There’s something irresistibly elegant about Chicken Cordon Bleu—a classic dish that wraps tender chicken around savory ham and gooey Swiss cheese, all cloaked in a golden, crunchy crust. While it might sound fancy, this recipe lets you recreate the magic of a bistro meal right in your own kitchen with surprisingly simple steps and accessible ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself (and your loved ones) to something extraordinary, Chicken Cordon Bleu always delivers creamy, crispy, and satisfying results.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of ingredients to make Chicken Cordon Bleu, but each one truly matters. These pantry staples and fresh items come together for a dish that’s flavorful, visually stunning, and sure to be a hit every time.
- Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the perfect blank canvas that holds everything together beautifully.
- Swiss cheese: Its meltiness and mellow yet nutty flavor make for an indulgent, gooey center.
- Deli ham: Adds a gentle smoky, salty contrast—the perfect companion for both the chicken and cheese.
- All-purpose flour: Helps the coating stick, ensuring a crisp, even crust on the outside.
- Salt: Enhances all the savory notes and prevents blandness.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick of flavor without overpowering.
- Eggs: The binding hero that ensures the breadcrumbs cling for a crunch you can hear.
- Breadcrumbs: Choose your favorite type Main Course.
- Parmesan cheese: Mixed into the breadcrumbs, it provides a rich, salty flavor and gorgeous browning.
- Unsalted butter: Drizzled on before baking, butter guarantees a perfectly golden, tender crust.
- Toothpicks: Essential for keeping those delightful ham-and-cheese-stuffed rolls secure as they bake.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu
Step 1: Prepare and Flatten the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), setting the stage for perfect baking. Lay each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and grab your meat mallet. Gently pound the chicken to about 1/4-inch thickness—it makes rolling much easier and ensures even cooking. Go slowly and aim for even thickness—this little bit of effort makes a huge difference in the final dish.
Step 2: Assemble the Filling
Now for the fun part! Remove the plastic wrap and lay a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese onto each piece of flattened chicken. The layering is what gives Chicken Cordon Bleu its distinctive look and irresistible flavor, especially when the cheese melts into gooey bliss.
Step 3: Roll and Secure
Carefully roll up each chicken breast, tucking in the sides to help keep that delicious filling tucked away. Secure each roll with toothpicks—don’t be shy! This step ensures nothing leaks out as the cheese melts and the ham heats up, keeping your rolls picture-perfect.
Step 4: Bread the Chicken
Set up three bowls for breading: one with the flour, salt, and pepper; one with the beaten eggs; and a third with the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan. Give each chicken roll a quick dredge in the flour, dip in egg to coat, then finish with a generous layer of the breadcrumb-Parmesan mix. This triple-coating process is the secret to Chicken Cordon Bleu’s iconic crunch.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the breaded chicken rolls seam-side down in a greased baking dish, drizzle with melted butter, and pop into that preheated oven. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked and the coating is wonderfully golden. Remove those toothpicks (a vital but often forgotten finishing touch) before serving and get ready for applause!
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or a few chives adds vibrant color and a fresh lift to the rich flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu. For an extra touch, a swoosh of creamy Dijon sauce or a wedge of lemon on the side puts the presentation over the top.
Side Dishes
Pairing is half the fun! Fluffy mashed potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, or a crisp green salad balance out the rich and savory profile of this dish. Even buttery rice pilaf or garlicky green beans make perfect companions, letting Chicken Cordon Bleu take center stage.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the chicken rolls diagonally for elegant medallions that show off the beautiful cross-section of ham and melty cheese. If you want to go bistro-style, serve individual rolls atop a bed of lightly dressed greens or drizzle with a swirl of Dijon cream sauce for a gourmet flourish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To store leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu, let everything cool completely, then transfer the rolls to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results, keep sauce (if using) separate so the crust remains crisp.
Freezing
Chicken Cordon Bleu freezes beautifully! Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, then freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating so the texture stays just right.
Reheating
To restore that signature crunch, reheat Chicken Cordon Bleu in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15–20 minutes, uncovered, until the filling is hot and the breading is crisp. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of Swiss?
Absolutely! While Swiss is the traditional choice for its meltiness and flavor, you can try Gruyère, provolone, or even mozzarella for a fun twist that still pairs beautifully with ham and chicken.
Is it possible to make Chicken Cordon Bleu gluten-free?
Yes, it’s easy to make this dish gluten-free—simply swap in gluten-free all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs. Your Chicken Cordon Bleu will come out just as delicious, with all the same texture and flavor.
Can I assemble Chicken Cordon Bleu in advance?
You sure can! Prepare and bread the chicken rolls a few hours ahead, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This is a fantastic make-ahead option for dinner parties or busy weeknights.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Bake until the chicken is golden and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, make sure the juices run clear—no pink!
Can I fry Chicken Cordon Bleu instead of baking?
Definitely! You can shallow-fry the breaded rolls in a hot skillet with oil until golden on all sides, then finish in the oven if needed. This gives the crust an extra crispy finish reminiscent of restaurant versions.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made Chicken Cordon Bleu at home, now’s your moment—it’s easier than it looks, always impressive, and absolutely delicious. Gather your ingredients, give this recipe a try, and watch your friends and family swoon over every cheesy, crispy, flavor-packed bite!
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the classic French-American favorite, Chicken Cordon Bleu, with tender chicken breasts stuffed with Swiss cheese and ham, coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust, and baked to perfection. A delicious main course that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 slices deli ham
For Coating:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- toothpicks (for securing)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pound the Chicken: Pound each chicken breast to 1/4-inch thickness between plastic wrap.
- Stuff the Chicken: Layer ham and cheese on each breast, roll up, and secure with toothpicks.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge in flour, dip in eggs, coat with breadcrumb mixture.
- Bake: Place in a baking dish, drizzle with butter, bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Serve: Remove toothpicks before serving.
Notes
- Serve with a Dijon cream sauce if desired.
- Pairs well with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 50g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
