If you have ever dreamed of serving a restaurant-quality meal right at home, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe is your golden ticket. Imagine tender chicken breasts wrapped around melty Swiss cheese and savory ham, coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust that bakes to a perfect golden finish. It’s a dish that bursts with comforting flavors and textures, sure to impress family and friends alike. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving a delicious dinner, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe brings gourmet flair with straightforward ingredients and simple steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The success of this Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe hinges on fresh, straightforward ingredients that harmonize beautifully. Each item plays a crucial role, from the silky Swiss cheese adding richness to the lightly seasoned breadcrumb crust delivering crunch and flavor.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These serve as tender, lean canvases for your savory filling.
- 4 slices Swiss cheese: Adds a creamy, mild sharpness that melts perfectly inside the chicken.
- 4 slices ham: Brings a salty, smoky contrast that pairs exquisitely with the cheese.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: Helps the coating stick and creates a light barrier for moisture retention.
- 2 large eggs (beaten): Acts as a glue for the breadcrumbs to ensure a crunchy crust.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko): Offers a crispy, golden exterior that enhances every bite.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the crust with a subtle depth of flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances and elevates the overall taste of the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right hint of warmth and spice.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter: Keeps the crust beautifully golden and moist while baking.
- Optional Dijon cream sauce ingredients: Butter, flour, milk, Dijon mustard, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to create a luscious sauce that pairs spectacularly with the chicken.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Pound the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a baking dish. Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound them to about ¼-inch thickness. This step ensures even cooking and makes rolling the filling easier. A tender yet sturdy chicken base is key to this Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe.
Step 2: Layer with Ham and Cheese
After removing the plastic, lay one slice of ham and one slice of Swiss cheese on each flattened chicken breast. These layers provide the classic flavor combination. Then, roll the breasts up tightly, tucking in the sides as best you can, and secure them with toothpicks to maintain their shape during baking.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken Rolls
Create a breading station using three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dip each rolled chicken breast first in flour, then eggs, and finally coat it evenly with the breadcrumb mixture. This triple layer ensures a perfect crunch for this Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the breaded chicken rolls seam-side down in the baking dish and drizzle with olive oil or melted butter. This step locks in moisture and encourages a golden crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is irresistibly crispy. Remove the toothpicks before serving to make it easy to enjoy every bite.
Step 5: Make the Optional Dijon Cream Sauce
For an extra touch of indulgence, melt butter over medium heat in a small saucepan, whisk in flour, and cook for a minute. Slowly add milk, whisking until thickened, then stir in Dijon mustard and Parmesan cheese. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve warm drizzled over your sliced Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe for a silky finish.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes such as finely chopped fresh parsley or chives add a pop of color and fresh aroma that brighten the plate visually and flavor-wise. A lemon wedge on the side can offer a light citrusy contrast that complements the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe pairs superbly with roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or carrots, which add natural sweetness and a bit of crispness. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice pilaf make for a comforting base that soaks up any leftover sauce perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider slicing the baked chicken rolls into medallions to reveal their beautiful layers, then fan them out on a platter. Drizzle with the Dijon cream sauce or a simple pan jus and sprinkle some toasted almonds for crunch. This elevates the dish’s presentation for special gatherings or dinners that deserve a little culinary flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap your Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them perfect for next-day lunches or dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked, breaded chicken rolls by wrapping them individually in plastic and then placing them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, adjusting the cooking time for thorough heating.
Reheating
To best preserve the crispy crust, reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible to maintain that delightful golden crunch that defines this Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe.
FAQs
What can I use instead of Swiss cheese in this Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe?
If Swiss cheese is not available, Gruyère or mozzarella are excellent substitutes that melt well and offer complementary flavors that keep the original spirit of the dish intact.
Can I prepare Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble and bread the chicken rolls a day before baking. Keep them covered in the fridge and bake fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best texture.
Is it possible to air-fry this Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe?
Yes! Air-frying can produce an equally crispy exterior with less oil. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through and golden.
Can I substitute ham with another meat?
Prosciutto or turkey slices work beautifully as alternative fillings, offering different flavor profiles that keep this dish exciting and versatile.
How do I know when Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe is fully cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part to ensure food safety and juiciness.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe truly has the power to turn any meal into a comforting celebration of flavors and textures. Its blend of creamy cheese, savory ham, and crispy golden coating creates an unforgettable dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Give it a try soon—you might just find yourself making it a beloved favorite for years to come!
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-Inspired, American
Description
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic comfort dish featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, breaded and baked to golden perfection. This French-inspired American favorite is elevated with an optional creamy Dijon sauce, making it a perfect meal for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 slices ham
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for drizzling or brushing)
Optional Dijon Cream Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to about ¼-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Remove the plastic wrap.
- Assemble Roll-Ups: Layer one slice of ham and one slice of Swiss cheese onto each flattened chicken breast. Roll the chicken tightly, tucking in the sides where possible, and secure each roll with toothpicks.
- Breading Station: Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken roll first in the flour, then dip in the eggs, and finally coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Bake Chicken: Place the breaded chicken rolls seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle lightly with olive oil or melted butter. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove toothpicks before serving.
- Make Optional Dijon Cream Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in Dijon mustard and grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper. Serve warm over sliced chicken.
Notes
- This dish can also be air-fried or pan-fried if preferred.
- Try using prosciutto instead of ham for a gourmet twist.
- Pairs well with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
