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
Units
Scale
- 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