Easy Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu

Here’s my tried-and-true crockpot chicken cordon bleu recipe, with tender chicken breasts, melted Swiss cheese, and ham, all wrapped up in a creamy sauce that practically makes itself while you’re away.

This slow cooker version has become my go-to dinner solution on busy weekdays. I love that I can toss everything in before heading out and come home to a meal that tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen. Plus, my kids always clean their plates when this is on the menu!

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For this crockpot recipe, boneless skinless chicken breasts are your best bet, and you’ll want them to be roughly the same size so they cook evenly. While you could technically use chicken thighs, breasts are traditional for chicken cordon bleu and their uniform shape makes them easier to layer with ham and cheese. Fresh chicken works better than frozen in this recipe, but if you’re using frozen, make sure it’s completely thawed before starting. Look for breasts that are medium-sized (about 6-8 ounces each) – if they’re too thick, you might want to butterfly them so they cook through properly in the time given.

Options for Substitutions

This easy crockpot recipe can be adapted with several substitutions if you need to make some swaps:

• Cream soups: If you don’t have celery or chicken cream soup, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of onion soup instead. For a lighter version, try using low-fat cream soups – they work just as well.
• Swiss cheese: While Swiss cheese is traditional for chicken cordon bleu, you can substitute with Gruyere, provolone, or mozzarella. Each will give you that nice melty texture, though the flavor will be slightly different.
• Deli ham: Canadian bacon or prosciutto make good alternatives to deli ham. If using prosciutto, you might want to use fewer slices since it has a stronger flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: No breadcrumbs or stuffing mix? Crush some crackers or corn flakes, or use panko breadcrumbs. If using plain breadcrumbs, add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning to match the flavor of seasoned ones.
• Milk: Feel free to use any kind of milk you have on hand – whole, 2%, or even non-dairy options like unsweetened almond milk will work here.
• Butter: You can swap the butter with margarine or olive oil, though butter gives the best flavor. If using salted butter, just reduce any added salt in your breadcrumb mixture.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest challenge when making crockpot chicken cordon bleu is preventing the chicken from becoming too dry – make sure not to cook it longer than 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, even if you’re tempted to leave it longer.

A common mistake is lifting the lid too often to check on the dish, which releases essential moisture and heat, adding unnecessary cooking time – remember that each peek adds about 15-20 minutes to your cooking time.

To keep your chicken tender and your cheese from separating, avoid using pre-shredded cheese (it contains anti-caking agents that affect melting) and opt for freshly sliced Swiss cheese instead, and make sure to layer your ingredients properly: soup mixture first, then chicken, ham, and cheese, with the breadcrumbs going on top during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

For the best texture, don’t skip the step of browning your breadcrumbs separately in melted butter before adding them to the slow cooker – this prevents them from becoming soggy and gives your dish that satisfying crunch.

What to Serve With Chicken Cordon Bleu?

Since this crockpot chicken cordon bleu is rich and creamy, it pairs really well with lighter side dishes that can balance out the meal. A simple steamed veggie like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans works great to cut through the richness of the cheese and cream sauce. For a starch, you might want to try buttered egg noodles or fluffy white rice to soak up all that tasty sauce – my family never leaves a drop behind! If you’re looking to add something fresh, a crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette dressing makes the perfect side and adds a nice pop of color to your plate.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: This crockpot chicken cordon bleu stays good in the fridge for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. The creamy sauce might thicken a bit in the fridge, but don’t worry – that’s totally normal! It’s perfect for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week.

Freeze: You can freeze portions of this dish for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. Just keep in mind that the cream sauce might separate a bit when thawed, but it’ll still taste great. I like to portion it out into individual servings before freezing – it makes weeknight dinners super easy!

Reheat: To warm up your leftovers, heat them in the microwave at 50% power, stirring the sauce occasionally. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, until heated through (about 20 minutes). If the sauce seems too thick, just stir in a splash of milk to bring it back to the right consistency.

Preparation Time	15-20 minutes
Cooking Time	240-360 minutes
Total Time	255-380 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Medium

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 2100-2300
• Protein: 150-170 g
• Fat: 130-150 g
• Carbohydrates: 150-170 g

Ingredients

• 1 can (10.5 oz) of celery cream soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) of chicken cream soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 slices of deli ham
• 8 slices of swiss cheese
• 1 box (6 oz) seasoned breadcrumbs or chicken stuffing mix
• 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter

Step 1: Prepare the Soup Mixture

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the two cans of soup, ½ cup of milk, and a bit of black pepper.

This will create a creamy base for your dish.

Once mixed, spoon a small amount of this soup mixture into the bottom of the crockpot to prevent the chicken from sticking.

Step 2: Layer the Main Ingredients

Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the crockpot.

Layer the ham slices over the chicken, ensuring complete coverage.

Follow this by layering Swiss cheese over the ham to fully cover the chicken and ham.

Step 3: Add the Remaining Soup Mixture

Pour the remaining soup mixture over the layered chicken, ham, and cheese.

This will help keep everything moist and flavorful during the cooking process.

Step 4: Add Stuffing and Butter

Evenly sprinkle the entire package of stuffing over the soup-covered ingredients.

Melt some butter and drizzle it over the stuffing, making sure to coat as much as possible.

This step is crucial for ensuring the stuffing becomes moist and flavorful.

Step 5: Cook the Dish

Place the lid on the crockpot and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours.

Ensure the chicken is cooked through, with an internal temperature reaching 165°F.

Once cooked, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal ready to enjoy!