Elevate your dinner game with this slow-cooker chicken cordon bleu! This recipe makes me weak in the knees.
Picture this: tender chicken wrapped in ham and gooey Swiss cheese, all nestled in a creamy sauce. And let’s not forget the crispy stuffing topping!
As a bonus, the slow cooker does all the work, filling your home with mouth-watering aromas throughout the day.
Trust me, this isn’t your grandma’s chicken dinner. It’s a flavor explosion!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu
Effortless Elegance: Transform a classic French dish into a hassle-free slow cooker meal to impress guests.
Time-Saver: Set it and forget it! This recipe allows you to prep in the morning and come home to a delicious, ready-to-serve dinner after a busy day.
Comfort Food: Elevate traditional comfort food with a touch of sophistication. This meal is like a hug on a plate.
Leftover Magic: Enjoy versatile leftovers that can be easily transformed into sandwiches, salads, or wraps.
Ingredients
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish, they’re tender and juicy when slow-cooked to perfection.
- Deli Ham: Savory slices add a delightful smoky flavor to every bite.
- Swiss Cheese: It’s melty, nutty, and the perfect complement to the chicken and ham.
- Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: The secret to the rich, creamy sauce that brings it all together.
- Milk: It thins out the soup and creates a velvety smooth consistency.
- Dried Oregano, Garlic Powder, and Black Pepper: A trio of spices elevate the flavors and add depth to the dish.
- Chicken Stuffing Mix: The crispy, flavorful topping takes this classic to the next level.
- Butter: It’s melted and drizzled over the stuffing for an extra dose of richness.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu
This recipe is truly a fix-it-and-forget-it meal!
1. Mix the sauce ingredients. In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, oregano, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth. Pour half of the mixture into the bottom of a slow cooker.
2. Layer the chicken. Place the chicken breasts evenly over the sauce in the slow cooker. Top each chicken breast with a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese.
3. Add the remaining sauce. Pour the remaining soup mixture evenly over the chicken, ham, and cheese layers.
4. Add the stuffing. Sprinkle the dry stuffing mix evenly over the top. Drizzle the melted butter over the stuffing.
5. Cook on low. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Avoid opening the lid during cooking.
6. Serve hot. Serve the chicken hot, spooning the sauce and stuffing from the slow cooker over each portion.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu
Follow these tips to make your dish even more irresistible.
- Pound ‘em thin! Before placing the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, pound them to an even thickness. This helps them cook more evenly.
- Be careful! When layering the ingredients, ensure the ham and cheese slices fully cover each chicken breast for the best flavor distribution.
- Resist the urge to peek. Don’t open the slow cooker lid during cooking, as this releases heat and moisture, extending the cooking time.
- Do a temp check. Before serving, use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Make it super crispy. For a crispier stuffing topping, transfer the cooked dish to a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Thicken it up. If the sauce is too thin after cooking, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker. Cook on high for 15 minutes to thicken.
- Have fun and experiment. Try using different cheeses like Gruyère or Havarti, or add sautéed mushrooms for an extra flavor dimension.
- Make it a meal. Pair with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans and a side of rice or mashed potatoes.
How to Store
Here’s how to keep your leftover chicken nice and fresh.
To Store: Place leftovers in an air-tight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Properly stored, the dish will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
To Freeze: Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, but note that freezing may affect the texture of the cheese and stuffing.
To Reheat: Microwave individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Or, reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.