour is the base of this French sauce. As you whisk in the milk, it makes the sauce thicker and smoother. Season it with a little nutmeg and white pepper. The mild flavor of béchamel makes the stuffed chicken breast stand out while giving it a smooth, rich texture.
4. Mornay Sauce
Like béchamel, mornay sauce has grated cheese like Parmesan or Gruyère in it. It tastes even better when the cheese melts into the creamy sauce. Mornay is a traditional French sauce that goes well with pasta, chicken, seafood, and vegetables. It will make your chicken cordon bleu taste like it came from a restaurant.
5. Tomato Sauce
For a fresh, vibrant sauce, look no further than tomato sauce. Either make your own using canned crushed tomatoes, garlic, onion and basil or use a high quality jarred marinara sauce. The bright acidity cuts through the rich chicken and ham while the herby flavors complement the overall dish. Serve tomato sauce on the side for dipping or spoon it over the top of each piece.
6. Alfredo Sauce
Creamy, garlicky Alfredo sauce is a foolproof topping for chicken cordon bleu. The Parmesan cheese and butter ensure it’s rich, smooth and full of flavor. Purchase ready-made Alfredo sauce for convenience or make your own stovetop version in just 10 minutes with butter, heavy cream and Parmesan. Either way, Alfredo sauce takes this dish over the top.
7. White Wine Sauce
Whip up an easy pan sauce using white wine, chicken broth and butter. Simmer them together until thickened and drizzle the sauce over sliced chicken cordon bleu. The white wine adds a touch of acidity while complementing the salty and creamy components of the dish. Feel free to add minced garlic, lemon juice or herbs to the sauce for extra dimension.
8. Cheese Sauce
Make a creamy cheese sauce for your chicken cordon bleu for the ultimate cheese treat. Melty cheeses like gouda, cheddar, Monterey jack, and Gruyère can be mixed together to make a rich and comforting sauce. A roux or cream cheese can be used to make it thicker. Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, or herbs can be used to season it. Spoon this sauce over chicken, rice or pasta too.
9. Gravy
A homemade sauce called chicken gravy goes well with cordon bleu. A tasty gravy can be made with chicken broth, milk or cream, pan drippings, flour or cornstarch, and milk or cream. Let it simmer until thickened. Add a spoonful of butter at the end to make it taste even better. With chicken gravy, this stuffed chicken dish is warm and tasty.
10. Cranberry Sauce
For a unique twist, try homemade or canned cranberry sauce with chicken cordon bleu. The sweet-tart flavors complement the salty and creamy components of the dish surprisingly well. Whole berry cranberry sauce has the best texture. Drizzle the sauce over chicken or serve it on the side for dipping.
Tips for Serving Sauces with Chicken Cordon Bleu
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For convenience, make the sauce ahead of time so it’s ready when the chicken comes out of the oven.
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Allow the breaded chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and adding sauce so the coating stays crispy.
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Drizzle sauce over individual pieces of chicken or serve it on the side for dipping.
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Match lighter sauces like lemon butter or white wine with vegetable sides. Richer sauces pair better with starchier sides like rice, pasta or mashed potatoes.
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Add a pop of color to the plate with fresh herbs like parsley, chives or dill.
Now that you know 10 delicious sauce options for chicken cordon bleu, it’s time to try them out! From creamy classics to fresh new flavors, the right sauce can really take this dish to the next level. Find your favorites and transform an ordinary weeknight dinner into an impressive meal.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Sauce
Please see the recipe card below for more detailed directions and ingredients amounts.
Step 1: Cook the butter and garlic.
Heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Drop in 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Add in minced garlic and continue cooking for another 30 seconds, until it’s fragrant.
Step 2: Add the flour.
Quickly sprinkle 1 tablespoon of flour over the butter and garlic. Use a whisk to stir it in so it’s well incorporated.
Step 3: Pour in the milk.
Slowly add the milk into the flour-butter mixture. Mix in a few tablespoons at a time, whisking well after each addition and letting it thicken.
Step 4: Mix in the cheese, mustard, and thyme.
Once the sauce is thick and creamy, pour in the cheese, mustard, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir well until it is smooth.
Meal Prep and Storage
- To Prepare Ahead: This sauce can be made a day or two ahead of time; just put it in the fridge in a container that won’t let air in. Then, warm it back up on the stove.
- To Store: Put leftovers in a container that won’t let air in and put it in the fridge for up to 4 or 5 days.
- If you want to freeze this sauce, don’t do it. It will separate when it thaws.
- To Warm Up: To warm the sauce again, put it back in a saucepan and heat it on low while whisking it until it is smooth and warm. If needed, add a little more milk.
Absolutely! This will give it a really luxurious, creamy texture that will be delicious!
Cordon Bleu sauce is made with a butter and garlic base, then flour and milk are added to thicken it. It is then seasoned with Dijon mustard, Parmesan cheese, and herbs to create a decadent sauce.
Cordon Blue is a term from France that literally means blue ribbon. It signifies a well-prepared dish.
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cordon bleu sauce
FAQ
What goes on top of chicken cordon bleu?
A rich cream sauce made with Parmesan cheese and Dijon mustard is usually put on top of chicken cordon bleu. You can make up your own recipe, or try adding a little Dijon to our best Alfredo Sauce.
What is cordon bleu sauce made of?
Cordon Bleu sauce is made with a butter and garlic base, then flour and milk are added to thicken it. It is then seasoned with Dijon mustard, Parmesan cheese, and herbs to create a decadent sauce. What does “Bleu” in Cordon Bleu mean? “Cordon Bleu” comes from the French language and means “blue ribbon.”
What is traditionally served with chicken cordon bleu?
Chicken Cordon Bleu is best served with mashed potatoes, rice or small pasta like orzo. Fresh asparagus or green beans, sliced carrots, or broccoli also make lovely sides to this chicken dish.
How to make cheese sauce for cordon bleu?
directionsMelt butter in a sauce pan. Stir in flour and salt. Add milk and cheese and stir until melted. Pour over cordon bleu and serve.