Chicken Cordon Bleu is a culinary delight featuring juicy chicken breasts filled with slices of ham and Swiss cheese, all encased in a crispy breadcrumb coating. This elegant and impressive dish is appealing for special occasions, dinner parties, or just a simple family dinner. THis is simply a mouth watering taste experience. The combination of flavors – the mildness of the chicken, the savory ham, and the creamy cheese – makes it a hit with both kids and adults alike.

As a fellow busy parent, I understand the need for convenient meal solutions. Freezer meals like Chicken Cordon Bleu are ideal make-ahead meals that can save you time and stress during the week. By preparing this dish in advance, you can have a homemade, nutritious dinner ready with minimal effort on those busy evenings. The ability to prepare in advance saves time and reduces stress, leaving more mental energy for those things that matter.

In this blog post, I invite you to join me in making Chicken Cordon Bleu a part of your freezer meal repertoire. Together, we’ll simplify the cooking process and create a delicious meal your whole family will love. Let’s get cooking and make mealtime effortless and enjoyable!

Why You’ll Love this Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

Stress-Free: Reduces the stress of figuring out what to cook every night.
Impressive: Looks and tastes gourmet, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Cost-Effective: Using basic ingredients can be more budget-friendly than dining out.
Easy Instructions: Simple steps make it accessible for all cooking skill levels.
Reliable: Always turns out delicious, eliminating the worry of dinner flops.
Family Bonding: Involves kids in the preparation process for a fun, family-friendly activity.

Gluten-Free Chicken Cordon Bleu Freezer Meal Recipe

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings

Equipment

1 gallon freezer bag
1 Slow Cooker

Ingredients

2-3 lbs Chicken thighs
15 oz Alfredo sauce jar
1 cup Water
14.5 oz Chicken broth can
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Black pepper
8 oz Ham steak cubed

Day of Cooking:

12-16 oz Penne pasta
2 cups Swiss cheese shredded

For Serving: (Optional Garnish)

Gluten free breadcrumbs
Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Prep/Freezer Directions:

Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
Add all ingredients, except the broth, day of cooking and serving ingredients, to the freezer bag.
Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months.

Slow Cooker | Cooking Directions:

Dump the contents of the freezer bag into a slow cooker, add 1 (14.5 oz) cup chicken broth.
Cook on low for 5 hours.
Shred chicken, stir in cheese until melted, then stir in penne pasta.
Cook on high for 30 more minutes.
Stir and serve. Optional: Top with breadcrumbs and/or parmesan cheese.

Instant Pot | Cooking Directions

Thaw freezer bag in fridge 12-24 hours before cooking.
Dump the contents of the freezer bag into the Instant Pot, add 1 (14.5 oz) can chicken broth.
Set to High Pressure for 8 minutes, then quick release.
Shred chicken, stir in cheese, add penne (with water/broth to cover), and cook on High Pressure for 4 minutes. Quick release.
Stir well. Optional: Top with breadcrumbs and/or parmesan cheese.

Dietary Adjustments

Make it Gluten Free:

Verify Chicken Broth is Gluten Free

Verify Alfredo Sauce is Gluten Free

Use GF Penne Pasta (My favorites are brown rice, red lentil, and quinoa pasta)

Use GF Breadcrumbs

Make it Dairy Free:

Skip the optional parmesan garnish

Replace 15 oz jar Alfredo Sauce with 1 (13.6 oz) can Full Fat Coconut Milk

Replace 2 cups Swiss cheese with 2 cups Daiya Swiss Cheese

Keyword Chicken Cordon Bleu, Chicken Cordon Bleu Freezer Recipe, Chicken Freezer Meals, Slow cooker chicken recipes, Slow Cooker Freezer Meals

Equipment Needed to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Freezer Meal Recipe

1 gallon freezer bag
1 Slow Cooker

Ingredients for your Chicken Cordon Bleu Freezer Meal

2-3 lbs Chicken thighs
15 oz Alfredo sauce, gluten-free, jar
1 cup Water
14.5 oz Chicken broth, gluten-free, can
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Black pepper
8 oz Ham steak, cubed
Day of Cooking:
12-16 oz Penne pasta, gluten-free
2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
For Serving: (Optional Garnish)
Gluten free breadcrumbs
Parmesan cheese

How to Make a Chicken Cordon Bleu Freezer Meal Recipe

Prep/Freezer Directions:

Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
Add all ingredients, except the broth, day of cooking and serving ingredients, to the freezer bag.
Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months.

