Craving a classic with a twist? Try our Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe—crispy, cheesy, and ready to impress your dinner guests. This beloved dish brings together tender chicken, savory ham, and melted cheese in a golden breadcrumb coating, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Easy enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough to serve at your next gathering, this Chicken Cordon Bleu will quickly become a family favorite.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Elegance: Delivers restaurant-quality results without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
- Crispy and Creamy: Combines crunchy breadcrumbs with gooey cheese for an irresistible bite every time.
- Family-Friendly Flavor: Appeals to kids and adults alike with mild yet satisfying tastes.
- Customizable Ingredients: Allows easy swaps and additions to fit your dietary needs and preferences.
- Time-Saving Prep: Uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps to get dinner on the table fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients each bring something special to your Chicken Cordon Bleu. From the tender chicken breasts to the flavorful ham and melty cheese, every element works together to create a dish that’s as delicious as it is visually appealing.
- Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless breasts for easy stuffing and even cooking.
- Sliced ham: Thin slices add a smoky and savory layer without overpowering the dish.
- Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully and offers a mild, creamy flavor that pairs perfectly with ham.
- Breadcrumbs: For a crunchy exterior, use panko for extra crispiness or regular for a finer crust.
- Flour: Helps to create a base layer for the egg wash to adhere to the chicken.
- Eggs: Acts as a binder to keep the breadcrumbs stuck and the coating intact.
- Butter or oil: For frying or baking, to ensure a golden, crispy finish.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Variations for Chicken Cordon Bleu
One of the best things about Chicken Cordon Bleu is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to adapt for dietary needs or just experiment with new flavors, these variations let you make the dish your own.
- Use turkey instead of ham: For a leaner version that’s still savory and satisfying.
- Swap Swiss for mozzarella or gouda: Try different cheeses to change up the flavor profile.
- Opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs: Perfect for those with gluten sensitivities, with plenty of tasty substitutes available.
- Oven-bake instead of frying: A lighter cooking method that still delivers crispy results using a hot oven.
- Add herbs to the breadcrumb mix: Fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary boost aroma and flavor.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts
Start by slicing each chicken breast horizontally, creating a pocket or a flat piece suitable for rolling. Place plastic wrap over them and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin to an even 1/4-inch thickness to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Layer Ham and Cheese
On each flattened chicken breast, layer a slice of ham and cheese evenly. Be generous to get that gooey, savory center every time.
Step 3: Roll and Secure
Carefully roll up the chicken breast, tucking in the edges as you roll to seal in the fillings. Use toothpicks if necessary to keep the rolls secure during cooking.
Step 4: Bread the Chicken Rolls
Dredge each roll first in flour, shaking off any excess, then dip in beaten egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. Make sure the coating completely covers the chicken for maximum crispiness.
Step 5: Cook Until Golden and Done
Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the rolls, turning to brown all sides evenly, about 4-5 minutes per side. Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Use thin chicken breasts: Thinner cuts ensure quicker cooking and prevent dryness.
- Chill before cooking: Refrigerate rolled chicken for 15-20 minutes to help them hold their shape.
- Don’t skip the toothpicks: Securing the rolls keeps fillings inside and prevents cracking.
- Season the breading: Add your favorite herbs or a pinch of paprika to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
- Test the oil temperature: Proper heat ensures a crispy crust without absorbing too much grease.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or finely chopped chives brightens up the dish visually and adds a subtle fresh flavor that complements the richness.
Side Dishes
Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu alongside buttery mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a crisp garden salad to balance the meal with fresh, vibrant textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the chicken rolls crosswise into medallions for a beautiful presentation, perfect for sharing or serving as an appetizer or main course centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It stays tender and flavorful for quick reheats.
Freezing
Wrap individual chicken rolls tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use different cheese for Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is traditional, mozzarella, gouda, or even cheddar can be used to change the flavor and melting characteristics.
Is it possible to bake instead of fry?
Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. Simply coat the rolls in breadcrumbs and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
Make sure to roll the chicken tightly and secure with toothpicks. Chilling in the fridge before cooking also helps the chicken hold its shape better.
Can I prepare Chicken Cordon Bleu in advance?
Definitely. You can assemble the rolls and keep them refrigerated for a few hours or freeze them for longer storage before cooking.
What are good side dishes to pair with Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, fresh salads, or buttered green beans complement the rich flavors and add balance to your meal.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Cordon Bleu is truly a dish that brings comfort, style, and joy to the dinner table. Easy to customize and fun to make, this recipe invites you to share a meal that’s crispy, cheesy, and utterly delicious. Give it a try and watch it become a go-to recipe in your cooking rotation.
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Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes (baking) or 20-25 minutes (frying)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking or Frying
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Contains dairy and gluten
Description
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic and elegant dish featuring tender, boneless chicken breasts stuffed with savory ham and melted Swiss cheese, all coated in a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust. Perfectly balanced in flavor and texture, this recipe is easy to prepare and adaptable, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With options to bake or fry and customize ingredients, it promises a delicious family favorite that impresses every time.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices of thin ham
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
Coating
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crispiness or regular)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Cooking and Seasoning
- 2–3 tablespoons butter or oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket or open flat. Place under plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until evenly about 1/4 inch thick to ensure uniform cooking.
- Layer Ham and Cheese: Place one slice of ham and one slice of Swiss cheese evenly over each flattened chicken breast, being generous to achieve a gooey, savory center.
- Roll and Secure: Carefully roll up each chicken breast, tucking edges in to seal the fillings inside. Secure with toothpicks as needed to prevent unrolling during cooking.
- Bread the Chicken Rolls: Dredge each roll in flour, shaking off any excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs, ensuring full coverage for crispiness.
- Cook Until Golden and Done: Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook rolls, turning frequently to brown all sides evenly, about 4-5 minutes per side. Alternatively, place rolls on a baking tray and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Notes
- Use thin chicken breasts for quicker cooking and to prevent dryness.
- Chill rolled chicken in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before cooking to help them keep their shape.
- Secure rolls with toothpicks to keep fillings intact and avoid cracking.
- Season breadcrumbs with herbs such as parsley, thyme, or a pinch of paprika for added flavor.
- Test oil temperature to ensure a crispy crust without excessive grease absorption.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg