This Deconstructed Chicken Cordon Bleu is a low-carb, protein-packed twist on the classic French favorite, made quick and easy in the air fryer!
Instead of traditional breading, tender chicken breasts are simply seasoned, air-fried to juicy perfection, then topped with deli ham and Swiss cheese. A velvety stone-ground mustard cream sauce takes the whole dish to the next level. Ready in about 20 minutes, this chicken cordon bleu recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, low-carb meal plans, or when you’re craving comfort without the carbs.
Why You Will Love This Deconstructed Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Low-Carb Dinner: No breading means fewer carbs, without sacrificing flavor.
- Air Fryer Convenience: Fast, hands-off cooking with a crisp finish and juicy center.
- Creamy Mustard Sauce: Grainy mustard adds tang and depth to a rich, velvety sauce.
- Family-Friendly Dinner: Simple ingredients transform into elegant flavor that’s great for everyone at the table.
- No Breading Required: Less mess, less prep, and totally gluten-free with a swap.
Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts → Easily use boneless chicken thighs for more flavor, or turkey cutlets for variety.
- Swiss Cheese → Try provolone, mozzarella, or gruyère for a different melt and flavor.
- Deli Ham → Use prosciutto, turkey slices, or even pancetta for a twist.
- Heavy Whipping Cream → Use half-and-half, though it may make the sauce slightly thinner.
- Grainy Mustard → Substitute with Dijon mustard, stone-ground mustard, or a combo of both.
How to Prepare Deconstructed Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- Lightly pound the thick end of the chicken breasts under wax paper to create an even thickness.
- Brush each chicken breast with olive oil and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Place the chicken breasts into the preheated air fryer and cook for 15 minutes, flipping once.
- While the chicken cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and let it cook for about 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Slowly whisk in one cup of the heavy cream and the nutmeg. Let the sauce gently thicken. If it becomes too thick, add the additional 1/4 cup of cream.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the grainy mustard, until smooth and creamy.
- Once the chicken is done, top each piece with one slice of ham and two slices of Swiss cheese.
- Return the chicken to the air fryer at 400°F (204°C) for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Plate and spoon the mustard cream sauce over the chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
How to Serve and Store
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair this deconstructed chicken cordon bleu with steamed green beans, garlic sautéed spinach, or mashed cauliflower.
- Serve over zucchini noodles or roasted broccoli for a complete keto plate.
- If you are craving carbs, serve with homemade mashed potatoes, or buttered noodles.
Storing:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) or in a skillet with a lid on low heat.
- The sauce can be reheated in a small saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of cream, if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this chicken cordon bleu in the oven instead of an air fryer? Yes! Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Bake the seasoned chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 18–22 minutes, depending on thickness. Add the ham and cheese in the last 3–5 minutes of baking, then broil for 1–2 minutes if you want a bubbly top.
- How do I make this on the stovetop? Sear the chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon of oil, about 6–7 minutes per side. Once cooked through, top with ham and cheese, cover the skillet with a lid, and reduce heat until the cheese melts.
- Is this truly low-carb and keto? Yes! This version eliminates breadcrumbs and flour-heavy sauces, making it suitable for a keto diet. If you’re ultra strict, you can skip the tablespoon of flour or replace it with almond flour or a low-carb thickener like xanthan gum.
- Can I make this ahead of time? You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead. Reheat both and add the ham and cheese just before serving, for best results.
- What sides go best with this low-carb chicken dish? Zucchini noodles, cauliflower mash, sautéed asparagus, or a simple side salad are all excellent low-carb options.
More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes to Love
- Air Fryer Chicken and Tomatoes
- Flattened Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Air Fryer Chicken and Vegetables
- Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Breast
- Air Fryer Whole Chicken
Deconstructed Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This Deconstructed Chicken Cordon Bleu is a low-carb, keto-friendly twist on the classic French favorite that’s made quick and easy in the air fryer!
Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts (about 8 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 slices deli ham (long enough to cover the chicken)
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
For the Mustard Cream Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 to 1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon grainy mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- Lightly pound the thick end of the chicken breasts under wax paper to create an even thickness.
- Brush each chicken breast with olive oil and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Place the chicken breasts into the preheated air fryer and cook for 15 minutes, flipping once.
- While the chicken cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and let it cook for about 1–2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Slowly whisk in one cup of the heavy cream and the nutmeg. Let the sauce gently thicken. If it becomes too thick, add the additional 1/4 cup of cream.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the grainy mustard, until smooth and creamy.
- Once the chicken is done, top each piece with one slice of ham and two slices of Swiss cheese.
- Return the chicken to the air fryer at 400°F (204°C) for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Plate and spoon the mustard cream sauce over the chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
- ENJOY!
Notes
- Be sure to pound the thicker end of the chicken breasts for even cooking.
- You can season the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate for extra flavor.
- Use parchment paper or wax paper when pounding to avoid tearing the chicken.
- Adjust the amount of cream in the sauce to your preferred consistency.
- For a thicker sauce without flour, use 1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum or omit thickener for ultra low-carb.
- Don’t skip the grainy mustard. It gives the sauce its classic Cordon Bleu flavor.
- If your air fryer runs hot, check the chicken a couple minutes early to avoid overcooking.
- You can add the ham and cheese just after the chicken is cooked and let it melt with the residual heat if you don’t want to crank the air fryer up again.
- Leftovers reheat well in the air fryer or skillet with a splash of cream for the sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: American/French
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WELCOME! My name is Melissa Latin aka. Charlotte Fashion Plate. Happy to meet you! I am more than just recipes. I love fashion and style too! Most importantly, I love my Family (my Hubby and my Fur Babies). My Husband (aka my “Kitchen Bitch”) means the world to me. He’s pretty damn cool too. Not only is he one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, he also has had a lengthy career in professional hockey. Not only winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the early ’90’s, but most recently winning the Calder Cup with the Charlotte Checkers, amongst many other accolades. If you live in Charlotte and play hockey, or have a family member who plays, be sure to contact him!
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