The Juiciest Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Chicken cordon bleu brings a classic French-inspired dish that surprises even seasoned home cooks with its elegant simplicity.

Crispy golden breading conceals a delightful cheese and ham center that melts perfectly.

Layers of flavor combine in each carefully rolled slice of chicken.

Swiss cheese and ham create a luxurious filling that makes this recipe feel special.

Mastering this technique allows you to impress dinner guests without complicated steps.

Skilled preparation turns an ordinary meal into something memorable and delicious.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in Chicken Cordon Bleu?

The key ingredients are chicken breasts, ham, Swiss cheese, flour, eggs, and panko breadcrumbs. These components create the classic stuffed and breaded chicken dish.

• Is Chicken Cordon Bleu difficult to make at home?

Not at all! With proper preparation and following step-by-step instructions, home cooks can easily master this restaurant-style dish. The key is carefully rolling and securing the chicken.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is traditional, you can experiment with provolone, Gruyère, or mozzarella for different flavor profiles. Just ensure the cheese melts well.

Chicken Cordon Bleu That Brings Classic Elegance Home

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A classic dish that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious meal everyone in the family will adore and request again and again.
• Mastering Culinary Techniques: Learn professional cooking skills like pounding chicken, creating perfect rolls, and achieving a crispy golden exterior without deep-frying.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Prepare a restaurant-quality entrée in minimal steps, with straightforward ingredients that are likely already in your refrigerator and pantry.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or impressing guests with a seemingly sophisticated yet approachable main course that pairs wonderfully with various side dishes.

Ingredients for Crispy and Tender Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean protein that serves as the base for this classic dish.
• Ham: Provides a savory and salty layer inside the chicken roll.
• Swiss Cheese: Adds a creamy and rich flavor that melts beautifully during baking.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy and light golden exterior for the chicken.
• All-Purpose Flour, Salt, Pepper: Seasoned coating that helps the breading adhere to the chicken.
• Eggs: Serves as a binding agent to help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.

• Toothpicks: Used to secure the chicken rolls during preparation.
• Plastic Wrap: Helps pound the chicken breasts evenly without making a mess.
• Cooking Spray or Oil: Prevents the chicken from sticking to the baking dish.

How to Prepare Chicken Cordon Bleu That Impresses

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Space

Crank up your oven to a toasty 375°F. Grab a baking dish and give it a light spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Flatten the Chicken

Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken until it’s about half an inch thick and looks beautifully even.

Step 3: Create Delicious Layers

• Thin slices of ham
• Slices of Swiss cheese

Carefully roll the chicken tightly around the fillings.

Secure each roll with toothpicks to keep everything tucked in nicely.

Step 4: Set Up Breading Station

• First dish: Flour seasoned with salt and black pepper
• Second dish: Beaten eggs whisked until smooth
• Third dish: Crispy panko breadcrumbs

Step 5: Coat the Chicken Rolls

• First, roll in seasoned flour
• Next, dunk in egg wash
• Finally, coat completely with panko breadcrumbs

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the breaded chicken rolls in the prepared baking dish.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. They’re ready when the exterior turns a gorgeous golden brown and the internal temperature hits 165°F.

Expert Tips for Chicken Cordon Bleu Every Time

• Use thin-sliced ham to prevent bulky rolls and ensure even cooking throughout the chicken.
• Chill rolled chicken for 15 minutes before breading to help the coating stick better and prevent unraveling.
• Choose Swiss or Gruyère cheese for traditional flavor, but experiment with mild provolone or mozzarella for different taste profiles.
• Remove toothpicks carefully before serving to avoid accidentally biting into them, and place chicken seam-side down in the baking dish.
• Pat chicken breasts completely dry before pounding to help seasoning and breading adhere more effectively.

Tasty Twists on Traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu to Try

• Vegetarian Cordon Bleu: Replace chicken with portobello mushrooms or eggplant, use plant-based ham and cheese alternatives for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap panko breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal, use gluten-free flour for coating.
• Lighter Mediterranean Remix: Substitute ham with prosciutto, use feta cheese instead of Swiss, add herbs like oregano and thyme for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwestern Variation: Incorporate pepper jack cheese, add diced green chiles, coat with seasoned cornmeal instead of breadcrumbs for a zesty southwestern kick.

Pairings That Match Chicken Cordon Bleu Beautifully

• Complement the rich, creamy flavors with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, cutting through the dish's heaviness and refreshing the palate.
• Balance the indulgent chicken with a light side of herb-roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus, adding vibrant colors and nutritional depth.
• Drizzle a homemade Dijon mustard sauce with a hint of honey to elevate the dish's flavor profile, providing a zesty counterpoint to the cheesy, salty ingredients.

Best Storage Tips for Chicken Cordon Bleu After Cooking

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken cordon bleu in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum.
• Freeze: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 2 months for best quality.
• Oven Reheat: Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken on baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Microwave Reheat: Place chicken on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking. Rotate midway for even warming.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

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• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken cordon bleu rolls combine Swiss cheese and ham in a crispy golden breading. Classic French-inspired dish offers comfort and elegance with simple ingredients and straightforward preparation. You’ll savor each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 4 slices thinly sliced deli ham
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• 1/2 cup flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F and lightly coating a baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and gently flatten to an even half-inch thickness using a meat mallet.
3. Arrange Swiss cheese and ham slices across the surface of each flattened chicken breast.
4. Carefully roll the chicken, encasing the cheese and ham completely, then secure each bundle with toothpicks to prevent unraveling.
5. Create a three-part breading station: season flour with salt and pepper in the first dish, whisk eggs in the second, and spread panko breadcrumbs in the third.
6. Methodically coat each chicken roll by first dredging in seasoned flour, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Dip the floured roll into beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off for an even coating.
8. Roll the egg-washed chicken in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure a crisp, uniform exterior.
9. Transfer the breaded chicken rolls to the prepared baking dish, spacing them slightly apart.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until the exterior turns golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Notes

• Tenderize chicken evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry spots.
• Use thin, high-quality deli ham and Swiss cheese for maximum flavor and smooth melting.
• Chill rolled chicken for 15 minutes before breading to help coating stick better and prevent unraveling during baking.
• Opt for Japanese panko breadcrumbs for extra crispy exterior compared to traditional breadcrumbs.
• Check internal temperature with meat thermometer to guarantee food safety without overcooking.
• For gluten-free version, substitute flour with almond meal and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Experiment with different cheese variations like Gruyère or provolone for unique flavor profiles.
• Avoid overstuffing chicken rolls to prevent cheese leakage and maintain structural integrity.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg