There’s something special about chicken cordon bleu — tender chicken, smoky ham, and melted cheese all wrapped up in a rich, creamy sauce. But let’s be honest, the traditional version can feel a little intimidating on a busy night. That’s why I absolutely love this Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe. It takes all the flavors of the classic dish and transforms them into a no-fuss, slow-cooked comfort meal.
I make this dish when I want something cozy and indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen. The chicken comes out tender, the sauce is creamy and full of flavor, and the cheesy ham layers melt into every bite. Paired with a side of rice, mashed potatoes, or even pasta, this dish feels like a comforting restaurant meal served right at home.
Here’s how I make this easy, flavorful take on chicken cordon bleu that always gets rave reviews.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All the flavors of classic chicken cordon bleu without the work
- Tender, juicy chicken in a rich, cheesy sauce
- Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend comfort food
- Minimal prep — the slow cooker does all the work
- Great for serving over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices deli ham
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How I Make Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu
1. Prep the Chicken
I start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder on both sides.
2. Layer the Chicken, Ham, and Cheese
In the bottom of my slow cooker, I place the seasoned chicken breasts. On top of each piece, I lay 2 slices of ham and then 2 slices of Swiss cheese, creating that classic cordon bleu layering.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
In a small bowl, I whisk together the cream of chicken soup and milk until smooth. Then I pour this mixture evenly over the chicken, ham, and cheese layers.
4. Add the Breadcrumb Topping
I mix the seasoned breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle this over the top. It adds a little crunch and that familiar breaded feel without needing to fry or bake.
5. Slow Cook
I cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
6. Serve
Once it’s done, I spoon the cheesy sauce over each serving and pair it with buttery mashed potatoes or rice, letting that sauce drizzle over everything. It’s pure comfort on a plate.
My Tips for Success
- Use thin chicken breasts or pound them slightly so they cook evenly.
- Add extra cheese if you’re a cheese lover — it melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Substitute mozzarella or provolone for Swiss if you prefer a milder cheese.
- For extra crunch, broil the breadcrumb topping for a couple of minutes after slow cooking by transferring the dish to a baking dish.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and brightness.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Buttered egg noodles or pasta
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- A simple salad with vinaigrette
- Dinner rolls to soak up the sauce
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will turn out just as juicy and flavorful.
Q: Can I prep this recipe the night before?
A: Yes! Layer everything in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate. Just place it in the slow cooker the next day and turn it on.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: This dish freezes well! Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months, thaw in the fridge, and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Q: How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
A: Stir in a slurry of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water during the last 30 minutes of cooking and let it thicken.
Cozy, Creamy, and Totally Effortless
This Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu is one of those dishes that feels fancy but couldn’t be easier to make. The creamy, cheesy sauce paired with tender chicken and smoky ham makes every bite satisfying and indulgent — all with the help of your slow cooker.
If you make it, let me know how it turns out! Add your favorite twists or toppings, and enjoy a dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu: A Comfort Classic Made Easy
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices ham
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and top each piece with a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese.
- In a bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup with the cornstarch mixture until smooth.
- Pour the soup mixture over the chicken, ham, and cheese in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the seasoned breadcrumbs on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Once done, serve hot with your choice of sides.
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