Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu

Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu is a timeless dish that’s both elegant and comforting, featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with savory ham and melty Swiss cheese, then coated in golden breadcrumbs and baked (or fried) to crispy perfection. It’s a French-inspired favorite that has stood the test of time thanks to its rich flavor, irresistible texture, and versatility in both casual dinners and formal meals.

While it may look fancy, Chicken Cordon Bleu is surprisingly easy to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can serve up a restaurant-quality dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re making it for a special date night, a holiday dinner, or just a weeknight family meal, this classic recipe delivers satisfying results every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Crispy Outside, Juicy Inside

The breadcrumb coating turns golden and crunchy while the chicken stays moist and flavorful on the inside.

2. Melted Cheese and Ham Filling

Each bite offers a gooey, savory surprise of Swiss cheese and thinly sliced ham.

3. Restaurant Quality at Home

It looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it perfect for entertaining guests.

4. Customizable Cooking Methods

You can fry or bake it depending on your preference—both yield delicious results.

5. Pairs with Everything

Chicken Cordon Bleu goes well with a variety of sides, from mashed potatoes to steamed vegetables or a light salad.

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Thinly sliced ham
• Swiss cheese (or Gruyère)
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Paprika (optional)
• Dijon mustard (optional for coating or dipping)

Variations

• Air Fryer Cordon Bleu: Use your air fryer for a healthier, quicker version with the same crisp texture.
• Cheese Variations: Substitute Swiss with mozzarella, provolone, or cheddar for a different flavor.
• Stuffed Chicken Rolls: Roll and slice into pinwheels for appetizer-friendly bites.
• Spicy Twist: Add jalapeños or spicy mustard to the filling for a little heat.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour for a celiac-friendly dish.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through. Open them like a book and pound gently with a meat mallet to an even thickness.

Step 2: Fill and Roll

Place a slice or two of ham and a slice of cheese on each chicken breast. Roll tightly and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.

Step 3: Dredge

Prepare three bowls: one with flour (seasoned with salt, pepper, and optional spices), one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Dip each rolled chicken breast into flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, pressing gently to coat.

Step 4: Chill (Optional but Helpful)

Place the breaded chicken in the fridge for 15–30 minutes to help the coating stick better and prevent splitting during cooking.

Step 5: Cook

To bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place chicken on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
To fry: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken until golden on all sides, about 4–5 minutes per side. Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes to finish cooking.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain its juices. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Pound Evenly: Ensures the chicken cooks uniformly and rolls more easily.
• Secure Well: Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling in place while cooking.
• Chill Before Cooking: Helps set the breadcrumb coating and prevents unrolling.
• Use a Thermometer: Check for 165°F internal temperature for safe and juicy chicken.
• Double-Coat for Extra Crunch: For a thicker crust, double-dip in egg and breadcrumbs.

How to Serve

Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu sliced into rounds or whole for a dramatic presentation. It pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, or a crisp garden salad. A drizzle of Dijon cream sauce or béchamel elevates the dish further, adding richness and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Freezing

Wrap uncooked, breaded chicken tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.

Reheating

To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, which can make the coating soggy.

FAQs

1. Can I bake Chicken Cordon Bleu instead of frying it?

Yes! Baking is a healthier option and still results in a crisp, golden crust.

2. What cheese is best for this recipe?

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

3. Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare and refrigerate the chicken rolls up to 24 hours before cooking.

4. Can I use chicken thighs?

Boneless thighs can be used but may be trickier to roll and require longer cooking time.

5. Is there a sauce that goes with it?

Yes—try a creamy Dijon mustard sauce or simple white béchamel for extra flavor.

6. How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?

Make sure the chicken is rolled tightly and sealed well. Chilling before baking also helps.

7. Can I use pre-cooked ham?

Yes, deli-style or leftover baked ham both work great in this recipe.

8. What sides go well with Chicken Cordon Bleu?

Mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, rice pilaf, or a fresh salad make excellent pairings.

9. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but slices or blocks provide better melt and stay inside the roll more easily.

10. What’s the best way to get a crispy crust?

Use Panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch and bake uncovered or fry for best results.

Conclusion

Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu is a beloved dish for good reason—crispy on the outside, juicy and melty on the inside, and full of comforting flavor. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a festive occasion, this recipe is simple to execute and always impressive. With a few easy steps and ingredients, you can enjoy a gourmet-quality meal that never goes out of style.

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