This delectable Chicken Cordon Bleu Sauce perfectly finishes any dish!
If you enjoy a creamy béchamel sauce, then you’re going to love this chicken cordon bleu sauce! In my view, this sauce surpasses béchamel because it incorporates a subtle umami flavor from the Parmesan cheese. This creamy, velvety sauce is perfect for drizzling over a variety of dishes, including steamed vegetables, grilled pork chops, seared fish fillets, filet mignon, and, of course, a delicious plate of chicken cordon bleu!
What I appreciate about this recipe is its simplicity. All the ingredients are pretty straightforward, and you likely already have them in your kitchen. You’ll be shocked how remarkably easy this sauce comes together with just a bit of flour, Dijon mustard, Parmesan cheese, milk, and a dash of salt and pepper.
The smooth texture and gentle flavor make it ideal for any picky eaters you might have in your home, particularly kids!
This sauce is versatile, too. You can spice it up by incorporating some heat with ingredients like gochujang or cayenne pepper. Want some acidity? A squeeze of lemon adds a refreshing citrus punch. You can also use potato starch instead of all-purpose flour as a thickening agent for a gluten-free version. No matter how you enhance it, this chicken cordon bleu sauce will soon become a favorite in your kitchen!
Where did chicken cordon bleu originate?
The history of chicken cordon bleu is quite fascinating! While many folks think it originated in the kitchens of Paris, it actually has its roots in Switzerland. The legend has it that a clever Valais chef created this recipe out of necessity when a large group of hungry customers showed up at her restaurant just before closing. Rather than turning them away, she had the brilliant idea to quickly roll up some extra meat scraps with ham and cheese, coat them in breadcrumbs and fry them until crispy. To make it even better, she topped off the dish with a delicious, creamy sauce! The restaurant owner was so impressed with the chef’s creativity that he offered her a blue ribbon, or “cordon bleu” in French, which is a metaphor for a great cook. She declined the ribbon, then suggested the dish be named cordon bleu, giving birth to this delightful creation!
How do I store leftovers?
Once it’s fully cooled, leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce can also be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To defrost it, simply let it thaw completely in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warm.
Serving suggestions
There are numerous dishes you can top with this delicious sauce! I recommend pairing it with Crispy Air-Fryer Breaded Chicken, delicious Grilled London Broil, and, of course, Healthy Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu—just be sure to replace the cauliflower Alfredo with this luxurious sauce. Alternatively, you can use it as a dipping sauce for this Easy Pommes Frites Recipe or Baked BBQ Chicken Legs.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 1/3 cups milk 2%
- 4 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more to taste
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to form a smooth roux.
- Slowly incorporate the milk while whisking until the mixture becomes smooth. Keep cooking for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. If needed, add another splash of milk to thin the sauce. Adjust seasonings and Parmesan as needed.
- Cook for an additional minute and then remove from heat.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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