If you have ever dreamed of enjoying a classic restaurant-worthy dish right in your own kitchen, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe is an absolute must-try. Tender chicken breasts stuffed with savory ham and melty Swiss cheese come together in a golden, crispy crust that’s simply irresistible. This delightful recipe strikes the perfect balance between elegance and comfort food, promising a dish that’s both impressive to serve and heartwarmingly satisfying to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe is simple but essential, bringing layers of flavor, texture, and color that will turn your meal into a true culinary delight. From the creamy Swiss cheese to the crunchy breadcrumb coating, every element has a purpose.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein foundation of the dish, pounded thin to ensure even cooking and easy rolling.
- 4 slices Swiss cheese: Smooth and mild, lending a luscious, gooey center that melts perfectly inside the chicken.
- 4 slices cooked ham: Adds a subtle smoky savoriness that complements the cheese and chicken beautifully.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Helps create that initial coating that allows the egg wash and breadcrumbs to adhere properly.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the delicate balance.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat and depth.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: Acts as a binding layer, helping the breadcrumbs stick for a crispy crust.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs: Provides the satisfying crunch and golden color everyone loves.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Introduces a gentle garlic aroma that elevates the breadcrumb coating.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Brings richness to the searing process and adds a lovely nutty flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps achieve a perfect sear and adds subtle fruity notes.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and a hint of herbaceous brightness.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Place each boneless, skinless chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Gently pound them with a meat mallet until they are about a quarter-inch thick. This step is crucial because it creates a thin, even surface that makes rolling around the ham and cheese easy and ensures the chicken cooks evenly without drying out.
Step 2: Assemble the Rolls
Lay one slice of cooked ham and one slice of Swiss cheese on top of each flattened chicken breast. Carefully roll up each breast tightly, keeping the filling tucked inside. Secure each roll with toothpicks so nothing slips out during cooking. This assembly makes the iconic cordon bleu shape and keeps the delicious filling intact.
Step 3: Coat the Rolls
Get three shallow dishes ready: one with the all-purpose flour mixed with salt and pepper, one with the beaten eggs, and one with the breadcrumbs combined with garlic powder. Dredge each chicken roll first in the flour mix, then dip it in the egg, and finally roll it through the flavorful breadcrumbs. This triple layering ensures a crispy and golden crust that locks in all the juiciness inside.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken Rolls
Heat butter and olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken rolls and sear them on all sides until they develop a beautiful golden brown crust, about 4 to 5 minutes. This step not only adds flavor but also helps the rolls hold their shape perfectly.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet with the seared chicken rolls into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is cooked through. The baking stage finishes cooking the chicken gently while melting the cheese to a deliciously creamy consistency.
Step 6: Final Touches
Remove the toothpicks carefully and garnish the rolls with fresh parsley for a bright, inviting look. Now your Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe is ready to impress!
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
Garnishes
While fresh parsley is a classic choice, you can also sprinkle a little freshly grated Parmesan or drizzle a light Dijon cream sauce over the top to add extra layers of flavor and appeal. These garnishes brighten the dish and elevate its presentation.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that won’t overpower its richness. Steamed green beans, buttery mashed potatoes, or a crisp garden salad balance the meal perfectly, keeping every bite harmonious and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the chicken rolls on a diagonal and fanning them out on the plate to showcase the beautiful layers of ham, cheese, and chicken. For a dinner party, serve alongside a vibrant vegetable medley or atop a bed of wild rice to add color and texture contrast. Presentation can really make your Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe shine.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken and maintain that luscious filling.
Freezing
You can freeze the chicken rolls before or after cooking. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen cooked rolls last up to 2 months, which is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a fancy meal with minimal effort.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the chicken rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes if thawed, or 25–30 minutes if frozen. This keeps the crust crisp and ensures the cheese inside is melty and warm.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses in this Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is traditional, Gruyère or provolone are excellent substitutes that melt wonderfully and add their own unique flavors.
Is it necessary to pound the chicken breasts thin?
Yes, pounding the chicken thin ensures even cooking, prevents toughness, and makes rolling the ham and cheese inside much easier.
What type of ham works best?
Thinly sliced cooked ham, such as deli ham or leftover baked ham, works best since it layers nicely without adding bulk.
Can I bake the Chicken Cordon Bleu without searing?
You can skip searing, but the crust won’t be as golden and crisp. Searing adds that lovely color and flavor you definitely want in this dish.
How can I make the breadcrumb coating extra crunchy?
For crunchier results, use panko breadcrumbs and consider adding a bit of grated Parmesan to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe truly is a gem worth adding to your recipe collection. It combines the best of textures and flavors in a way that feels special yet approachable. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish delivers on every level. So grab those chicken breasts, slide in some ham and cheese, and get ready for a meal that’s nothing short of spectacular!
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
Description
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic French-American dish featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with savory ham and Swiss cheese, then breaded, seared, and baked to golden perfection. This recipe combines a crispy breadcrumb coating with a melty cheese center, making it a comforting and elegant main course perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chicken and Filling
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 slices cooked ham
Coating
- 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
Cooking and Garnish
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet to pound them evenly to about 1/4-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and makes rolling easier.
- Assemble the Rolls: Lay one slice of cooked ham and one slice of Swiss cheese on top of each flattened chicken breast. Roll the chicken tightly around the filling and secure each roll with toothpicks to keep everything intact during cooking.
- Prepare Breading Stations: In a shallow dish, mix together the all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. In a second dish, beat the eggs until smooth. In a third dish, combine the breadcrumbs with garlic powder for added flavor.
- Bread the Chicken Rolls: Dredge each chicken roll first in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs to moisten, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb and garlic powder mixture to create a crispy shell.
- Sear the Chicken Rolls: Heat butter and olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the breaded chicken rolls and sear on all sides until they develop a golden brown crust, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. This step locks in the juices and adds flavor.
- Bake to Finish Cooking: Transfer the skillet with the seared chicken rolls into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove the toothpicks carefully. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm for a delicious and impressive main dish.
Notes
- Gruyère or provolone cheese can be substituted for Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Enhance the dish by serving with a Dijon cream sauce made from butter, flour, Dijon mustard, milk, and a touch of Parmesan.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) with a meat thermometer.
- For crispier breading, you can broil the chicken for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
