Chicken Cordon Bleu

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy outside with a juicy, flavorful filling
• Classic combination of chicken, ham, and melted cheese
• Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special meals
• Elegant presentation with simple ingredients
• Can be baked or pan-fried
• Pairs well with many side dishes
• A comforting and satisfying main course

Ingredients

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

chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
ham slices
swiss cheese slices
all-purpose flour
eggs
milk
breadcrumbs or panko
garlic powder
paprika
salt
black pepper
butter
olive oil

Directions

1. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them until evenly thin.
2. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Lay a slice of ham and a slice of swiss cheese on each chicken breast.
4. Roll the chicken tightly around the filling and secure with toothpicks if necessary.
5. Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs mixed with milk, and one with breadcrumbs.
6. Coat each rolled chicken piece in flour, dip it into the egg mixture, and then coat it with breadcrumbs.
7. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
8. Cook the chicken rolls for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.
9. Transfer the browned chicken to a baking dish.
10. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15–20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
11. Remove toothpicks before serving.
12. Slice and serve warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

For a lighter version, skip the pan-frying step and bake the breaded chicken directly in the oven until golden and cooked through.

You can substitute swiss cheese with mozzarella, provolone, or gruyere for a slightly different flavor.

If you prefer a crispier coating, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.

Some variations include serving the chicken with a creamy mustard or cheese sauce for extra richness.

You can also use turkey slices instead of ham for a slightly different twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chicken cordon bleu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes until heated through. This helps maintain the crispy coating.

Microwaving is possible but may soften the breadcrumb crust.

Cooked chicken cordon bleu can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

What does “cordon bleu” mean?

The term refers to a dish where meat is stuffed with ham and cheese and then breaded and cooked.

Can I bake chicken cordon bleu instead of frying it?

Yes, it can be baked entirely in the oven for a lighter preparation.

How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?

Roll the chicken tightly and secure with toothpicks if needed.

What cheese works best for this recipe?

Swiss cheese is traditional, but mozzarella or gruyere also work well.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the chicken rolls ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Chicken breasts work best because they are easier to roll.

What sides go well with chicken cordon bleu?

Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad pair nicely.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

Can I freeze uncooked chicken cordon bleu?

Yes, assemble and freeze before cooking, then thaw before baking.

Conclusion

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a timeless dish that combines tender chicken, , and melted cheese inside a crispy golden coating. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, this recipe is perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions, offering a comforting and elegant main course that never goes out of style.

Chicken Cordon Bleu

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Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic dish made with tender chicken breasts stuffed with savory ham and melted Swiss cheese, coated in crispy breadcrumbs, and cooked until golden. This comforting meal combines juicy chicken, creamy cheese, and a crunchy exterior for a flavorful main course.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Bake
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• Ham slices
• Swiss cheese slices
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs
• Milk
• Breadcrumbs or panko
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Butter
• Olive oil

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Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them until evenly thin.
2. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Lay a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on each chicken breast.
4. Roll the chicken tightly around the filling and secure with toothpicks if necessary.
5. Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs mixed with milk, and one with breadcrumbs.
6. Coat each rolled chicken piece in flour, dip into the egg mixture, and then coat with breadcrumbs.
7. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
8. Cook the chicken rolls for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown.
9. Transfer the browned chicken to a baking dish.
10. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15–20 minutes until fully cooked.
11. Remove toothpicks before serving.
12. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

• For a lighter version, bake the breaded chicken directly in the oven without pan-frying.
• Substitute Swiss cheese with mozzarella, provolone, or gruyere if desired.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating.
• Serve with a creamy mustard or cheese sauce for added richness.
• Turkey slices can replace ham for a different flavor variation.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 470 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg