Get ready to fall in love with Chicken Cordon Bleu—an absolute classic that delivers all the cozy, comforting vibes you crave from a beloved homemade dinner. Imagine golden, crispy breaded chicken wrapped around savory ham and gooey Swiss cheese, each bite sending a wave of flavorful nostalgia and joy to the table. This dish is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that looks fancy but is actually so approachable, you’ll want to make it any night of the week. If you’re looking for something that always makes people swoon, Chicken Cordon Bleu never disappoints!
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something magical about the simple, honest ingredients that come together to make Chicken Cordon Bleu so irresistible. Each one plays its own special role—tender chicken, smoky ham, creamy Swiss, crunchy breadcrumbs—all layering flavor and texture in the most satisfying way.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless, and easy to flatten—they’re the perfect blank canvas for this flavorful creation.
- Swiss Cheese: Melts to perfection inside the chicken, offering that classic creamy pull with every slice.
- Cooked Ham: Adds a salty, savory pop that balances the richness of the cheese and the delicate chicken.
- All-Purpose Flour: Gives the chicken a dry surface so the egg wash—and, ultimately, the crunchy coating—sticks beautifully.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that highlight all the main ingredients without overpowering.
- Large Eggs: Provide that classic glue between flour and breadcrumbs, ensuring a crispy crust.
- Breadcrumbs: Deliver the satisfying golden crunch that makes Chicken Cordon Bleu so visually (and texturally) appealing.
- Garlic Powder: Subtly lifts the crust’s flavor and brings everything together with a gentle warmth.
- Butter: Adds richness to the sear and helps the breading turn that irresistible golden brown.
- Olive Oil: Keeps things from sticking in the pan and gives an extra layer of lovely flavor.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): Brightens the whole dish just before serving, making it look as beautiful as it tastes.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu
Step 1: Prep and Flatten the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lay your chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap—this not only keeps things tidy, but also makes pounding them to a 1/4-inch thickness super easy. A meat mallet works best, but a rolling pin gets the job done too. Thin, even pieces make rolling easier and ensure your Chicken Cordon Bleu cooks all the way through.
Step 2: Layer and Roll
Next, lay a slice of your favorite cooked ham and a cozy layer of Swiss cheese right in the center of each chicken breast. Now, starting from one end, gently roll up the chicken as snug as you can—think of it as wrapping up all that goodness in a flavorful blanket. Secure each roll with toothpicks so none of that cheesy filling escapes while it cooks.
Step 3: Breading Each Roll
You’ll need three shallow dishes for the breading lineup: one with the flour, salt, and pepper; another with the beaten eggs; and a third with breadcrumbs and garlic powder. Dip each chicken roll in the flour (shake off excess), then in the egg, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure every inch is coated in that crunchy goodness.
Step 4: Searing to Perfection
Bring out your oven-safe skillet, heating the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Carefully add your chicken rolls and sear them on all sides until the outside turns beautifully golden brown—this usually takes about 4 to 5 minutes. Not only does this step seal in juices, but it also kickstarts that unforgettable crust.
Step 5: Finishing in the Oven
Transfer the skillet straight into your preheated oven (or move the chicken rolls to a baking dish if needed). Let them bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a food thermometer reads 165°F at the thickest part of the chicken. Once done, gently remove the toothpicks and let your Chicken Cordon Bleu rest for a couple minutes before serving with a flourish of fresh parsley.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a cheerful splash of color and a hint of herbal brightness that makes every slice pop. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of homemade Dijon cream sauce gives that rich, restaurant-worthy touch (and it’s honestly so simple to whisk together at home).
Side Dishes
Chicken Cordon Bleu positively shines when served with buttery mashed potatoes, crisp roasted veggies, or a fresh green salad. The mild flavors of the side dishes let the cheesy, ham-filled center take the spotlight, ensuring every bite is balanced and memorable.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your Chicken Cordon Bleu crosswise on a diagonal so the stunning layers of ham and Swiss peek through every piece. Arrange the slices fanned out on a platter, or stack two or three medallions atop mashed potatoes with the sauce drizzled artfully over the top—either way, you’ll earn a chorus of oohs and ahhs!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the Chicken Cordon Bleu cool completely, then wrap each roll tightly in plastic or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’ve already added sauce, keep it separate to prevent the crust from getting soggy.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble and bread the rolls, then place them (uncooked) on a baking sheet to freeze solid before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll hold up beautifully for about 2 months. When ready to use, bake straight from the freezer, just adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven until hot and crispy, about 15–20 minutes. This helps recapture the crunch—microwaving is convenient, but tends to make the crust soft.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is the classic choice for Chicken Cordon Bleu, Gruyère or provolone work wonderfully. Each brings a slightly different flavor and melt, so use what you love or have on hand.
Why does my breading sometimes fall off?
Breading can slip if the chicken isn’t dry or if you skip pressing the breadcrumbs on firmly. Make sure to fully dredge each roll and gently press the coating onto the chicken for the crispiest, most secure layer.
Can I prepare Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble and bread the chicken rolls the day before, then store them covered in the fridge. When ready to cook, just follow the searing and baking steps. This makes dinner a breeze, especially for entertaining!
What’s the best way to keep Chicken Cordon Bleu moist?
Pounding the chicken evenly and not overbaking are key. By keeping the breasts a consistent thickness, you ensure they cook evenly—and pulling them from the oven right at 165°F protects all that juicy tenderness.
Is Chicken Cordon Bleu gluten-free?
The classic recipe uses all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs, but you can easily swap in your favorite gluten-free alternatives for a delicious gluten-free version. Just be sure the fillings are gluten-free as well!
Final Thoughts
Cooking Chicken Cordon Bleu at home always feels a little magical—there’s something about slicing into that golden roll and watching the cheese gently ooze that brings a genuine sense of accomplishment. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon; it’s a dish that makes any dinner feel like a celebration, and you might just find yourself coming back to it again and again!
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
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the classic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu with this easy-to-follow recipe that combines tender chicken, savory ham, and gooey Swiss cheese in a delightful baked dish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Rolls:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 slices cooked ham
For Breading:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Pound chicken: Pound chicken breasts to 1/4-inch thickness between plastic wrap.
- Layer ingredients: Place ham and Swiss cheese on each breast, roll tightly, and secure with toothpicks.
- Bread the chicken: Dredge rolls in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.
- Sear and bake: Sear rolls in skillet, then bake for 20–25 minutes.
- Finish and serve: Remove toothpicks, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
- Substitute Gruyère or provolone for Swiss cheese.
- Enhance with a Dijon cream sauce made from butter, flour, Dijon mustard, milk, and Parmesan.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast roll
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 48g
- Cholesterol: 175mg
