If you have ever dreamed of a chicken dish that effortlessly combines elegance and comfort, then this Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe is exactly what you need. Crispy on the outside with a gooey, melty interior of ham and Swiss cheese, this classic French-American favorite turns simple ingredients into a spectacular meal. Every bite bursts with savory flavors and just the right amount of richness, making it a beloved dish to impress family and friends or treat yourself to a cozy dinner. Let me walk you through this timeless recipe that’s surprisingly easy and absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe lies in its straightforward, quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role—tender chicken breasts create the perfect base, ham adds a smoky touch, Swiss cheese melts into comforting gooeyness, and the crispy breadcrumb coating seals everything in golden perfection.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These are the canvas for the dish, pounded thin to ensure even cooking and easy rolling.
- 4 slices ham: Adds a savory, salty layer inside the chicken wraps.
- 4 slices Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully to create that classic creamy center.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Helps the coating stick without overpowering the flavors.
- 2 eggs (beaten): Acts as a sticky binder for the breadcrumbs.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko): Provides irresistible crunch; panko gives extra crispiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds subtle savory depth to the coating.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a slight kick that balances the richness.
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted or for pan-frying): Creates a golden crust and rich flavor.
- Toothpicks: To secure the chicken rolls so they bake perfectly.
Optional Dijon cream sauce: If you want to elevate your Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe, this luscious mustard cream sauce is a decadent finishing touch that complements the crispy chicken beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons butter: The base for the sauce’s roux.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to a creamy consistency.
- 1 cup milk: Adds richness and smoothness.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Provides tangy depth and a little sparkle.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, savory complexity.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To perfectly season the sauce.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
Step 1: Flatten the Chicken Breasts
Start by preparing your chicken breasts so they’re easy to roll. Place each between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet until they reach about 1/4 inch thickness. This step ensures quick, even cooking and helps the chicken wrap snugly around the filling.
Step 2: Layer Ham and Cheese
Next, lay one slice of ham and one slice of Swiss cheese on each flattened breast. The ham brings a lovely smoky note while the cheese melts into a gooey treasure inside your chicken. Roll the chicken up tightly and secure the seams with toothpicks to hold everything in place while baking.
Step 3: Prepare the Breading Stations
Set up three shallow bowls for a classic dredging process: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and the last with seasoned breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This triple coating ensures your Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe gets a perfectly crispy, flavorful outer layer.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken Rolls
Dredge each chicken roll first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip into the beaten eggs, letting the excess drip. Finally, thoroughly coat in the breadcrumb mixture. This meticulous breading is what transforms your chicken rolls into golden, crunchy delights.
Step 5: Cook to Golden Perfection
Place your coated chicken rolls in a greased baking dish. You can drizzle melted butter over them before baking or pan-fry them for 2 to 3 minutes per side until beautifully golden and crisp. Then bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reads 165°F (74°C). This cooking method keeps the chicken juicy inside while creating that irresistible crunchy exterior.
Step 6: Optional Dijon Cream Sauce
If you want to add a touch of elegance, prepare the Dijon cream sauce while the chicken bakes. Melt butter in a small saucepan, stir in flour and cook for a minute. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until the mixture thickens. Stir in Dijon mustard, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, simmering until silky smooth. Drizzle over your plated Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe for an extra layer of flavor that’s simply divine.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe even more inviting, a sprinkle of fresh herbs like finely chopped parsley or chives adds a burst of color and a fresh note that balances the richness. A wedge of lemon on the side also brightens up the dish perfectly.
Side Dishes
Classic pairings range from buttery mashed potatoes to light green beans sautéed with garlic. You can also serve this with a simple mixed green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness and provide a refreshing contrast to the decadent chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, slice the rolled chicken into rounds to showcase the swirling layers of ham and cheese. Arrange these pinwheel slices elegantly on a platter and drizzle with the Dijon cream sauce. It’s a show-stopper that looks as stunning as it tastes and invites your guests to dig in eagerly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay good for up to 3 days and maintain much of their original flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can also freeze the cooked chicken rolls by wrapping each piece individually in foil and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen Chicken Cordon Bleu can last for up to 2 months, making it a great option for meal prepping or saving for later indulgence.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes until heated through and crisp. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the breadcrumb coating soggy. The oven keeps that satisfying crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of Swiss?
Absolutely! Gruyère or provolone are fantastic alternatives that melt beautifully and bring their unique flavors. Just choose cheeses that melt well for the best texture inside your Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe.
Is it necessary to pound the chicken thin?
Yes, pounding the chicken breasts thin helps them cook evenly and roll easily around the ham and cheese. It also helps keep the chicken tender rather than tough or dry when baked.
Can I make the dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the chicken rolls and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is perfect for prepping ahead for gatherings or busy weeknights.
What type of breadcrumbs works best?
Panko breadcrumbs give a lighter, crunchier texture, but plain breadcrumbs work well too. Seasoning the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, salt, and pepper really amps up the flavor of the crust.
What should I serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe for a complete meal?
Pair it with a simple side like garlic mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad. These sides balance the richness of the chicken and make the meal feel complete and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe is like inviting a little bit of gourmet comfort into your kitchen. It’s a dish that feels special without fuss, combining crispy textures with luscious, melty fillings every time. Whether cooking for loved ones or just treating yourself, this recipe never fails to impress and satisfy. Give it a go and prepare for your new favorite way to enjoy chicken!
Print
Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Description
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic French-American dish featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with savory ham and Swiss cheese, breaded, and baked to golden perfection. This recipe includes an optional creamy Dijon mustard sauce to elevate the flavors, making it an impressive yet accessible main course perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices ham
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted or for pan-frying)
- toothpicks
Optional Dijon Cream Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare Chicken Breasts: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound evenly to about 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet to create an even surface for stuffing.
- Assemble Rolls: Lay one slice of ham and one slice of Swiss cheese on each flattened chicken breast. Roll up tightly and secure the seam with toothpicks to hold the stuffing inside during cooking.
- Prepare Breading Stations: Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper for seasoning.
- Coat Chicken Rolls: Dredge each chicken roll first in flour, shake off excess, then dip in beaten egg, and finally coat evenly with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
- Brown the Rolls: Optionally, you can pan-fry the coated rolls in a skillet with 2 tablespoons of melted butter for 2–3 minutes per side until golden, then transfer them to a greased baking dish. Alternatively, you can place them directly in the dish and drizzle with melted butter.
- Bake: Bake the chicken rolls in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare Optional Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in 1 cup milk and cook until slightly thickened. Add 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer until smooth.
- Serve: Remove toothpicks from the chicken rolls, plate them hot, and drizzle with the optional Dijon cream sauce before serving.
Notes
- You can prepare and roll the chicken breasts ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake to save time.
- Try different cheese varieties such as Gruyère or provolone for a variation in flavor.
- Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- For a crispier crust, use panko breadcrumbs.
