Introduction

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic dish that transforms simple ingredients into an elegant meal. This recipe features tender chicken breasts stuffed with savory ham and melty Swiss cheese, then coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust. It’s perfect for a special dinner yet straightforward enough for weeknights. For another comforting chicken dish, try the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe.

Ingredients

This classic Chicken Cordon Bleu delivers a golden, crispy exterior that gives way to tender chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese in every satisfying bite.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 4 slices ham
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or butter)

Timing

Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	45 minutes

Context: This Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Chicken

Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even ¼-inch thickness. This helps the Chicken Cordon Bleu cook evenly and makes rolling easier.

Step 2 — Layer the Fillings

Lay a slice of Swiss cheese and a slice of ham on top of each flattened chicken breast. Leave a small border around the edges to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.

Step 3 — Roll the Chicken

Starting from the shorter end, tightly roll each chicken breast around the filling. Secure the seam with toothpicks to hold the shape. Press the edges gently to seal.

Step 4 — Coat with Breading

Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Dredge each rolled chicken breast first in flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs, pressing to adhere.

Step 5 — Chill Before Cooking

Place the breaded Chicken Cordon Bleu on a plate and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes. Chilling helps the coating set and prevents it from falling off during frying or baking.

Step 6 — Choose Your Cooking Method

For baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden. For frying, heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally.

Step 7 — Check for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be golden brown, and the cheese should be melted and bubbly.

Step 8 — Rest Before Serving

Remove the Chicken Cordon Bleu from the oven or oil and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes slicing cleaner.

Step 9 — Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove the toothpicks before serving. Slice each roll diagonally to showcase the cheesy ham filling. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Nutritional Information

Calories	520
Protein	42g
Carbohydrates	15g
Fat	32g
Fiber	1g
Sodium	980mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Turkey breast — A leaner protein option that still provides a satisfying texture and mild flavor, perfect for wrapping around the filling.
• Low-fat Swiss cheese — Reduces saturated fat while maintaining the classic nutty, slightly sweet flavor essential to Chicken Cordon Bleu.
• Dairy-free cheese slices — A plant-based alternative that melts well for those avoiding dairy, offering a similar creamy component.
• Gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour — Creates a crispy, golden coating without gluten, adding a subtle nutty taste.
• Baked instead of fried — Achieves a crispy exterior with significantly less oil, making for a lighter, less greasy dish.
• Low-sodium ham or turkey ham — Provides the salty, savory element while cutting down on overall sodium content.
• Thinly sliced chicken breast — Using a meat mallet to create thin cutlets reduces cooking time and ensures even cooking without needing excessive pounding.
• Herb-infused olive oil brush — Replaces heavier sauces or butter for basting, adding flavor and moisture with healthier fats.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair your Chicken Cordon Bleu with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles for a comforting, classic meal.
• Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the dish.
• For a special occasion, present it with roasted asparagus and a lemon-butter sauce for an elegant touch.
• Accompany with wild rice pilaf and steamed green beans for a well-rounded, hearty dinner.
• Transform leftovers by slicing the Chicken Cordon Bleu and serving it over a bed of fresh arugula for a delicious lunch salad.
• For a festive gathering, serve mini Chicken Cordon Bleu sliders on small brioche buns with a side of honey mustard.

No matter how you serve it, Chicken Cordon Bleu is a versatile centerpiece that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to suit any dining occasion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using thick, uneven chicken cutlets. Fix: Pound breasts to ¼-inch thickness for even cooking and rolling.
• Mistake: Overfilling with ham and cheese. Fix: Use a thin layer to prevent leaking and ensure the Chicken Cordon Bleu holds its shape.
• Mistake: Skipping the toothpick or twine. Fix: Secure rolls tightly before breading to maintain structure during cooking.
• Mistake: Not chilling before cooking. Fix: Refrigerate assembled rolls for 30 minutes to firm up and prevent bursting.
• Mistake: Inadequate breading adhesion. Fix: Pat chicken dry and follow a strict flour, egg, breadcrumb sequence for a crisp crust.
• Mistake: Baking at too low a temperature. Fix: Cook at 400°F (200°C) to achieve a golden exterior without drying out the meat.
• Mistake: Cutting immediately after baking. Fix: Let Chicken Cordon Bleu rest for 5–10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
• Mistake: Using only Swiss cheese. Fix: Blend Gruyère with Swiss for superior melt and flavor in your Chicken Cordon Bleu.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap individual portions tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag or airtight container; freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: For best results, reheat Chicken Cordon Bleu in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Always use a food thermometer to ensure your reheated Chicken Cordon Bleu reaches the safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Conclusion

This classic Chicken Cordon Bleu is surprisingly simple to make at home and delivers impressive results. Give this recipe a try for your next special dinner and share your experience in the comments below. For another comforting baked dish, explore this Enchilada Casserole.

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FAQs

Can I prepare Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the Chicken Cordon Bleu up to a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This helps the breading adhere better and saves time.

What can I use instead of ham in Chicken Cordon Bleu?

You can substitute the ham with prosciutto, smoked turkey, or even thinly sliced salami. Each alternative will give your Chicken Cordon Bleu a slightly different flavor profile while keeping the classic rolled structure.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out while baking?

To prevent cheese leakage, ensure the chicken is pounded thinly and evenly. Roll the Chicken Cordon Bleu tightly and secure it well with toothpicks. Chilling the assembled rolls before baking also helps the cheese stay inside.