Quick & Tangy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe You’ll Love

Crispy chicken cordon bleu combines classic French culinary magic with comforting flavor profiles that spark serious dinner excitement.

Swiss cheese and ham nestle inside golden-crusted chicken breasts for an irresistible meal.

Layers of breaded goodness promise a delightful experience that goes beyond standard dinner fare.

Elegant yet approachable, this dish transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Skilled home cooks can master these techniques with simple preparation steps.

Careful rolling and precise coating create a show-stopping centerpiece everyone will adore.

Prepare to impress and savor every delectable bite of this restaurant-quality creation.

Why Chicken Cordon Bleu Brings Classic Elegance Home

• Unlock Gourmet Flavors: Transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish with simple ingredients and basic cooking techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ham and cheese varieties, experiment with different breadcrumb coatings, or add herbs to personalize the recipe.
• Quick Family Crowd-Pleaser: Delights both kids and adults with its crispy exterior, cheesy interior, and classic flavor combination that never disappoints.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Impact: Requires straightforward steps and common kitchen tools, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Ingredients for Crispy and Tender Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender meat that serves as the foundation of this classic dish.
• Ham Slices: Provides a salty and rich flavor to complement the chicken.
• Swiss Cheese: Adds a creamy and mild tangy taste that melts beautifully inside the roll.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates a dry surface for the egg wash to adhere to and helps create a crispy exterior.
• Large Eggs: Acts as a binding agent to help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides a golden and crunchy coating for the chicken rolls.

• Salt, Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the chicken and adds basic seasoning.
• Olive Oil, Butter: Helps create a golden-brown sear and adds richness to the dish.
• Toothpicks: Optional tool to secure the chicken rolls during preparation.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and helps with easy cleanup during baking.

How to Prepare Chicken Cordon Bleu That Impresses

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Surface

Crank up your oven to a toasty 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Flatten and Season Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and gently pound them between plastic wrap until they’re uniformly thin.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper to wake up those flavors.

Step 3: Create Delicious Filling

• Ham slices
• Swiss cheese slice

Roll the chicken tightly around the filling, securing with toothpicks if needed to keep everything tucked in.

Step 4: Set Up Breading Station

• Flour
• Beaten eggs
• Breadcrumbs

Dredge each chicken roll first in flour, then dunk in eggs, and finally coat generously with breadcrumbs.

Step 5: Golden Sear

Heat a skillet with olive oil or butter over medium heat.

Carefully sear each chicken roll for 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust.

Step 6: Finish in Oven

Transfer the seared chicken rolls to your prepared baking sheet.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked through.

Expert Tips for Chicken Cordon Bleu Every Time

• Choose thin-sliced ham to prevent bulkiness and ensure even rolling of chicken breasts.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Refrigerate rolled chicken for 15 minutes before breading to help seal the filling and prevent unraveling during cooking.
• Try panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness and a lighter texture compared to traditional breadcrumbs.
• Try different cheese varieties like provolone or gruyère for unique flavor combinations.

Tasty Twists on Traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu to Try

• Vegetarian Cordon Bleu: Replace chicken with portobello mushrooms or tofu, using vegetable ham and plant-based cheese for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour, ensuring a crispy exterior for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Mediterranean Spin: Use prosciutto instead of ham, swap Swiss cheese for feta, and add dried oregano and thyme to the breading for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Skip breading entirely and wrap chicken in bacon, using a mixture of grated Parmesan and herbs as a crunchy coating replacement.

Pairings That Match Chicken Cordon Bleu Beautifully

• Select a light Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to balance the rich, creamy chicken with its subtle acidic notes that cut through the cheese and ham's heaviness.
• Prepare roasted asparagus or green beans with garlic and thyme to provide a fresh, green counterpoint to the golden, crispy chicken rolls.
• Create a zesty mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to introduce a tangy freshness that refreshes the palate between rich bites of Chicken Cordon Bleu.

Best Storage Tips for Chicken Cordon Bleu After Cooking

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken cordon bleu in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain crispy texture.
• Freeze: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken on baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Microwave (Quick Option): Heat on 50% power in 30-second intervals, checking temperature. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep meat moist and prevent rubbery texture.

FAQs

• What's the key to preventing the chicken from unrolling during cooking?

Use toothpicks to secure the chicken rolls tightly before breading. Insert toothpicks through the seam to keep the ham and cheese inside during cooking.

• Can I prepare Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the rolls and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just add an extra 2-3 minutes to the cooking time if preparing from cold.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and prevents overcooking.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 48 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory chicken cordon bleu combines ham, Swiss cheese, and breaded chicken in a classic French-inspired dish. Crispy exterior and melty interior make this elegant meal perfect for special dinners you’ll love enjoying with family and friends.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 slices ham
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (100 g) breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsps olive oil or butter (for cooking)
• salt (to taste)
• pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet for the chicken rolls.
2. Gently flatten chicken breasts between plastic wrap until uniformly thin, then season with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
3. Carefully arrange ham slices and Swiss cheese on each chicken piece, creating a delicate layered foundation.
4. Tightly roll the chicken, tucking in the edges and securing with toothpicks to maintain the structural integrity of each bundle.
5. Create a three-stage breading process: dust rolls in flour, immerse in beaten eggs, and generously coat with breadcrumbs for a crispy exterior.
6. Heat a skillet with olive oil and sear the breaded chicken rolls until they develop a golden-brown crust, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
7. Transfer the partially cooked rolls to the prepared baking sheet and finish in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the cheese melts beautifully.

Notes

• Tenderize chicken gently to prevent tearing, using a meat mallet with consistent, light pressure for even thickness.
• Prevent cheese leakage by rolling chicken tightly and securing with toothpicks, ensuring a compact, sealed bundle.
• Select high-quality ham and Swiss cheese for richer flavor; prosciutto or Gruyère can elevate the traditional recipe.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for crispy coating.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 28 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg