Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadilla: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadilla: Prepare to experience a flavor explosion that will redefine your definition of “quesadilla”! Imagine the classic elegance of Chicken Cordon Bleu – the savory ham, the melty Swiss cheese, the tender chicken – all perfectly nestled between two golden, crispy tortillas. It’s a culinary mashup you never knew you needed, and trust me, you’ll be hooked from the very first bite.

While the traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu boasts a rich history rooted in European culinary traditions, our quesadilla version takes a playful detour. Think of it as a delicious tribute to the original, reimagined for a quick, easy, and utterly satisfying meal. It’s the perfect way to enjoy those familiar flavors in a fun, approachable format.

What makes this Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadilla so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The crispy tortillas provide a delightful crunch, while the warm, gooey cheese and savory ham and chicken create a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! Forget spending hours in the kitchen; this recipe comes together in a flash, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a quick and satisfying lunch. Get ready to elevate your quesadilla game!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Ham and Cheese:
• 4 ounces thinly sliced deli ham
• 4 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
• For the Quesadillas:
• 4 large flour tortillas (10-12 inch)
• 2 tablespoons butter, divided
• For the Dijon Cream Sauce:
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Preparing the Chicken

Okay, let’s start with the chicken. We want it cooked and seasoned perfectly, so it adds a delicious savory element to our quesadilla.

1. Pound the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. This helps it cook quickly and evenly.
2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and no longer pink inside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Let it Cool and Slice: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it cool slightly. Once cooled, slice the chicken into thin strips. This will make it easier to distribute evenly in the quesadillas.

Making the Dijon Cream Sauce

This sauce is what really elevates the Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadilla. It’s creamy, tangy, and adds a wonderful depth of flavor.

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, and garlic powder.
2. Add Parsley (Optional): If you’re using fresh parsley, stir it into the sauce.
3. Season to Taste: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the amount of Dijon mustard or honey to your preference. I like mine with a little extra tang!
4. Refrigerate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is optional, but it definitely improves the overall taste.

Assembling the Quesadillas

Now for the fun part – putting everything together! We’re going to layer the ingredients carefully to ensure each bite is packed with flavor.

1. Prepare the Tortillas: Lay out the four flour tortillas on a clean work surface.
2. Spread the Sauce: Spread a thin layer of the Dijon cream sauce over half of each tortilla. Don’t overdo it, or the quesadilla might get soggy.
3. Layer the Ham: On top of the sauce, arrange a layer of sliced ham on each tortilla. Use about 1 ounce of ham per tortilla half.
4. Add the Chicken: Next, add a layer of the sliced cooked chicken over the ham. Use about 1/2 of a chicken breast per tortilla half.
5. Sprinkle the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the chicken. Use about 1/4 cup of cheese per tortilla half.
6. Fold the Tortillas: Fold the empty half of each tortilla over the filling, creating a half-moon shape.

Cooking the Quesadillas

Time to get these quesadillas golden brown and melty! We’ll use butter to get a nice crispy exterior.

1. Melt the Butter: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt completely.
2. Cook the First Quesadilla: Carefully place one or two quesadillas (depending on the size of your skillet) in the melted butter.
3. Cook Until Golden Brown: Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Use a spatula to gently press down on the quesadillas while they cook to ensure even browning and melting.
4. Repeat: Remove the cooked quesadillas from the skillet and set them aside. Repeat the process with the remaining butter and quesadillas.

Serving the Quesadillas

Almost there! Now for the final touches and enjoying our delicious creation.

1. Cut into Wedges: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut each quesadilla into wedges. I usually cut them into 3 or 4 wedges.
2. Serve Immediately: Serve the Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadillas immediately while they are hot and the cheese is melted.
3. Optional Garnishes: You can garnish the quesadillas with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of extra Dijon cream sauce.
4. Enjoy!: Dig in and enjoy the delicious combination of chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, and tangy Dijon cream sauce in a crispy tortilla!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadilla is truly a must-try recipe, a delightful fusion of classic flavors and comforting textures that will leave you craving more. I know, I know, it sounds a little…out there. But trust me on this one. The crispy tortilla, the savory ham, the tender chicken, and that creamy, melty Swiss cheese all come together in perfect harmony. It’s an unexpected flavor explosion that’s surprisingly easy to make, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend lunch.

Why is this quesadilla a game-changer? Because it takes the elegance of Chicken Cordon Bleu and transforms it into a casual, handheld delight. It’s sophisticated enough to impress, yet simple enough for even the most novice cook to master. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked chicken or ham! No more boring sandwiches – elevate your leftovers with this incredible quesadilla.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your taste.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Dipping Sauces: Serve your Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadilla with a side of Dijon mustard, honey mustard, or even a creamy ranch dressing for dipping. A light vinaigrette also works wonders to cut through the richness.
* Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for a little kick.
* Veggie Boost: Sneak in some finely chopped spinach or mushrooms for added nutrients and flavor. Sauté them lightly before adding them to the quesadilla.
* Cheese Swap: While Swiss cheese is traditional, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere, provolone, or even a sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor.
* Gourmet Touch: For a more sophisticated version, use prosciutto instead of ham and add a drizzle of truffle oil after cooking.
* Make it a Meal: Serve your quesadilla with a side salad or a cup of soup for a complete and satisfying meal. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette is a perfect complement.
* Grilling Option: For a smoky flavor, grill your quesadillas instead of cooking them in a skillet. Just be sure to keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

I truly believe that this Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadilla will become a new favorite in your household. It’s a crowd-pleaser, a flavor adventure, and a guaranteed way to satisfy your cravings.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to experience quesadilla perfection. I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any variations? What did you think? Share your photos and comments in the section below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy cooking! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to help. Enjoy!