If you’ve never tried Chicken Cordon Bleu before, prepare for a total game-changer at the dinner table! This dish features juicy chicken breasts wrapped around slices of savory ham and melty Swiss cheese, all encased in a crunchy, golden crust. Every bite is a perfect balance of creamy, salty, and crispy flavors—comfort food at its finest. Baked instead of fried, this version is just as decadent, making it perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself on a cozy night in. Once you master Chicken Cordon Bleu, you’ll want to revisit this recipe again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu is refreshingly straightforward, and each one plays a starring role! From the creamy cheese to the herby crumbs, here’s what you’ll need (along with a tip for every item):
- Chicken breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless breasts to make rolling easy and to keep things juicy.
- Swiss cheese: Classic and nutty, Swiss melts perfectly but Gruyère or provolone make great alternatives.
- Ham: Choose thinly sliced ham for easier rolling and a salty counterbalance to the creamy cheese.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the foundation that helps the egg and crumbs stick to the chicken.
- Eggs: Beaten eggs act as the perfect glue to hold your crumb coating in place.
- Breadcrumbs: Use classic or panko for extra crunch and beautiful browning during baking.
- Salt: A little salt in the coating brings all the flavors into focus.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and enhances the savoriness.
- Garlic powder: For a subtle aromatic kick in every bite.
- Onion powder: Offers a mellow depth that works beautifully with the garlic.
- Dijon mustard: Spreads onto the chicken for tangy sharpness that cuts through the richness.
- Mayonnaise: Blends with mustard for an extra creamy and flavorful brush-on topping.
- Olive oil or melted butter: A final brush for crispiness and a gorgeous, golden finish.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Sheet Pan
Start by setting your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the breaded chicken from sticking, and the parchment makes cleanup a breeze—truly a win-win.
Step 2: Flatten the Chicken
Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap, then use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them out to an even 1/4-inch thickness. This helps your chicken roll up neatly and cook quickly–and ensures every bite is perfectly tender.
Step 3: Layer with Ham and Cheese
Peel off the top plastic wrap, then layer one slice of ham and one slice of Swiss cheese over each flattened chicken breast. Laying the cheese and ham evenly right to the edges helps you get that beautiful spiral when sliced—and makes every mouthful extra cheesy and savory!
Step 4: Roll and Secure
Carefully roll up each piece of chicken, starting from the short side and tucking in the sides as you go. If you need a little insurance to hold everything together, secure each roll with a couple of toothpicks.
Step 5: Prepare Your Breading Station
Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, another with the beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs mixed with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This assembly-line approach keeps things organized and ensures every roll gets an evenly flavorful coating.
Step 6: Coat Each Roll
Dredge each chicken roll in the flour first (tap off any excess), then dip in the egg, and finally crown it with the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs on gently but confidently—the more even the coating, the better the crust.
Step 7: Flavorful Topping and Bake
Arrange the coated chicken rolls on your prepared baking sheet. In a small bowl, mix together Dijon mustard and mayonnaise, then generously brush this mix on top of the rolls. For a final flourish, brush with olive oil or melted butter. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden and cooked through. Let them rest briefly—about 5 minutes—before slicing and savoring your first amazing bite of Chicken Cordon Bleu.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu
Garnishes
The best garnishes are both beautiful and delicious! Sprinkle a handful of freshly chopped parsley or chives over your Chicken Cordon Bleu for a pop of color and a subtle fresh flavor. A few twists of cracked black pepper or a light dusting of smoked paprika can make your dish restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
Chicken Cordon Bleu pairs perfectly with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a simple green salad tossed with a zippy vinaigrette. Don’t forget a wedge of lemon on the side—its brightness cuts through the richness and makes flavors sing!
Creative Ways to Present
Slicing your Chicken Cordon Bleu into thick rounds reveals that gorgeous spiral of ham and cheese inside—arrange the slices artfully on a platter for a show-stopping effect. For individual servings, nestle the rounds over a pool of creamy mustard sauce or lightly steamed veggies for restaurant-level vibes at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Let the rolls cool completely, then store them in an airtight container. Reheating is a breeze (more tips on that below!), and the flavors might be even better on day two.
Freezing
To freeze, first let your baked Chicken Cordon Bleu cool, then wrap each roll snugly in plastic wrap followed by foil, or place in a freezer-friendly bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick gourmet meal.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat your Chicken Cordon Bleu in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes until heated through and the crust crisps back up. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the coating won’t be as crispy—so the oven is worth the extra time!
FAQs
Can I prepare Chicken Cordon Bleu in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the rolls (up to the breading step) a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just add the mustard-mayo topping and bake as directed.
What cheese works best for Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Classic Swiss cheese is traditionally used and melts beautifully, but Gruyère or provolone are fantastic alternatives. Choose your favorite for a personalized twist on this classic!
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap out the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free alternatives. The rest of the recipe remains the same, so everyone can enjoy this delicious dish.
How do I keep the filling from leaking out?
Be sure to roll the chicken tightly and tuck in the sides as you go. Securing with toothpicks helps, and don’t forget to rest the chicken after baking to allow the cheese to set slightly before slicing.
Can Chicken Cordon Bleu be pan-fried instead of baked?
Definitely! Pan-frying gives an extra-crispy coating but may require more oil. Sear over medium heat until the coating is golden, then finish in the oven to ensure the chicken cooks through evenly.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the mix of flavors and textures you get with Chicken Cordon Bleu. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just to brighten up a weeknight, this recipe always feels generous, comforting, and a little bit special. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll want to add it to your regular rotation!
Print
Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the classic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu with this easy baked version. Tender chicken breasts stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust, and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 4 slices of ham
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pound Chicken: Pound each chicken breast to 1/4-inch thickness between plastic wrap.
- Stuff Chicken: Layer ham and Swiss cheese on each breast, roll up, and secure.
- Prepare Coating: Set up three bowls with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs mixed with seasonings.
- Coat Chicken: Dredge chicken in flour, dip in eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Top with Mustard Mix: Brush chicken with Dijon mustard and mayonnaise mixture.
- Bake: Drizzle with oil, bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cheese with Gruyère or provolone for variety.
- For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs.
- Optional: Serve with a creamy mustard sauce or over mashed potatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 49g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
