Chicken Cordon Bleu

Introduction

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a timeless classic that pairs tender, juicy chicken with the irresistible richness of ham and melted cheese, all wrapped in a perfectly crispy, golden breading. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors—the crunch of the coating, the savory saltiness of the ham, and the creamy indulgence of gooey cheese.

I remember making this dish for the first time for a family celebration, and it was an instant hit! The simplicity of the ingredients belies the elegance of the final dish, making it perfect for everything from a fancy holiday dinner to a cozy weeknight treat. Whether paired with a creamy Dijon sauce or served alongside roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes, Chicken Cordon Bleu is the kind of recipe that elevates any meal into a memorable occasion.

What makes it even better is how adaptable it is. You can switch up the cheese or even bake it instead of frying for a lighter twist. No matter how you prepare it, this dish is bound to impress and satisfy every time.

Perfect for:

• Special occasions
• Family dinners
• Holiday meals
• Dinner parties
• Comfort food lovers

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cordon Bleu

Here’s why Chicken Cordon Bleu will become one of your favorite dishes:

• Tender Chicken: The chicken breasts are lightly pounded to ensure they cook evenly and remain tender.
• Savory Ham and Melty Cheese: The combination of thinly sliced ham and Swiss cheese creates a delicious, savory filling that melts perfectly inside the chicken.
• Crispy, Golden Crust: The breaded exterior is crispy and golden, adding a perfect crunch to the rich, creamy filling.
• Elegant and Delicious: Despite being simple to prepare, Chicken Cordon Bleu is a dish that feels elegant, making it ideal for special occasions or holiday meals.
• Customizable: You can easily switch up the type of cheese or ham to suit your tastes, making this recipe versatile for all preferences.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 45g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Chicken Cordon Bleu:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 slices ham (preferably thinly sliced)
• 4 slices Swiss cheese (or Gruyère cheese)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for greasing the baking dish)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying, optional)
• 1 cup marinara or Dijon mustard (for dipping, optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken Breasts: The chicken breasts serve as a tender, lean base for the savory filling. Pound them slightly to create an even thickness for better cooking.
• Ham: Thinly sliced ham provides a salty, savory element that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese.
• Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese has a slightly nutty flavor that melts beautifully, creating a rich and gooey interior for the chicken.
• Breadcrumbs: The panko breadcrumbs provide a light, crispy crust that contrasts nicely with the tender chicken and melted filling.
• Eggs and Flour: These form the breading that helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken, creating a crispy outer layer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Chicken Cordon Bleu:

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or lightly coat with cooking spray.
2. Pound the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about ½ inch. This helps the chicken cook evenly.
3. Assemble the Filling: Lay a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on each chicken breast. Roll the chicken tightly around the filling, securing the ends with toothpicks.
4. Prepare the Breading Station: Set up a breading station by placing the flour in one shallow dish, the beaten eggs in another, and the breadcrumbs in a third. Season the flour with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, if using.

Bread and Cook the Chicken:

5. Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken roll in the flour, making sure it’s evenly coated. Dip it into the beaten eggs, and then roll it in the breadcrumbs until fully coated.
6. Pan-Fry (Optional): Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully fry the chicken rolls for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. This step adds extra crispiness to the crust but is optional.
7. Bake the Chicken: Place the breaded chicken rolls in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden and crispy.
8. Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Remove the toothpicks carefully.

How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a delicious main dish that pairs well with various sides. Here are some ideas:

• With a Side Salad: Serve the chicken alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
• Mashed Potatoes or Roasted Vegetables: These classic sides pair wonderfully with the crispy chicken, adding a comforting touch to the meal.
• As a Sandwich: Slice the chicken and serve it on a bun with some mustard or a creamy dressing for a hearty sandwich option.
• With Rice or Pasta: Serve the chicken alongside a flavorful rice pilaf or a light pasta for a more substantial meal.
• With a Dipping Sauce: Pair with marinara sauce or Dijon mustard for dipping for an added layer of flavor.

