Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
If you’re looking for a show-stopping dinner that strikes the perfect balance of comfort and elegance, Chicken Cordon Bleu is about to become your new favorite dish. With its juicy chicken breast wrapped around savory ham and gooey Swiss cheese, then breaded and cooked until golden, every bite is a little celebration. The finishing touch is a creamy Dijon sauce that adds just the right tang. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic that never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Chicken Cordon Bleu lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each component plays a starring role in flavor and texture, and when combined, they create an irresistible harmony. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love having each one on your counter.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and ready to embrace all that melty cheese and savory ham goodness.
- Deli ham: Soft and salty, ham provides that classic cordon bleu flavor and keeps the chicken extra juicy.
- Swiss cheese: Melt-in-your-mouth creaminess with a nutty kick that pairs perfectly with both chicken and ham.
- All-purpose flour: Helps the egg wash stick and gives the final breading that lovely golden coat.
- Eggs (beaten): The magic “glue” that ensures your breadcrumbs don’t go anywhere during cooking.
- Bread crumbs (plain or seasoned): Crisp up in the pan and oven, creating that irresistible crunch.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings, but absolutely essential for making all the flavors pop.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle savoriness that takes the chicken to the next level.
- Unsalted butter: Brings richness to both the chicken and the creamy Dijon sauce.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the exterior perfectly without burning.
- Milk: Forms the luscious base of the Dijon sauce.
- Dijon mustard: Gives the sauce its signature tang and elegant bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a touch of nutty depth to the sauce, making it positively crave-worthy.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them gently with a meat mallet or rolling pin until about 1/4-inch thick. This gives you a nice, even layer to wrap up the classic ham and Swiss cheese. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for flavorful bites from edge to edge.
Step 2: Fill and Roll
Lay a slice of deli ham and a slice of Swiss cheese right on top of each seasoned chicken breast. Now comes the fun part! Carefully roll up the chicken, tucking in the sides as you go, and secure the ends with a few toothpicks. This ensures all that melty, cheesy goodness stays put inside.
Step 3: Bread the Rolls
Set up a classic breading station: one plate with flour, one bowl with beaten eggs, and another plate with breadcrumbs. Dredge each chicken roll first in the flour, then dip it through the egg, and finally coat it in breadcrumbs. This three-step process gives Chicken Cordon Bleu its signature crisp coating.
Step 4: Sear for Flavor
Heat the butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken roll for a few minutes on all sides until the coating turns a beautiful golden brown. This step infuses tons of flavor and helps lock in the juices, guaranteeing tender and tasty results.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the seared chicken rolls to a lightly greased baking dish. Pop them in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes or until they’re cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. While they bake, you’ll notice the cheese melting and the outside turning crisp—a total feast for the senses!
Step 6: Make the Creamy Dijon Sauce
While your Chicken Cordon Bleu is baking, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat and whisk in flour, cooking for about a minute. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Add Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese, then whisk until everything is beautifully smooth and creamy. This luscious sauce is the crowning glory of the dish.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the toothpicks from the baked Chicken Cordon Bleu, slice into medallions if you like, and arrange on plates. Drizzle generously with warm Dijon sauce and watch everyone’s eyes light up!
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives are fantastic sprinkled over the top for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Thin lemon slices or a touch of cracked black pepper can also brighten up the dish, making Chicken Cordon Bleu look almost too good to eat—almost!
Side Dishes
Creamy mashed potatoes or buttered noodles are classic partners, perfect for soaking up every bit of the Dijon sauce. Roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or simple sautéed spinach round out the meal with gorgeous color and flavor, balancing the rich Chicken Cordon Bleu beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant dinner party, slice the Chicken Cordon Bleu into rounds and fan them across the plate, drizzling sauce down the center. For a family night, serve whole rolls with a generous spoonful of sauce and a cheerful sprig of parsley. Or, go “bistro style” and layer the slices atop a pile of garlicky mashed potatoes, letting the sauce cascade down. However you serve it, this is guaranteed to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu keeps well! Simply store the cooked rolls and any extra sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. This helps prevent the breading from getting soggy and keeps everything tasting fresh.
Freezing
Chicken Cordon Bleu is freezer-friendly too. Once the chicken is rolled and breaded (before cooking), wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to cook, just thaw in the fridge overnight, then proceed with searing and baking as usual.
Reheating
To reheat, place the leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu in a baking dish and cover loosely with foil. Warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or until heated through. Reheat the sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to bring back its silky texture.
FAQs
Can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble and bread the chicken rolls a day in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator, then sear and bake just before serving. This makes it a stress-free option for entertaining.
What cheeses can I use besides Swiss?
Swiss is classic, but you can easily switch things up with Gruyère for a stronger nutty flavor or provolone for extra creaminess. Havarti or mozzarella also melt beautifully in Chicken Cordon Bleu.
Why did my Chicken Cordon Bleu unroll?
If your rolls are a little loose, try tucking the sides in snugly before rolling and secure with a couple of extra toothpicks. Make sure you pound the chicken evenly so everything stays together, and give it a good sear to help lock in the shape.
Can I bake without searing?
You can, but searing first creates that lovely golden color and flavor. If you skip the stovetop step, just lightly spray the chicken with oil before baking to ensure the breadcrumb coating gets crisp and inviting.
How do I know when Chicken Cordon Bleu is done?
The safest way to check is with a meat thermometer: the center of each roll should reach 165°F. The cheese will be melted, and the juices will run clear. If you slice into one and see pink, pop everything back in the oven for a few more minutes.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try making Chicken Cordon Bleu at home! With its stunning layers and irresistible flavor, it’s a dish that turns any night into a special occasion. Dive in, drizzle on that Dijon sauce, and savor every cheesy, savory bite.
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic French-American dish featuring tender chicken breasts rolled with ham and Swiss cheese, then breaded and baked to perfection. Served with a creamy Dijon sauce, this dish is a comforting and flavorful main course that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Chicken Cordon Bleu:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices deli ham
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Creamy Dijon Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the chicken: Pound chicken breasts to 1/4-inch thickness. Season, add ham and cheese, roll, secure with toothpicks.
- Bread the chicken: Dredge in flour, dip in egg, coat in breadcrumbs.
- Cook the chicken: Sear in a skillet, then bake for 20–25 minutes.
- Make the sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, add milk, Dijon, salt, pepper, and Parmesan.
- Serve: Slice chicken, remove toothpicks, and serve with sauce.
Notes
- You can prepare and refrigerate the rolled chicken ahead of time, then bread and cook when ready.
- Substitute Gruyère or provolone for Swiss cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed breast with sauce
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 175mg
