If you love the comforting flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu and the cheesy, crisp delight of quesadillas, then you are in for an absolute treat with this Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadillas with Parmesan Dijon Sauce Recipe. It combines tender grilled chicken, savory ham, and melty Swiss cheese sandwiched between golden tortillas, all enhanced by a rich, tangy Parmesan Dijon sauce that elevates every bite. This fusion dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer for guests, offering a delicious balance of textures and flavors you won’t forget.

A round quesadilla cut into four thick wedges sits on white parchment paper over a wooden board. The top layer is golden brown with crispy spots and sprinkled with small, shredded white cheese and finely chopped fresh green herbs. Underneath the crispy top, a light beige quesadilla dough holds a middle layer that is slightly visible, showing light pink slices of ham and melted white cheese. The quesadilla edges are lightly browned with a soft, slightly chewy texture. The background is a white marbled surface with a colorful floral cloth partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadillas with Parmesan Dijon Sauce Recipe lies in its straightforward yet flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s the creamy Swiss cheese giving that luscious melt, or the Dijon mustard adding a hint of sharpness to the sauce. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to make this delightful dish come to life.

Flour tortillas (8-10 inch): Soft and flexible, perfect for grilling to a golden crisp.
Grilled chicken breast (¼ cup, sliced): Provides juicy, tender protein with a subtle smoky flavor.
Deli ham (2-3 slices): Adds a salty, savory contrast to the milder chicken and cheese.
Swiss or Provolone cheese (4 slices): Melts beautifully to create that irresistible cheesy pull.
Toasted breadcrumbs (2 tablespoons): Introduces a delightful crunch and texture layer inside.
Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Essential for crisping the tortillas to a perfect golden brown.
Butter for sauce (2 tablespoons): Forms the creamy base for the luscious Parmesan Dijon sauce.
Flour (1 tablespoon): Helps thicken the Parmesan Dijon sauce to a rich consistency.
Milk (1 cup): Creamy liquid base that balances the sauce’s sharp flavors.
Chicken bouillon cube (1): Adds depth and savory notes to the sauce.
Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Gives the sauce a tangy, slightly spicy kick.
Hot sauce (dash, optional): For those who enjoy a gentle heat in their sauce.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Infuses the sauce with nutty, salty richness.
Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning balance.

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadillas with Parmesan Dijon Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Make the Parmesan Dijon Sauce

Start by melting butter in a medium-sized saucepan. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux. Add the chicken bouillon cube and allow it to cook for 1 to 2 minutes to build flavor. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Stir in the Dijon mustard and a dash of hot sauce if you like a little heat. Keep whisking as the sauce simmers for about 5 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency. Remove from the heat, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and keep warm on low heat. This sauce is the luscious heart of the dish and will bring all the flavors together beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Quesadilla Base

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Using medium heat is vital here because it allows the quesadilla to crisp up slowly and the cheese inside to melt perfectly without burning the tortilla. Place one flour tortilla into the skillet as the base.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Now comes the fun part—building layers that pack an explosion of flavor. First, lay down one slice of cheese evenly across the tortilla, followed by a layer of thinly sliced deli ham. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of toasted breadcrumbs evenly to add that crunch factor. Next, add another cheese layer to ensure gooey, cheesy pockets inside. Then place your sliced grilled chicken over the cheese. Drizzle a few spoonfuls of the prepared Parmesan Dijon sauce, which will infuse the fillings with rich, tangy goodness. Sprinkle a bit more breadcrumbs on top to maintain texture, and add one final layer of cheese before topping it with the second tortilla shell.

Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection

Cook the assembled quesadilla until the bottom tortilla is golden brown, which should take a few minutes. Carefully flip it over and continue cooking until the other side is equally golden and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly. Patience here rewards you with perfectly crisp and gooey quesadillas that are pure comfort on a plate.

Step 5: Slice and Serve

Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it rest for a minute before slicing into wedges. Serve warm, accompanied by the extra Parmesan Dijon sauce for dipping or drizzling. Every bite offers the perfect balance of crispy, creamy, savory, and tangy flavors.

How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadillas with Parmesan Dijon Sauce Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a three-layer sandwich made with golden brown toasted flatbread. Each layer alternates between creamy melted light yellow cheese and thin slices of pink ham. The flatbread is sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs and small shreds of white cheese. The sandwich is placed on a wooden board with some white cheese shreds and herbs scattered around it. The background has a soft, floral fabric pattern. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance the dish’s presentation and flavor by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or chives. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top adds a lovely nutty note. A side of lemon wedges can also brighten the rich flavors with a splash of freshness.

Side Dishes

Pair these quesadillas with light, fresh sides like a crisp green salad or a tangy coleslaw to cut through the richness. Roasted vegetables or a simple tomato salsa can also complement the dish beautifully without overwhelming its delicate flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, serve smaller quesadilla wedges on a platter with individual dipping cups of the Parmesan Dijon sauce. You might also layer the quesadillas in a casserole dish, drizzle with more sauce, and bake briefly for a fun twist. Wrapping each wedge in parchment can make them portable for picnics or casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadillas with Parmesan Dijon Sauce Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to keep the sauce separate to preserve its creamy texture, but you can also drizzle some on before reheating if desired.

Freezing

These quesadillas freeze well if wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. To avoid sogginess, it’s best to freeze before adding the sauce.

Reheating

Reheat quesadillas in a skillet over medium-low heat to bring back their crispness without drying out the fillings. You can also use an oven preheated to 350°F; heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Reheat the Parmesan Dijon sauce gently on low heat while stirring.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought breaded chicken instead of grilled chicken?

Absolutely! Using breaded chicken adds an extra crunch inside the quesadilla and saves preparation time. Just adjust the breadcrumb amounts accordingly to avoid overpowering the texture.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

You can definitely swap out the chicken and ham for sautéed mushrooms and spinach or a mix of grilled vegetables. Use the Parmesan Dijon sauce as is to keep that signature flavor.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, the Parmesan Dijon sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving to avoid curdling or separating.

What cheese works best for this recipe?

Swiss and Provolone are traditionally the best choices for their melting qualities and mild flavor. However, feel free to experiment with Gruyère or mozzarella depending on your taste preference.

How can I make the quesadilla extra crispy?

Be sure to cook over medium heat and melt butter in the skillet to achieve that golden crunch. Avoid high heat, which causes burning without properly melting the cheese inside.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel just as excited as I do to dive into this Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadillas with Parmesan Dijon Sauce Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that brings comfort, elegance, and wow-factor all at once. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or sharing with friends, this recipe promises smiles with every cheesy, savory bite. Give it a try—you’ll find it quickly becoming a favorite in your recipe collection!

Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadillas with Parmesan Dijon Sauce Recipe