Description
Golden, crispy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious! This Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe is easy to make, filled with melty Swiss cheese & savory ham, and coated in a perfectly crunchy crust. Whether you bake it for a healthier version or fry it for ultimate crispiness, this dish never disappoints. Simple ingredients, no-fail steps, and restaurant-quality taste! Ready to impress your family and guests? Let’s roll and cook this classic together!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded thin)
- 4 slices of ham
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese (or Gruyère for a richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Breading:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and taste)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for flavor boost)
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons butter (for baking) or ½ cup oil (for frying)
For the Creamy Dijon Sauce (Optional but Amazing!):
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup milk (or heavy cream for richer sauce)
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack.
- Pound chicken breasts to about ¼ inch thickness for even cooking.
- Spread a little Dijon mustard on each chicken breast for extra flavor.
- Layer 2 slices of ham and 2 slices of Swiss cheese on each piece of chicken.
- Roll tightly and secure with toothpicks or wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Coat with Breading
- Set up a breading station with three bowls:
- Flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder in one bowl.
- Beaten eggs in another.
- Panko, paprika, and Parmesan in the last bowl.
- Dredge each rolled chicken breast in the flour mixture, then dip in eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Press breadcrumbs firmly to make sure they stick.
Step 3: Cook to Perfection
✅ For Baking:
9. Place the chicken on a baking sheet, brush with melted butter, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
✅ For Frying:
10. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the chicken 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes to finish cooking.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Dijon Sauce (Optional)
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly add milk, whisking constantly until smooth.
- Add Dijon mustard and Parmesan cheese, and cook until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice at an angle.
- Drizzle with creamy Dijon sauce and serve with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.
Notes
Additional Notes & Variations:
- Air Fryer Option: Cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Lighter Version: Use whole wheat breadcrumbs and bake instead of frying.
- Flavor Twists: Try prosciutto instead of ham, or pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick!
- Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Pairing Suggestions:
- Sides: 🥔 Mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or garlic green beans
- Drinks: 🍷 White wine (Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc) or sparkling water with lemon
- Dessert: 🍫 Chocolate mousse or vanilla crème brûlée
Storage & Reheating Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked rolls for up to 3 months. Thaw before cooking.
- Reheating: Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 5 minutes for crispy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I prepare Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time?
Yes! Roll and bread the chicken, then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking or frying.
What’s the best cheese for Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Swiss is classic, but Gruyère, mozzarella, or even provolone work great for extra melty goodness!
Can I make this keto-friendly?
Absolutely! Swap the breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds or almond flour and fry in avocado oil.
Do I need toothpicks?
They help keep the roll tight, but you can skip them if you chill the rolls before cooking!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: French, American
Nutrition
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Sodium: ~780mg
- Fat: ~18g
- Carbohydrates: ~28g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Protein: ~45g