This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu is a tasty twist on a classic! Juicy chicken is filled with ham and cheese, and it all cooks gently to perfection in your slow cooker.
You’ll love how simple it is to throw everything in and let it cook while you do other things. Plus, the melty cheese will make you feel like a fancy chef without all the fuss! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you’re looking for a quicker option, you can use chicken tenders instead. Just adjust the cooking time since they will cook faster!
Deli Ham: Any type of deli ham works great, but I like to use smoked ham for an extra kick of flavor. If you prefer a lower sodium option, turkey ham is a tasty alternative.
Swiss Cheese: This adds that wonderful melty texture. If you can’t find Swiss cheese, go for provolone or mozzarella, both of which will melt nicely as well!
Italian Seasoned Bread Crumbs: Italian bread crumbs give a nice flavor, but you could use plain bread crumbs mixed with Italian seasoning or even panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.
Cream of Chicken Soup: If you want a healthier version, use low-fat or homemade cream of chicken soup. A can of cream of mushroom soup can also be a good substitute.
How Do I Get the Chicken to Cook Evenly in the Slow Cooker?
To ensure your chicken cooks evenly and stays moist, start by flattening the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps them cook uniformly. Here are some tips:
- Use a meat mallet, or even a rolling pin, to gently pound the chicken.
- Be careful not to tear the chicken, aim for about 1/2 inch thickness.
- When rolling the chicken, make sure to roll tightly without tearing, and secure if needed with toothpicks.
- Place the chicken in a single layer in the slow cooker—avoid stacking to promote even cooking!
Following these steps will help you achieve juicy, tender chicken every time! Enjoy cooking!
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices deli ham
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (optional, for crisp topping)
Time Needed:
This scrumptious slow cooker dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll need to let it cook on low for 3-4 hours. So, in just over 4 hours, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by flattening the chicken breasts to about 1/2 inch thickness. You can do this easily with a meat mallet or a rolling pin, just be gentle! This helps the chicken cook evenly and makes rolling them up a lot simpler.
2. Add Filling:
On each flattened chicken breast, lay one slice of ham and one slice of Swiss cheese. Roll the chicken tightly from one end to the other to encase the ham and cheese inside. If needed, secure the rolls with toothpicks to keep them together during cooking.
3. Make the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, combine the Italian seasoned bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. This mixture will give the chicken a lovely crispy texture.
4. Coat the Chicken:
Brush the outside of each chicken roll lightly with olive oil or melted butter for a crispier topping. Then, roll them in the bread crumb mixture to coat them evenly.
5. Set Up the Slow Cooker:
Place the coated chicken rolls in the slow cooker in a single layer. This will ensure that all sides cook well and get that delicious flavor!
6. Prepare the Sauce:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder until well blended. This sauce will keep the chicken moist and add lots of flavor!
7. Pour the Sauce:
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken rolls in the slow cooker, making sure each piece is covered.
8. Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked (the internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
9. Final Touches:
Once the cooking time is up, gently remove the toothpicks from the chicken. Be careful as the rolls can be delicate!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Spoon some of the delicious sauce over the chicken rolls. Garnish with extra parsley for a pop of color, and serve warm. Enjoy your tender, cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu made effortlessly in the slow cooker!
FAQ for Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just make sure to thaw them completely before starting the recipe. Thaw them overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for about 1-2 hours. Never cook frozen chicken in the slow cooker, as it can lead to uneven cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Swiss Cheese?
If you don’t have Swiss cheese, you can substitute provolone, mozzarella, or even cheddar cheese. Just ensure the cheese you choose melts well to maintain that lovely creamy filling!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stove; adding a splash of chicken broth can help keep the chicken moist as you reheat it.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken rolls, coat them, and assemble everything in the slow cooker the night before. Just cover it and refrigerate, then cook in the slow cooker the next day. Just remember, if you’re starting with chilled chicken, it may take a little longer to cook.