Slow Cooker | Cooking Directions:

Dump the contents of the freezer bag into a slow cooker, add 1 (14.5 oz) cup chicken broth.
Cook on low for 5 hours.
Shred chicken, stir in cheese until melted, then stir in penne pasta.
Cook on high for 30 more minutes.
Stir and serve. Optional: Top with breadcrumbs and/or parmesan cheese.

What to Pair with your Easy Cordon Bleu Freezer Recipe

Sides:

Gruyere Cheese and Bacon Asparagus
Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes
Creamy Garlic Shells

Desserts:

Oreo Cheesecake Bites
S’mores Pie
Lemon Bars

Mocktails:

Honey, Blackberry and Sage Refresher
Spicy Grapefruit Ginger Fizz Mocktail
Miami Vice Mocktail

Popular Substitutions an Additions

Substitutions:

Chicken Thighs for Chicken Breasts: Using chicken thighs instead of breasts can add extra flavor and tenderness to your Chicken Cordon Bleu. Replace chicken breasts with an equal weight of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Follow the same pounding, filling, and breading process.
Alfredo Sauce for Breadcrumb Coating: Instead of the traditional breadcrumb coating, you can use Alfredo sauce for a creamy version of Chicken Cordon Bleu. After rolling the chicken with ham and cheese, coat each piece with Alfredo sauce before freezing. When ready to cook, bake until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.
Penne Pasta for Serving: Instead of serving Chicken Cordon Bleu as a standalone dish, pair it with Penne Pasta for a complete meal. Cook the Penne Pasta until al dente, then toss with a portion of the Alfredo sauce and serve alongside or under the baked Chicken Cordon Bleu.

Additions:

Ham Steak, Cubed: Incorporate cubed ham into the Alfredo sauce before coating the chicken, or add it to the Penne Pasta mix.
Parmesan Cheese Garnish: After coating the chicken with Alfredo sauce, sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese before freezing. When baking, this will create a golden, cheesy topping.
Dijon Mustard for Extra Flavor: Mix a tablespoon of Dijon mustard with the Alfredo sauce before coating the chicken. Alternatively, spread a thin layer of mustard on the chicken before adding the ham and cheese.

These substitutions and additions will not only keep the recipe freezer-friendly but also enhance the flavors and textures of your Chicken Cordon Bleu Freezer Meal. Enjoy your delicious, convenient, and creative meals!

How to Reheat and Store Chicken Cordon Bleu Freezer Recipe

Best way to store Make Ahead Chicken Cordon Bleu Freezer Recipe

Preserving the quality and safety of your leftovers hinges on proper storage techniques. Begin by allowing your leftovers to cool down to room temperature. After adequate cooling, transfer them into airtight containers or resealable plastic bags, being mindful to eliminate excess air to prevent freezer burn or spoilage.

How long will Chicken Cordon Bleu Last in the fridge?

Rest assured, your beloved leftovers have a good shelf life in the fridge, typically lasting for approximately three to five days. This generous time frame allows you to savor those delicious meals once more. Now, suppose you ever find yourself with an abundance of leftovers and doubt whether you can enjoy them all in time. In that case, your trusty freezer is the solution. It extends the lifespan of your leftovers while preserving their taste and quality.

