Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce
Introduction
Are you craving a delicious and satisfying meal that’s easy to make? Look no further than this Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce recipe. This classic dish combines tender chicken, savory ham, and creamy Swiss cheese for a mouthwatering flavor explosion. The best part? It’s made in the air fryer, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy interior without the need for excessive oil. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself to a gourmet dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to love this Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce recipe. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, even novice cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results. Additionally, this recipe offers a healthier twist on the traditional deep-fried version. The air fryer allows you to enjoy the same crispy texture without the guilt of excess oil. Lastly, the combination of flavors in this dish is absolutely divine. The tender chicken, smoky ham, and creamy Swiss cheese create a harmonious blend that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Cordon Bleu:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 8 slices of ham
– 4 slices of Swiss cheese
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs, beaten
– 2 cups breadcrumbs
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the Swiss Cheese Sauce:
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 cup milk
– 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Using a sharp knife, make a pocket in each chicken breast by cutting horizontally through the thickest part.
3. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
4. Place 2 slices of ham and 1 slice of Swiss cheese inside each chicken breast pocket.
5. Secure the pocket with toothpicks to prevent the filling from falling out.
6. Set up a breading station by placing the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in three separate shallow dishes.
7. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess.
8. Dip the chicken breast in the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated.
9. Finally, coat the chicken breast in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
10. Place the breaded chicken breasts in the preheated air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap.
11. Cook the chicken breasts in the air fryer for 20-25 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
12. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the Swiss cheese sauce. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
13. Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until a paste forms.
14. Gradually whisk in the milk and continue cooking until the sauce thickens.
15. Stir in the shredded Swiss cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
16. Once the chicken breasts are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes.
17. Remove the toothpicks and slice the chicken breasts into thick slices.
18. Serve the Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu with the Swiss Cheese Sauce drizzled over the top.
Expert Tips for Success
– Make sure to preheat your air fryer before cooking the chicken breasts to ensure even and consistent cooking.
– If you don’t have Swiss cheese, you can substitute it with Gruyere or Emmental cheese for a similar flavor.
– For an extra crispy coating, spray the breaded chicken breasts with cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer.
– If you want to save time, you can prepare the chicken breasts in advance and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook.
– To avoid dry chicken, be careful not to overcook the breasts. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Variations and Substitutions
– For a healthier twist, you can use turkey breast instead of chicken breast.
– If you’re not a fan of ham, you can substitute it with prosciutto or cooked bacon.
– Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, to create your own flavor combination.
– If you’re following a gluten-free diet, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for the breading.
Serving Suggestions
This Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes. Serve it with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes. For a complete meal, add a side of crusty bread and a glass of white wine. Don’t forget to drizzle extra Swiss cheese sauce over the chicken to take it to the next level of deliciousness.
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze the breaded chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can freeze the breaded chicken breasts before cooking them. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to cook, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and follow the cooking instructions as usual.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken breasts?
A: While it’s best to use raw chicken breasts for this recipe, you can certainly use pre-cooked chicken breasts if you have them on hand. Keep in mind that the cooking time will be significantly reduced since you’re only reheating the chicken and melting the cheese.
Q: Can I make this recipe in a traditional oven?
A: Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still enjoy this delicious dish by baking the chicken cordon bleu in a traditional oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the thickness of your chicken breasts.
Final Thoughts
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of this Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce. With its simple preparation and incredible taste, this recipe is a winner for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a special gathering or treating yourself to a gourmet dinner, this dish is sure to impress. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a family favorite that you’ll want to make again and again. So, fire up your air fryer and get ready to enjoy a crispy, cheesy, and utterly delicious meal.
Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce
This Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss Cheese Sauce recipe combines tender chicken, savory ham, and creamy Swiss cheese for a mouthwatering flavor explosion. Made in the air fryer for a crispy exterior and juicy interior without excessive oil, this dish is easy, delicious, and sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices of ham
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
Directions
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Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
-
Make a pocket in each chicken breast by cutting horizontally through the thickest part.
-
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
-
Place 2 slices of ham and 1 slice of Swiss cheese inside each chicken breast pocket and secure with toothpicks.
-
Dredge each chicken breast in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
-
Air fry the chicken breasts for 20-25 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Prepare the Swiss cheese sauce by melting butter, adding flour, whisking in milk, and melting Swiss cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
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Slice the cooked chicken breasts, remove toothpicks, and serve with Swiss cheese sauce drizzled over the top.
