Chicken Cordon Bleu is an absolute showstopper of a main course — tender chicken breasts wrapped around layers of savory ham and melty Swiss cheese, all sealed in a golden, crispy breadcrumb coat and baked to perfection. If you’re looking for a meal that’s as delightful to serve as it is to eat, this classic French-inspired dish delivers every time. Perfect for special occasions or an impressive weeknight dinner, this recipe turns simple ingredients into an unforgettable experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of well-chosen staples, you can assemble Chicken Cordon Bleu with ease. Every ingredient here plays its own key role, whether it’s adding heartiness, structure, or irresistible flavor to the finished dish.
- Chicken Breasts: Look for boneless, skinless breasts for easy rolling and an even cook.
- Swiss Cheese: Adds creamy, nutty richness that melts beautifully inside the chicken.
- Ham: Thin-sliced ham brings a savory, slightly smoky element that pairs wonderfully with cheese and poultry.
- All-Purpose Flour: This first dip ensures the breadcrumb coating sticks well and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Salt: A must for seasoning the flour and enhancing every flavor in the dish.
- Black Pepper: Just the right amount of heat to balance the richness of the ham and cheese.
- Eggs: Beaten eggs act as the glue between the flour layer and breadcrumbs for a perfect crust.
- Breadcrumbs: Choose traditional or panko for maximum crunch and golden color.
- Butter: Just a drizzle of melted butter ensures crispness in the oven and a rich, golden finish.
- Toothpicks: Small but essential for holding your rolls securely closed as they bake.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu
Step 1: Prep and Pound the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), setting the scene for juicy, perfectly cooked Chicken Cordon Bleu. Place your chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet to gently pound them to about 1/4-inch thickness. This not only tenderizes the meat but also makes rolling much easier, and ensures your filling stays snugly tucked inside.
Step 2: Layer the Fillings
Lay each flattened chicken breast on your work surface. Place one slice of ham and then one slice of Swiss cheese right on top of the chicken. This classic combination is what gives Chicken Cordon Bleu its signature melty, savory surprise in every slice.
Step 3: Roll and Secure
Tightly roll up each chicken breast, keeping the ham and cheese inside, and secure the seam with toothpicks. The tighter you roll, the more dramatic and neat those gorgeous spiral cross-sections will be on your dinner plates.
Step 4: Prepare the Coating
In a shallow dish, combine the flour with salt and pepper. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third dish, spread out your breadcrumbs (use panko for extra crunch). Working one at a time, dredge each stuffed roll in the seasoned flour, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly in breadcrumbs.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the assembled Chicken Cordon Bleu rolls in a greased baking dish. Drizzle each roll with a little melted butter. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the outside is golden and crisp, and the chicken is cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C is your goal). When ready, let them rest for a minute, then gently remove the toothpicks before serving.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu
Garnishes
Add a pop of color and brightness by scattering some chopped fresh parsley or snipped chives over your finished Chicken Cordon Bleu. A lemon wedge on the side wakes up the flavors with its vibrant acidity, and if you’re feeling fancy, swirl a few drops of Dijon cream sauce over the top for extra appeal.
Side Dishes
The richness of Chicken Cordon Bleu shines when served alongside light, vibrant sides like steamed green beans, a simple arugula salad, or roasted asparagus. For a heartier meal, classic mashed potatoes or buttery rice pilaf will soak up any juices and make every bite extra comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, slice each roll into medallions before plating, displaying those lovely swirls of ham and cheese. Alternatively, serve whole and let your guests cut into them at the table for a big reveal! For parties, try slicing the rolls into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for a showstopping appetizer version of Chicken Cordon Bleu.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Chicken Cordon Bleu left, let it cool before placing it in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to three days without sacrificing too much flavor or texture.
Freezing
Want to get ahead? After assembling (but before baking), wrap each prepared Chicken Cordon Bleu roll tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed. Baked leftovers can also be frozen and reheated, making them a thoughtful meal prep option.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu in a 350°F oven for about 15–20 minutes. This keeps the breadcrumb coating crisp and the filling warm and gooey. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may cause the crust to go soggy.
FAQs
Can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. This way, you get the same delicious crispy, cheesy result without the gluten.
What kind of ham works best?
Deli-style ham is perfect — look for slices that aren’t too thick so they’re easy to roll. Smoked or honey ham both add delightful flavor, depending on your preference.
Do I have to use Swiss cheese?
Swiss cheese is traditional for Chicken Cordon Bleu, but feel free to experiment with Gruyère, provolone, or even mozzarella for a different twist. Choose a cheese that melts well for best results.
Can I prepare Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble the rolls up to a day in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, just coat in breadcrumbs, bake, and enjoy.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the thickest part of each roll reaches 165°F (74°C). The crust will be golden and the juices should run clear — that’s your sign it’s ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
Few recipes offer the wow factor and comfort of Chicken Cordon Bleu. If you love the sound of melty cheese and savory ham wrapped in juicy chicken, you owe it to yourself to try this recipe! Your friends and family will be so impressed, and you’ll love how effortlessly impressive this dish really is.
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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
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the classic French flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu with this easy-to-follow recipe. Tender chicken breasts are stuffed with Swiss cheese and ham, then coated in breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection. A delicious main course that is sure to impress!
Ingredients
Chicken Cordon Bleu:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 slices ham
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- toothpicks
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pound Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to ¼-inch thickness. Place ham and cheese on each breast, roll tightly, and secure with toothpicks.
- Coat Chicken: Combine flour, salt, and pepper in a dish. Dip chicken rolls in flour, then eggs, and coat in breadcrumbs.
- Bake: Place in greased baking dish, drizzle with butter, and bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove toothpicks before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs.
- Serve with Dijon cream sauce or alongside a green vegetable and mashed potatoes.
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