Chicken Sandwich with Cordon Bleu Twist

This sandwich takes your classic chicken delight up a notch with a crispy, cheesy surprise inside. It's perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner that feels a little special.

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TIME45 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

1 teaspoon butter, melted 2 tablespoons butter ½ cup diced smoked ham ½ cup diced onion ¼ teaspoon dried thyme ½ cup milk ½ cup shredded Gruyere cheese 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 1 pinch cayenne pepper, or more to taste 1 pinch ground nutmeg 1 cup diced cooked chicken breast ¼ cup diced dill pickles 4 (1/2 inch thick) slices toasted French bread 1 tablespoon melted butter, divided

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a baking sheet with heavy-duty foil. In a small bowl, mix the bread crumbs with a teaspoon of melted butter and set it aside.

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Step 2

Next, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the ham and onion, cooking and stirring until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle in the thyme and cook for another minute. Stir in the flour and keep stirring for about 3 minutes until the raw flour smell disappears. Take the pan off the heat and slowly whisk in 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon of milk. Return the pan to medium heat and keep stirring until the sauce thickens, which should take a minute or two.

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Step 3

Once the sauce is thick, remove it from the heat and stir in 1/2 cup of shredded Gruyere cheese, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, a pinch of cayenne, and some nutmeg. Then fold in the cooked chicken and diced pickles until everything is well combined.

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Step 4

Place the toasted bread slices on your prepared baking sheet. Brush one side of each slice with about 3/4 teaspoon of melted butter, then flip them over and spread a generous quarter of the cheese and chicken mixture on each. Sprinkle a tablespoon of shredded Gruyere on top, then finish with the buttery bread crumb mixture.

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Step 5

Pop the sandwiches in the oven and bake until the cheese is bubbly and the filling is hot, around 15 to 20 minutes. Enjoy!

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Use thinly sliced chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and a tender bite.
- Secure the sandwich with toothpicks to keep all the layers intact while cooking.
- Toast the bread lightly for added crunch and to prevent sogginess from the fillings.

Why you’ll love it

This sandwich combines the crispy, cheesy goodness of classic cordon bleu with the convenience of a handheld meal. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures that feels both comforting and special. Plus, it’s easy to make and sure to impress.

Serving ideas

Serve with a side of fresh greens or a light salad to balance the richness. Pickles or a tangy mustard sauce also pair well, adding a nice contrast to the cheesy filling. It’s great for lunch or a casual dinner.

Storage & leftovers

Wrap leftovers tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to keep the bread crisp and the cheese melted. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.