Sizzling Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe: A Cheesy French Classic

Culinary enthusiasts adore this classic chicken cordon bleu that brings French-inspired elegance to your dinner table.

Crispy golden breading conceals a secret cheesy interior waiting to surprise you.

Layers of tender chicken, savory ham, and melted swiss create a harmonious blend of flavors.

Mountains of ingredients might seem complex, but our simplified approach makes cooking feel effortless.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate this delightful dish that impresses without overwhelming.

Each bite promises a delectable combination of textures and rich, comforting tastes.

You cannot help but fall in love with this sophisticated yet approachable meal that turns an ordinary evening into something extraordinary.

Let’s uncover the magic behind this beloved recipe that will become your next go-to dinner sensation.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Highlights

• Create Culinary Magic: Turn ordinary chicken into a gourmet masterpiece with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: Watch family and friends go crazy over this elegant dish that looks like it came from a fancy restaurant.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Achieve professional-level cooking without spending tons of money or needing advanced culinary training.
• Flavor Explosion: Enjoy a mouthwatering combination of crispy breading, melty cheese, savory ham, and tangy Dijon sauce that will make taste buds dance.

What’s Inside Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Chicken Breast: Lean and tender meat perfect for rolling and stuffing.
• Ham: Salty and flavorful protein that complements the chicken.
• Swiss Cheese: Mild and melty cheese that adds richness inside the chicken.

• Flour: Light coating that helps other ingredients stick.
• Eggs: Binding agent for breading.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Crispy coating that provides golden crunch.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Aromatic seasonings for extra flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for balanced taste.

• Butter: Creamy base for the sauce.
• Milk: Smooth liquid for sauce consistency.
• Dijon Mustard: Tangy condiment that adds depth.
• Gruyere Cheese: Rich and nutty cheese for sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp cheese that enhances sauce flavor.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for garnish.

How to Cook Chicken Cordon Bleu

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Breasts

Transform your chicken breasts into thin, even canvases.

Place each breast between plastic wrap and gently pound until uniformly ¼ to ½-inch thick.

Season each flattened breast with salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Create Flavor Layers

Layer each chicken breast with Swiss cheese and ham.

Start rolling from the smaller end, creating tight cylindrical logs.

Wrap each log securely in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes to help them hold shape.

Step 3: Breading Process

• First bowl: Flour
• Second bowl: Beaten eggs
• Third bowl: Panko breadcrumbs mixed with seasonings

Unwrap each chicken log and carefully coat in flour, egg, then panko mixture.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.

Carefully place breaded chicken logs into hot oil, turning to achieve golden brown color on all sides.

This takes approximately 5 minutes.

Step 5: Finish in Oven

Transfer golden chicken to a foil-lined baking sheet.

Bake at 350°F until internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 6: Craft Creamy Dijon Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk.

• Dijon mustard
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gradually add gruyere and parmesan, whisking until smooth and velvety.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the crispy chicken, drizzle with creamy Dijon sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Enjoy your homemade Chicken Cordon Bleu!

Smart Tips for Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Use plastic wrap when flattening chicken to prevent meat from sticking and ensure even thickness for consistent cooking.
• Refrigerate rolled chicken logs before breading to help them maintain shape and prevent filling from falling out during cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe and juicy results every time.
• Create a clean breading station with separate bowls for flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs to minimize mess and ensure even coating.
• Maintain consistent 350°F oil temperature while frying to achieve golden-brown exterior without burning the breading.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Store leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place pieces in a single layer to prevent soggy breading.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
• Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the breading soggy and tough. If using, heat in short 30-second intervals, checking frequently to maintain texture.

Side Dishes for Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Crisp White Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the rich, creamy flavors of the Chicken Cordon Bleu. The wine's bright acidity cuts through the heaviness of the cheese and helps refresh the palate.
• Zesty Green Salad Companion: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness. The peppery greens and tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy chicken.
• Roasted Vegetable Side: Create a medley of roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, and asparagus seasoned with herbs. These vegetables add color, nutrients, and a slight char that enhances the golden-brown chicken's texture.
• Buttery Chardonnay Option: For wine lovers seeking a fuller-bodied choice, a buttery Chardonnay matches beautifully with the dish's creamy sauce and cheesy interior. Its smooth profile complements the chicken's rich flavors.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Twists and Styles

• Vegetarian Cordon Bleu: Replace chicken with portobello mushrooms or eggplant slices. Swap ham with plant-based deli slices and use dairy-free cheese for a vegan-friendly version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko for coating the roll.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Skip traditional breading and use crushed pork rinds or almond flour for coating. Replace flour dredging with a light egg wash to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk in the sauce. Select dairy-free cheese alternatives like cashew cheese or nutritional yeast for similar flavor profiles.

FAQs

• What is the best way to pound chicken breasts evenly?

Use plastic wrap and a meat mallet. Place the chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound from the center outwards to create an even thickness of ¼ to ½ inch.

• Can I prepare Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the chicken rolls and refrigerate them for 30 minutes to 1 hour before breading and cooking. This helps the rolls hold their shape and makes the breading process easier.

• Why do I need to roll the chicken in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs?

This three-step breading process creates a crispy, golden exterior. The flour helps the egg stick, the egg helps the breadcrumbs adhere, and the breadcrumbs provide a crunchy coating when fried and baked.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy and tender.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Chicken cordon bleu promises a delightful culinary journey through French-inspired flavors. Crispy golden exterior gives way to melted cheese and tender ham, creating a perfect harmony that delights palates and brings comfort to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 boneless chicken breasts (6 to 8 ounces / 170 to 227 grams each)
• 8 ounces (227 grams) Swiss cheese, thinly sliced
• 8 ounces (227 grams) ham, thinly sliced

Breading Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup (40 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 1/4 cups (100 grams) panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for shallow frying
• Minced fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Carefully butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally, creating a thin, even layer that opens like a book without cutting all the way through.
2. Gently unfold the chicken and place a slice of Swiss cheese and ham inside each breast, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Meticulously roll the chicken, tucking in the sides to seal the filling completely, creating a tight cylindrical shape.
4. Secure each rolled chicken with kitchen twine or toothpicks to prevent unraveling during cooking.
5. Chill the rolled chicken in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to help maintain its shape during breading.
6. Create a three-stage breading station: first bowl with seasoned flour, second bowl with beaten eggs, third bowl with seasoned panko breadcrumbs.
7. Carefully coat each chicken roll first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip in egg, and finally roll thoroughly in seasoned breadcrumbs.
8. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet to 350°F, ensuring even temperature for consistent golden browning.
9. Gently fry the breaded chicken rolls until golden brown, rotating to achieve even coloration on all sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
10. Transfer partially fried chicken to a prepared baking sheet and finish cooking in a preheated 350°F oven for 12-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
11. While chicken bakes, prepare the sauce by melting butter and whisking in flour to create a smooth roux.
12. Gradually incorporate milk and seasonings, stirring continuously to prevent lumps and achieve a silky consistency.
13. Slowly add gruyere and parmesan cheeses, whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
14. Remove chicken from oven, let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
15. Slice chicken rolls diagonally and drizzle with warm Dijon cheese sauce before serving.
16. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for added color and fresh flavor.

Notes

• Tenderize chicken breasts carefully to ensure even thickness, preventing uneven cooking and maintaining a uniform texture.
• Refrigerate rolled chicken logs to help them hold their shape and prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption without overcooking.
• Select high-quality ham and Swiss cheese for maximum flavor depth and authentic taste experience.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 150mg