There is something truly irresistible about the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe that has charmed home cooks and food lovers alike for generations. This dish perfectly balances tender, juicy chicken breasts wrapped around savory ham and melty Swiss cheese, all encased in a crisp, golden breadcrumb coating. The result is a mouthwatering combination of textures and flavors that feels both elegant and comforting. Whether you’re cooking a special dinner or simply craving a deliciously satisfying meal, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe is a must-try that never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering a perfect taste experience. From the tender chicken to the crispy coating, everything here is essential and easy to find.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These provide the tender, juicy base for the dish and are easier to roll around the fillings.
- Slices of ham: Adds a smoky, salty layer that complements the cheese beautifully.
- Slices of Swiss cheese: Melts wonderfully inside the chicken, offering creamy richness.
- Breadcrumbs: Creates the crunchy golden exterior that makes each bite so satisfying.
- All-purpose flour: Helps the coating stick to the chicken and adds structure.
- Beaten eggs: Act as the “glue” that holds the layers of coating together.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Infuse the coating with savory flavor notes.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Olive oil and butter: Used for frying, these fats add richness and help get that beautiful golden crust.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking. Lay each boneless, skinless chicken breast flat on a cutting board for easy assembly. Placing a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese right on top prepares the fillings perfectly before rolling.
Step 2: Roll and Secure the Filling
Carefully roll each chicken breast around the ham and cheese, trapping those savory layers inside. To make sure your rolls hold together during cooking, secure them with toothpicks if needed. This step ensures the cheese melts inside without escaping through the crust.
Step 3: Set Up Your Coating Stations
Organize three shallow dishes: one with a seasoned flour mixture combining flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper; the second with beaten eggs; and the third with breadcrumbs. This assembly line makes breading the chicken rolls straightforward and mess-free.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken Rolls
First, dredge each chicken roll in the flour mixture, then dip it fully into the beaten eggs. Finish by rolling them in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure every inch is coated. This triple layer guarantees a crispy, flavorful crust after cooking.
Step 5: Sear to Golden Perfection
Heat olive oil and butter together in a skillet over medium heat. Place your breaded chicken rolls in the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. This step locks in flavor and gives the dish that irresistible crust.
Step 6: Bake Until Cooked Through
Transfer the seared chicken rolls to a baking dish and bake them in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. This final cooking stage ensures the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese inside melts to ooey-gooey perfection.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or chives not only add a lovely pop of color to your plate but also bring a hint of freshness that balances the richness of the chicken. A light drizzle of lemon juice right before serving can brighten the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe pairs exceptionally well with classic sides like buttery mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad. Roasted vegetables or garlic butter green beans also add vibrant color and texture to complement the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the chicken rolls crosswise to reveal those beautiful layers of ham and melted Swiss cheese inside. Stack the slices in a fan shape on a plate or serve individual rolls whole with a colorful sauce on the side, such as a creamy Dijon mustard or a simple pan sauce made from the drippings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once fully cooled, place any leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, giving you a quick and delicious meal ready to be reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken rolls by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen Chicken Cordon Bleu stays well for up to 2 months, perfect for saving some servings for later indulgence.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the chicken rolls at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through—about 15-20 minutes—to maintain the crispy coating and gooey interior. Avoid microwaving, which can leave the crust soggy and the cheese unevenly warmed.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of Swiss?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is traditional, Gruyère or mozzarella are excellent alternatives that melt nicely and pair well with ham and chicken.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free flour to make this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.
What if I don’t have ham? Can I use something else?
Certainly! Turkey slices, prosciutto, or even cooked bacon can be delicious substitutes that bring their own unique flavor to the Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe.
How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?
Be careful not to overbake the chicken and sear it well before baking to lock in moisture. Using chicken breasts of similar thickness also helps them cook evenly.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble the rolls and even bread them ahead, then store them in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. This makes it an excellent choice for entertaining or busy weeknight meals.
Final Thoughts
There is truly nothing quite like enjoying a warm, perfectly cooked Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe with its crispy crust and luscious filling. This dish brings together simple ingredients into something extraordinary, and I can’t encourage you enough to try it out yourself. Whether for a special occasion or a comforting family dinner, it’s a recipe that always impresses and delights!
Print
Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic dish featuring tender chicken breasts rolled with savory ham and Swiss cheese, coated in a seasoned breadcrumb crust, pan-seared to golden perfection, and finished in the oven for a melty, flavorful experience. This recipe delivers a deliciously crispy exterior and juicy, cheesy interior in just 45 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Filling
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices of ham (or your preferred choice of meat)
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
Coating and Seasonings
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Fats
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken rolls later.
- Prepare Chicken Rolls: Lay chicken breasts flat on a cutting board. Place a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on top of each breast, then carefully roll each breast up to encase the filling. Secure with toothpicks if necessary to hold the rolls together during cooking.
- Prepare Coating Stations: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In another dish, beat the eggs. In a third dish, place the breadcrumbs.
- Coat Chicken Rolls: Dredge each rolled chicken first in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally roll in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere an even coating all around.
- Pan-Sear Rolls: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the coated chicken rolls in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust.
- Bake: Transfer the seared chicken rolls to a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the cheese inside is melted.
Notes
- Use toothpicks to secure the chicken rolls tightly to prevent the filling from leaking during cooking.
- For a crispier crust, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
