Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

If you’re searching for a dinner that tastes like pure comfort and is guaranteed to impress, Chicken Cordon Bleu is your answer. This beloved dish wraps tender chicken around savory ham and gooey Swiss cheese, then coats the package in crisp, golden breadcrumbs for the ultimate bite. Whether you’re putting together a weeknight celebration or winning over guests, Chicken Cordon Bleu brings together elegance, flavor, and satisfaction all on one plate.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how just a handful of classic ingredients can turn into something unforgettable when layered and baked to perfection. Each item in this line-up plays a special role, bringing moisture, richness, crunch, or just the right amount of saltiness to every forkful.

• Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless pieces so you can easily pound them flat and roll them around the filling.
• Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully inside the chicken, giving each slice a gorgeous, cheesy pull.
• Deli ham: Adds a meaty, slightly salty contrast to the creamy cheese and tender chicken.
• All-purpose flour: Helps the coating stick and creates that classic, crispy crust.
• Salt: Enhances every element and helps season the chicken.
• Black pepper: Adds just a touch of warmth and depth without overpowering the dish.
• Eggs: Acts as the “glue” between the flour and breadcrumbs for a sturdier, more golden crust.
• Breadcrumbs (preferably Panko): Give you crispiness you can hear—Panko crumbs are extra crunchy and light, but regular work nicely too.
• Butter (melted): Makes that breadcrumb coating rich, buttery, and golden brown in the oven.
• Toothpicks (optional): Super handy for keeping everything in place while it bakes to perfection.

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu

Step 1: Prep and Flatten the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing your favorite baking dish. Take each chicken breast and place it between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to about 1/4-inch thickness. This helps the chicken cook evenly and makes rolling it around the filling much easier.

Step 2: Season and Layer the Filling

Once your chicken breasts are all evenly flattened, season both sides with salt and black pepper. Now, lay a slice of deli ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on top of each piece of chicken, creating a beautiful layer of flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Roll and Secure

Carefully roll up each chicken breast, starting from the narrow end, tucking the sides as you go to keep the filling snugly inside. If needed, use a couple of toothpicks to hold everything together. The tighter the roll, the bigger the cheese surprise inside your Chicken Cordon Bleu!

Step 4: Dredge and Coat

Set up a little assembly line with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with the melted butter. Dredge each chicken roll in the flour, making sure it’s fully coated, then dip it into the egg, and finally roll it through the flavorful, buttery breadcrumb mix. This triple-layered coating ensures your Chicken Cordon Bleu will bake up with the crispiest, tastiest crust.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Arrange your prepared chicken rolls in the greased baking dish, leaving some space between them. Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the coating is golden and the internal temperature reads 165°F (74°C). For an extra crisp, try baking the rolls on a wire rack over your baking sheet. Let your Chicken Cordon Bleu rest for a few minutes before slicing—this keeps all that melty cheese right where it belongs!

How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a burst of color and a pop of garden flavor. A drizzle of Dijon cream sauce or just a wedge of lemon alongside the plate brightens up the rich, cheesy filling inside your Chicken Cordon Bleu.

Side Dishes

Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu with something that complements both the crisp exterior and luxurious filling. Think creamy mashed potatoes, garlic green beans, roasted asparagus, or a buttery rice pilaf. A light green salad with a bright vinaigrette is perfect for balancing out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to go beyond classic slices, try serving your Chicken Cordon Bleu over a bed of sautéed spinach or nestled beside colorful seasonal veggies. Tiny skewered rounds make wonderful party appetizers, or you can slice the rolls on a bias for an elegant, spiral-plated effect that showcases every delicious layer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the Chicken Cordon Bleu cool completely, then place the slices in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, perfect for easy lunches or a quick dinner encore.

Freezing

Chicken Cordon Bleu freezes beautifully! Wrap each cooled roll tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready for a quick meal, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as desired.

Reheating

The best way to reheat Chicken Cordon Bleu is in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. This helps bring the coating back to its original crispiness. Give microwaving a pass if you want to keep that signature crunch intact!

FAQs

Can I prep Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the rolls a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate them. Just coat them in breadcrumbs right before baking to keep the crust crispy and fresh.

What can I use instead of Swiss cheese?

You can swap in Gruyère or mozzarella for a slightly different but still delicious flavor. The key is to use a cheese that melts well and pairs nicely with ham and chicken.

Is it possible to make Chicken Cordon Bleu gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the flour and breadcrumbs with your favorite gluten-free versions, and you’ll enjoy the same satisfying texture without any gluten worries.

Why did my cheese leak out while baking?

Some cheese escape is normal, but making sure your rolls are tight and the sides are tucked in helps. Securing with toothpicks is a smart insurance policy for keeping the cheesy filling inside your Chicken Cordon Bleu.

Can I cook Chicken Cordon Bleu in an air fryer?

Definitely! An air fryer will give you an extra crispy crust. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F, spray the rolls lightly with oil, and cook for 18–22 minutes, turning once, until golden and cooked through.

Final Thoughts

I can’t rave enough about how rewarding it is to pull a golden, bubbling Chicken Cordon Bleu from the oven and watch everyone rush to the table. Whether it’s your first try or you’re perfecting your family favorite, this recipe is a sure way to make any meal feel special. Give it a go, and prepare to fall in love with every savory, cheesy, and crispy bite!

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