Chicken Cordon Bleu: A Timeless Classic

There’s something undeniably elegant and satisfying about Chicken Cordon Bleu. This dish, with its crispy golden crust, tender chicken, savory ham, and gooey melted cheese, is a masterpiece that never fails to impress. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to a special meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Imagine slicing into a perfectly rolled chicken breast, revealing layers of Swiss cheese and ham, all wrapped in a crunchy breadcrumb coating. Add a rich, cheesy Dijon sauce, and you have a dish that’s both sophisticated and comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe is:

• A Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of flavors and textures makes it universally loved.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: It looks fancy but is simple enough to make at home.
• Customizable: You can tweak the cheese, seasonings, or sauce to your liking.

Whether it’s a holiday dinner, a romantic meal, or just a weeknight indulgence, this dish delivers every time.

Ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious dish.

For the Chicken

For the Cheesy Dijon Sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Cordon Bleu

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. Place a chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap on a cutting board.
2. Use a meat mallet to pound it to about ¼–½ inch thick. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.
3. Lay the pounded chicken flat, and season with ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper.

2. Add the Filling and Roll

1. Place 2 ounces of Swiss cheese and 2 ounces of ham on each chicken breast.
2. Starting from the smaller end, roll each chicken breast tightly into a log.
3. Wrap each roll in plastic wrap, twisting the ends to seal.
4. Refrigerate the chicken logs for 30 minutes to 1 hour to help them hold their shape.

3. Preheat and Prepare the Breading

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil.
2. Set up a breading station:
   • Bowl 1: Add flour.
   • Bowl 2: Lightly beat the eggs.
   • Bowl 3: Combine panko breadcrumbs, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

4. Bread the Chicken

1. Remove the chicken from the plastic wrap.
2. Dredge each chicken roll in flour, shaking off the excess.
3. Dip into the egg, letting any extra drip off.
4. Coat in the panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even layer.

5. Shallow Fry the Chicken

1. Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat until it reaches 350°F.
2. Fry the breaded chicken rolls for about 5 minutes, turning to brown all sides.
3. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet.

6. Bake to Perfection

• Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

7. Make the Cheesy Dijon Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to remove the raw taste.
3. Gradually add warm milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened.
4. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
5. Add the Gruyere and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.

8. Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice each chicken roll into rounds for a beautiful presentation.
2. Drizzle with the cheesy Dijon sauce and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
3. Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Tips for the Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu

1. Pound the Chicken Evenly

This ensures even cooking and makes rolling the chicken easier.

2. Chill the Chicken Rolls

Refrigerating the rolled chicken helps it hold its shape during frying and baking.

3. Use a Meat Thermometer

Check the internal temperature to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked.

4. Customize the Cheese

Try mozzarella, provolone, or even a smoky Gouda for a unique twist.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Creative Variations of Chicken Cordon Bleu

1. Bacon-Wrapped

Wrap each chicken roll in bacon before breading for added flavor.

2. Air Fryer Version

Cook the breaded chicken in an air fryer at 375°F for 12–15 minutes.

3. Gluten-Free

Substitute the flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.

4. Mini Cordon Bleu

Use chicken tenders to create bite-sized versions—perfect for appetizers.

5. Vegetarian Twist

Replace the chicken with thin slices of eggplant or zucchini.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare and bread the chicken rolls, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.

2. Can I freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu?

Absolutely. Freeze the breaded chicken rolls before frying. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.

3. What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

Swiss cheese is traditional, but Gruyere, mozzarella, or provolone work well too.

4. Can I bake it without frying?

Yes, but you won’t get the same crispy crust. Spray the breaded chicken with cooking spray and bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes.

5. How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain crispiness.

6. What sides go well with Chicken Cordon Bleu?

Try roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh Caesar salad.

A Final Bite: Why You Should Try Chicken Cordon Bleu

Chicken Cordon Bleu is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. From its crispy golden crust to the creamy cheesy filling, every bite is pure comfort and indulgence. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply want to elevate your dinner, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Ready to Cook?

Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and treat yourself to a restaurant-quality dish at home. You’ll love every bite of this timeless classic!

Chicken Cordon Bleu: A Timeless Classic

Print Recipe

Chicken Cordon Bleu is the epitome of classic elegance and comfort. Juicy chicken breasts are rolled with savory ham and melty Swiss cheese, coated in golden breadcrumbs, and paired with a creamy, cheesy Dijon sauce. Perfect for special occasions or a decadent dinner, this dish is a showstopper that’s surprisingly simple to make at home.

 

• Author: ating
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking and Frying
• Cuisine: French

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless chicken breasts (6–8 oz each)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (divided)
• 8 ounces Swiss cheese (thinly sliced)
• 8 ounces ham (thinly sliced)
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
• 1¼ cups panko breadcrumbs
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Vegetable oil (for shallow frying)

For the Cheesy Dijon Sauce:

• 1½ tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk (warmed)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• ¾ cup Gruyere cheese (shredded)
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

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Instructions

• Prepare the Chicken:
  • Place a chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap on a cutting board.
  • Pound it to about ¼–½ inch thick with a meat mallet. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.
  • Lay the chicken flat and season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
• Add the Filling and Roll:
  • Place 2 ounces of Swiss cheese and 2 ounces of ham on each chicken breast.
  • Starting from the smaller end, tightly roll each chicken breast into a log.
  • Wrap each roll in plastic wrap, twisting the ends to secure. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour to help maintain the shape.
• Set Up the Breading Station:
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with foil.
  • Set up three bowls:
    • Bowl 1: Add flour.
    • Bowl 2: Beat the eggs lightly.
    • Bowl 3: Combine panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
• Bread the Chicken:
  • Remove the chicken from the plastic wrap.
  • Coat each roll in flour, shaking off the excess.
  • Dip in the beaten eggs, letting excess drip off.
  • Roll in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
• Shallow Fry the Chicken:
  • Heat ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat until it reaches 350°F.
  • Fry the breaded chicken for about 5 minutes, turning to brown all sides.
  • Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake the Chicken:
  • Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Make the Cheesy Dijon Sauce:
  • Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  • Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
  • Gradually add the warmed milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened.
  • Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Add Gruyere and Parmesan cheese, whisking until melted and creamy.
• Serve and Enjoy:
  • Slice each chicken roll into rounds for a stunning presentation.
  • Drizzle with the cheesy Dijon sauce and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
  • Serve with sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad.

Notes

• Chill for Shape: Refrigerating the chicken rolls helps them hold their shape during frying and baking.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for perfectly cooked chicken.
• Experiment with Cheeses: Gruyere, mozzarella, or even provolone can be substituted for Swiss cheese.