Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe: Golden, Crispy & Delightful

Crafting a delectable chicken cordon bleu becomes an art of culinary precision and flavor balance.

Layers of golden-crusted chicken conceal a molten core of swiss cheese and ham.

Delicate ingredients merge into a symphony of textures that dance across your palate.

Crisp edges give way to tender meat wrapped around creamy cheese and savory ham.

Mastering this classic dish requires patience and a gentle touch with each ingredient.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike celebrate the elegant simplicity of this timeless recipe.

You will love how each bite reveals a perfect combination of crispy exterior and rich, melting interior.

Prepare to be transported by a dish that promises pure gastronomic delight.

Why Chicken Cordon Bleu Always Impresses Guests

• Breeze Through Preparation: Easily assemble this classic dish with simple steps that require minimal cooking expertise, perfect for home chefs of all skill levels.
• Family Feast Favorite: Delivers a crowd-pleasing meal that combines crispy exterior with a gooey, delicious cheese and ham interior, guaranteed to make everyone happy.
• Versatile Dining Delight: Suitable for casual weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe transforms ordinary chicken into an impressive, restaurant-quality main course.
• Comfort Food Upgrade: Elevates traditional chicken recipe with a luxurious twist, offering a satisfying blend of textures and rich, creamy flavors that feel indulgent yet approachable.

What’s Needed For Homemade Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Chicken Breasts: Tender, boneless meat that serves as the main foundation of the dish.
• Sliced Ham: Provides a savory layer of flavor inside the chicken roll.
• Swiss Cheese: Adds a creamy, melty component to the chicken filling.

• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Create a crispy, golden exterior that adds texture and rich flavor to the chicken.
• Eggs, Milk: Act as a binding agent to help the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken.

• Butter, Flour: Form the base of a classic roux to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Milk: Provides the liquid component to achieve a rich, velvety sauce consistency.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the sauce and dish.

Stepwise Instructions For Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Kitchen

Warm up your oven to a toasty 400°F.

Grab a shallow dish and combine crispy breadcrumbs with grated parmesan cheese.

In another bowl, whisk eggs with a splash of milk until well blended.

Step 2: Build Delicious Chicken Rolls

Lay out chicken breasts on a clean surface.

• Thin slices of savory ham
• Soft Swiss cheese

Carefully roll the chicken tightly, tucking in the sides.

Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the rolls securely closed.

Step 3: Create Crunchy Coating

Dunk each chicken roll first into the egg mixture, ensuring complete coverage.

Then roll generously in the breadcrumb-cheese mixture, pressing gently to help the coating stick perfectly.

Step 4: Sizzle and Bake

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Gently brown the chicken rolls on all sides until they develop a golden, crispy exterior.

Transfer the rolls to a baking dish and slide into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the coating turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 5: Craft Creamy Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a smooth roux.

Gradually pour in milk, stirring constantly.

Add seasonings like salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce becomes rich and velvety.

Drizzle over the finished chicken rolls just before serving.

Pro Tips For Tender Chicken Cordon Bleu Results

• Select fresh, thick chicken breasts and high-quality ham and Swiss cheese for the best flavor and texture.
• Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to prevent the chicken roll from unraveling during cooking, ensuring a perfect presentation.
• Shake off excess egg and breadcrumbs to create a light, crispy coating that won't become soggy.
• Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking to help juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.
• Whisk the sauce continuously and add milk gradually to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy texture.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Variations For Every Taste

• Turkey Swap: Replace chicken with turkey breast for a leaner protein option with similar texture and flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute chicken with portobello mushrooms or tofu, using vegetable ham and plant-based cheese for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of traditional breadcrumbs, ensuring celiac-friendly coating.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or crushed nuts like almonds for a crispy exterior with reduced carbohydrates.

Serving Chicken Cordon Bleu With Sauce Or Sides

• Hearty Plate Pairing: Serve alongside roasted asparagus or green beans for a colorful and nutritious vegetable complement that balances the rich chicken.
• Classic Side Kick: Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice make perfect accompaniments, soaking up the delicious sauce and adding wonderful texture to the meal.
• Wine and Dine: Pair with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, which cuts through the dish's richness and enhances the delicate flavors of chicken and cheese.
• Salad Splash: Add a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to provide a fresh, zesty contrast to the warm, indulgent chicken cordon bleu.

How To Store Chicken Cordon Bleu Safely

• Store leftover chicken cordon bleu in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Wrap each piece individually in aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Place cooled chicken in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Label with date and contents. Chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing quality.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Unwrap chicken and place on baking sheet. Cover loosely with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Place chicken on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

The term originates from French cuisine, meaning “blue ribbon”, traditionally signifying a high-quality culinary preparation involving stuffed meat.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Swiss or Gruyère work best, but you can substitute with provolone or mild cheddar for similar melting qualities and flavor profile.

• How do I prevent the chicken from unrolling during cooking?

Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the rolled chicken, ensuring the ham and cheese stay neatly inside during preparation and baking.

• Is it necessary to brown the chicken before baking?

Browning in butter creates a golden, crispy exterior and enhances the overall flavor before finishing in the oven, but it’s not absolutely mandatory if you prefer to skip this step.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Rich, creamy chicken cordon bleu delivers a French-inspired culinary masterpiece that blends tender chicken, melted Swiss cheese, and savory ham into one irresistible dish. Crispy golden breadcrumbs and elegant flavor combinations invite you to savor each perfectly balanced bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 4 slices ham
• 4 slices Swiss cheese

Breading and Coating Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) milk
• 1/3 cup (40 grams) breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup (25 grams) parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter

Sauce Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (42 grams) butter
• 3 tablespoons (23 grams) flour
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) milk
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/3 cup (33 grams) parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F, creating an ideal environment for crispy, golden-brown chicken.
2. Carefully butterfly the chicken breasts, ensuring an even thickness for uniform cooking.
3. Layer thin slices of ham and Swiss cheese inside each chicken breast, creating a luxurious internal filling.
4. Carefully roll the chicken breasts, tucking in the edges to seal the delicate ham and cheese interior.
5. Secure each rolled chicken bundle with toothpicks to prevent unraveling during cooking.
6. Whisk eggs and milk together in a shallow dish, creating a smooth binding liquid.
7. Combine breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese in a separate dish for a crunchy exterior coating.
8. Dredge each chicken roll first in the egg mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Immediately roll the egg-coated chicken in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
10. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat and lightly brown the chicken rolls on all sides.
11. Transfer the browned chicken rolls to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
12. For the accompanying sauce, melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in flour to create a smooth roux.
13. Gradually pour in milk, continuously stirring to prevent lumps and achieve a silky consistency.
14. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a hint of nutmeg, simmering until thickened and creamy.
15. Remove toothpicks from chicken before serving and drizzle with the prepared sauce.

Notes

• Select thin chicken breasts to ensure even rolling and cooking without tearing.
• Pound chicken to uniform thickness around 1/4 inch for perfect texture and consistent cooking.
• Freeze cheese and ham briefly before assembling to prevent oozing during cooking and maintain structural integrity.
• Use toothpicks sparingly and remove before serving to keep the elegant presentation intact.
• Pat chicken dry before coating to help breadcrumbs adhere better and create a crispier exterior.
• Choose Swiss or Gruyère cheese for authentic flavor and excellent melting properties.
• Seal roll edges completely to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
• Try whole wheat breadcrumbs for a healthier alternative without compromising crunch.
• Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes after baking to redistribute juices and maintain moisture.
• Try prosciutto or turkey ham for different flavor profiles and dietary variations.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 542 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1020 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 48 g
• Cholesterol: 195 mg