Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic, elegant dish featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with savory ham and melted Swiss cheese, all wrapped in a crispy, golden breadcrumb coating. It’s a restaurant-worthy meal that’s surprisingly easy to make at home, perfect for impressing guests or treating your family to a special dinner.

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Thinly sliced ham
• Swiss cheese slices
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Olive oil or melted butter (for brushing or drizzling)

Optional for sauce:

• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Milk
• Dijon mustard
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, about ¼ inch thick.
3. Lay a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on each piece of chicken. Roll up tightly and secure with toothpicks.
4. Set up a breading station: dredge the rolled chicken in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and paprika.
5. Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle or brush lightly with olive oil or melted butter.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden and crispy.
7. For the optional sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in flour to make a roux, then gradually whisk in milk. Add Dijon mustard and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and thickened. Serve drizzled over the chicken.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 4 people.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 45-50 minutes

Variations

• Swap Swiss cheese for Gruyère or provolone for a different flavor.
• Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley inside the roll for extra aroma.
• Use prosciutto instead of ham for a richer taste.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through to maintain crispiness.
Freezing before baking is possible—thaw overnight before baking as directed.

FAQs

Can I fry Chicken Cordon Bleu instead of baking?
Yes, you can pan-fry it in oil until golden, then finish baking in the oven if needed to cook through.

Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble and bread the chicken, then refrigerate until ready to bake.

What kind of ham is best?
Thinly sliced deli ham or Black Forest ham works perfectly.

Can I use different cheese?
Yes, provolone, mozzarella, or even cheddar are great substitutes.

What should I serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu?
It pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

Conclusion

Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu is a timeless favorite that’s surprisingly simple to prepare at home. With its crispy coating, tender chicken, and gooey ham-and-cheese filling, it offers an unforgettable combination of textures and flavors. Whether for a special occasion or an elevated weeknight meal, this recipe will always impress!

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