Additional Tips for Chicken Cordon Bleu

Here are some tips to ensure your Chicken Cordon Bleu turns out perfect every time:

• Pound the Chicken Evenly: Make sure the chicken is an even thickness so it cooks uniformly.
• Use Thinly Sliced Ham and Cheese: Thin slices of ham and cheese are easier to roll and melt beautifully inside the chicken.
• Secure with Toothpicks: Be sure to use toothpicks to hold the chicken closed while it cooks, ensuring the filling doesn’t leak out.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Be sure to bake the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to keep it moist and juicy.
• Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For an extra-crispy crust, use panko breadcrumbs rather than traditional breadcrumbs.
• Freezing the Chicken Rolls: If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can freeze the assembled chicken rolls before baking. Just freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag for storage. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Recipe Variations for Chicken Cordon Bleu

Here are 10 variations you can try for Chicken Cordon Bleu:

• Turkey Cordon Bleu: Swap the ham for turkey slices for a lighter version of the classic dish.
• Mozzarella Chicken Cordon Bleu: Replace the Swiss cheese with mozzarella for a melty, gooey interior.
• Vegetarian Cordon Bleu: Use a plant-based protein, like tofu or tempeh, along with vegetarian cheese and vegan ham for a vegetarian version.
• Spicy Chicken Cordon Bleu: Add a layer of spicy mustard or hot sauce to the ham and cheese for a kick of heat.
• Cheddar Chicken Cordon Bleu: Use sharp cheddar cheese for a more tangy and bold flavor.
• Cordon Bleu with Béchamel Sauce: Top the chicken with a rich béchamel sauce for extra creaminess and flavor.
• Air Fryer Cordon Bleu: Use an air fryer for a quicker, lower-fat version of the dish. Cook at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Rolls: Slice the chicken into smaller pieces and roll them up with the ham and cheese for individual servings.
• Bacon Cordon Bleu: Add crispy bacon to the filling for a smoky twist on the traditional recipe.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu with Garlic Butter: Brush the chicken with garlic butter before baking for a garlicky, buttery flavor.

Freezing and Storage for Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Freezing: You can freeze the assembled chicken rolls for up to 2 months before baking. Bake from frozen, adding extra time to the baking process.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven to keep the crust crispy.

Special Equipment for Chicken Cordon Bleu

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Chicken Cordon Bleu easier:

• Meat Mallet: Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
• Baking Dish: A shallow baking dish is perfect for baking the chicken rolls to a crispy, golden brown.
• Toothpicks: Toothpicks help keep the chicken rolls secure while baking.
• Frying Pan (Optional): If you choose to pan-fry the chicken before baking, a large skillet is ideal for this step.
• Bread Crumbs Container: Use shallow dishes for flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs to make the breading process easier.
• Thermometer: An instant-read thermometer ensures that the chicken is cooked to the proper temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions for Chicken Cordon Bleu

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble the chicken rolls a day ahead and refrigerate them before baking.
2. Can I use different types of cheese?
   Absolutely! You can use cheddar, mozzarella, or any other cheese that melts well for a different flavor.
3. How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
   Be sure to secure the chicken with toothpicks and make sure the edges are well sealed before baking.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Yes, substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make this dish gluten-free.
5. Can I freeze the chicken rolls before baking?
   Yes, you can freeze the assembled rolls for up to 2 months. Just bake them from frozen, adding extra time to the cooking process.

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Conclusion

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic dish that delivers the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with savory ham and gooey, melty cheese, then coated in crispy breadcrumbs, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether baked or fried, it offers a golden, crunchy exterior that complements the rich, cheesy filling beautifully.

Perfect for a special occasion or an elevated weeknight dinner, Chicken Cordon Bleu is easier to make than it looks, with just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps. Serve it with a creamy sauce, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad for a restaurant-quality meal everyone will adore.

I’d love to see how your Chicken Cordon Bleu turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!