About This Recipe
This recipe takes inspiration from French cuisine, where “cordon bleu” translates to “blue ribbon,” symbolizing excellence. It has since become popular worldwide, with countless variations across Europe and America. At its core, the dish consists of boneless chicken cutlets wrapped around ham and cheese, then breaded and cooked to perfection. Some versions are pan-fried, while others are baked for a lighter twist.
The combination of textures—crispy breadcrumb coating, savory ham, gooey cheese, and juicy chicken—makes this recipe a show-stopper for family dinners, special occasions, or even weeknight meals when you want something a little extra.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A balanced mix of textures: crunchy exterior and melty interior.
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing—almost everyone loves ham and cheese.
- Versatile: bake for a healthier option or fry for classic richness.
- Great for entertaining, as it can be prepped ahead and cooked before serving.
- Elegant presentation without being complicated.
Ingredients
For four servings, you will need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices Swiss cheese (or Gruyère for authentic flavor)
- 4 slices deli ham
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for baking) or vegetable oil (for frying)
- Toothpicks (to secure rolls)
For optional sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the chicken:
Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment. Pound gently with a meat mallet until about ¼-inch thick. This step ensures even cooking and makes rolling easier. - Layer the filling:
Lay one slice of ham and one slice of cheese in the center of each flattened chicken breast. Leave a small border around the edges to prevent the cheese from leaking during cooking. - Roll and secure:
Starting at one end, roll the chicken tightly around the ham and cheese. Secure with toothpicks to hold the shape. - Bread the rolls:
Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder; one with beaten eggs; and one with breadcrumbs. Dredge each chicken roll in flour, dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumbs. - Cook the chicken:
- Oven method (lighter): Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place breaded rolls on a lightly greased baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil or spray with cooking spray. Bake 25–30 minutes until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Pan-fry method (classic): Heat about ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry each roll for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a baking dish and finish in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes until fully cooked.
- Make optional sauce:
In a saucepan, melt butter, then whisk in flour to form a roux. Slowly add milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in Dijon mustard, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Simmer until slightly thickened. Drizzle over cooked chicken before serving.
Nutrition Facts (per serving, without sauce)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 40 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 1 g
FAQ
Can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and bread the rolls, then refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking. Bake or fry just before serving.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
Make sure to leave a border when layering, roll tightly, and secure with toothpicks. Chilling the rolls for 15 minutes before cooking also helps.
Can I use turkey instead of chicken?
Yes. Turkey cutlets work the same way and offer a slightly different flavor.
Can I air-fry Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Absolutely. Cook in an air fryer at 375°F for about 18–20 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.
- Freezer: Assemble and bread rolls, then freeze uncooked. Bake directly from frozen at 375°F for 35–40 minutes.
- Do not microwave: This makes the coating soggy and cheese rubbery. Use oven reheating for best results.
Final Notes
Chicken Cordon Bleu is the perfect example of comfort food elevated with a touch of elegance. Its crispy golden coating, savory ham, and melty cheese filling make it unforgettable. While it may look like something you’d order at a fine restaurant, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare in your own kitchen. By mastering the basic steps and experimenting with variations, you can enjoy a dish that feels both classic and customizable. Whether you serve it with creamy sauce for a formal dinner or enjoy it baked with roasted vegetables on a weeknight, Chicken Cordon Bleu deserves a spot in your recipe collection.