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Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu

This Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu is a cozy, effortless dish that combines tender chicken, smoky ham, and melty Swiss cheese. Cooked in a slow cooker, it develops a juicy, tender texture with a rich, cheesy aroma that fills the kitchen. The dish features a simplified, fuss-free approach to a classic French favorite, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: French-inspired
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded thin if thick
  • 4 slices Black Forest ham thinly sliced
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese melty and mild
  • 1 cup chicken broth for moist cooking
  • 1 handful breadcrumbs optional, for texture
  • 1 tablespoon butter melted, for flavor
  • to taste salt & pepper season generously

Equipment

  • 6-quart slow cooker
  • Sharp knife
  • Toothpicks
  • Small bowl

Method
 

  1. Start by patting the chicken breasts dry and slicing each horizontally into two thin cutlets. Pound gently if needed to even out the thickness, which helps them cook uniformly.
  2. Lay a slice of ham flat on a cutting board, then place a chicken cutlet on top. Fold or trim the ham to fully cover the chicken, then secure with a toothpick if needed to hold everything in place.
  3. Place a slice of Swiss cheese over the ham-covered chicken, gently pressing to help it melt during cooking.
  4. Arrange all the prepared chicken bundles in the preheated slow cooker, seam-side down, ensuring they sit in a single layer without crowding.
  5. Pour chicken broth around the chicken to keep everything moist and create gentle steam, which helps cook the chicken evenly.
  6. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, until the chicken is tender, the cheese is melted, and the kitchen smells cheesy and savory.
  7. Check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken— it should reach 75°C (165°F). The cheese should be oozy and slightly golden at the edges.
  8. If the cheese isn't fully melted, uncover and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  9. Carefully remove the chicken bundles from the slow cooker, discard toothpicks, and let rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken juicy.
  10. Serve the chicken hot, spooning some of the flavorful broth over each piece for extra moisture and flavor.

Notes

For a crispy topping, sprinkle toasted panko breadcrumbs over the chicken just before serving. Adjust cooking time based on chicken thickness, and always check for doneness with a thermometer.