Can I freeze Quick Prep Chicken Cordon Bleu Freezer Recipe

Yes! We have created this to be a freezer friendly recipe. We recommend preparing this recipe as a Raw freezer meal, which means prepping the recipe, freezing, and then cooking fresh when needed.

To prepare as a raw freezer meal, Add all ingredients, except the broth, day of cooking and serving ingredients, to the freezer bag. Then, simply seal, the bag, removing excess air, and freeze for up to three months.

If you have already cooked your Chicken Cordon Bleu and want to extend the shelf life of your leftovers, allow the recipe to cool to room temperature, then place in a freezer safe container, or freezer bag, and freeze for up to three months.

How to Reheat Freezer Friendly Chicken Cordon Bleu?

Reheating your leftovers is very simple. If you have frozen your leftover Cordon Bleu, allow the leftovers to thaw in the fridge overnight. We recommend using the stovetop for reheating, but you may also use the microwave or oven.

If you have the time to reheat on the stove, take a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent sticking, and heat over medium heat, flipping occasionally to ensure even heating.

When using the microwave, place the desired amount of leftovers on a microwave safe plate, then reheat in short bursts of 30-45 seconds, ensuring to flip or stir in between each interval. Continue until heated through.

Make Ahead Chicken Cordon Bleu Freezer Meal FAQs

What is cordon bleu sauce made of?

Cordon Bleu Sauce, often referred to as a dijon sauce, includes ingredients like butter, flour, milk, or heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and sometimes white wine or chicken broth.

This sauce, often creamy and tangy, compliments the flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu by adding a richness and hint of acidity that pairs well with the savory ham and melted cheese. This sauce is super easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making it a perfect freezer meal option.

What are the main ingredients of a chicken cordon bleu recipe?

The main ingredients of a classic Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe include boneless, skinless chicken breasts, ham, and swiss cheese.

The chicken is pounded thin, filled with ham and cheese, rolled up and breaded with a mixture of flour eggs, and breadcrumbs. Adding a creamy dijon sauce can elevate the dish making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights.

What is the blue in Chicken Cordon Bleu?

The “Blue” In Chicken Cordon Bleu does not refer to the color of the dish, but rather from the French term “Cordon Bleu” which translates to “Blue Ribbon”. This term historically signifies the elevated and high level of culinary excellence and luxurious experience that a Cordon Bleu brings.

This dish is often associated with very prestigious cooking awards and high quality experiences. This dish, with its combination of incredible ingredients, lives up to its name, offering a “blue ribbon” culinary experience.

What do you serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu?

Chicken Cordon Bleu by itself is a culinary experience, but adding delicious sides will turn this into an experience not to be forgotten. Pairing dishes like Roasted Vegetables, such as asparagus and green beans, add a crisp, fresh contrast. Garlic mashed potatoes are also a great side dish that offer a comforting, starchy balance. Consider a french baguette or dinner rolls to bring in a complete meal.

What’s the difference between Cordon Bleu and Extra Cordon Bleu?

Extra Cordon Bleu refers to the using of premium ingredients or adding extra components to the recipe like a richer cheese, more layers of ham, or a more elaborate bread crumb process.

An “Extra” version might also include additional gourmet touches that the chef has added to the stuffing variation or process.

What is the origin of Chicken Cordon Bleu?

Chicken Cordon Bleu is believed to have originated in Switzerland in the 1940’s, though it also has strong ties to French culinary traditions. The name “Cordon Bleu” translates to “Blue Ribbon”, which historically talks about the culinary experience that Cordon Bleu presents.

What are some substitutes to make in a Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe?

When preparing Chicken Cordon Bleu, you can make several substitutions to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Instead of chicken breasts, you can use chicken thighs for a juicer protein option.

For a different flavor profile, use a different cheese, a Gruyere or Provolone will do the trick. If you want a gluten-free version, ensure you have gluten free breadcrumbs for the coating. These substitutions ensure that your Chicken Cordon Bleu freezer meal is delicious and adaptable to your various preferences.