Chicken Cordon Bleu

Chicken cordon bleu became one of my favorite weekend indulgences after I surprised my family with it one evening when we were craving something cheesy and comforting. I’ll never forget the reaction when they sliced into the golden crust and saw the melted cheese and ham tucked inside it felt like serving something from a fancy restaurant right at home.

Since then I’ve made it countless times and I love how this classic dish brings crispy texture creamy filling and bold savory flavor all in one bite so it’s perfect for when I want to impress without the stress.

Ingredients :

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Chicken breasts – Acts as the base that gets rolled and stuffed with delicious fillings.
• Ham slices – Brings a salty, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
• Swiss cheese – Melts beautifully inside the chicken and adds rich creaminess.
• All-purpose flour – Helps the egg wash cling to the chicken.
• Eggs – Binds the breadcrumbs to the chicken and adds a golden finish.
• Breadcrumbs – Creates the crispy outer crust that makes this dish irresistible.
• Dijon mustard – Adds a tangy kick when brushed inside the chicken.
• Salt – Seasons every layer and brings out the natural flavors.
• Black pepper – Adds a little bit of warmth and balance.
• Cooking spray or oil – Helps brown the exterior when baking.

Tools You’ll Need

• Meat mallet – I use this to pound the chicken thin so it rolls up easily.
• Plastic wrap – Keeps things tidy while flattening the chicken.
• Sharp knife – For trimming and prepping the chicken and ham.
• Cutting board – A sturdy base for handling all the prep work.
• Toothpicks – These help keep the chicken rolls together while cooking.
• Shallow bowls – Perfect for dredging the chicken in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.
• Baking dish – I use this for baking the rolled and coated chicken to golden perfection.
• Oven – Bakes everything evenly while melting the cheese just right.

Instructions

Step 1: Flatten the Chicken

I place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap then I gently pound them with a meat mallet until they’re about 1/4 inch thick being careful not to tear the meat.

Step 2: Layer and Roll

I spread a little Dijon mustard over the chicken then I layer a slice of ham and cheese on top and roll it up tightly securing it with toothpicks.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

I dip each roll first into flour then into beaten eggs and finally into breadcrumbs making sure each one is coated all over.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

I place the coated rolls into a greased baking dish and bake at 375°F for about 30 minutes until the outside is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 5: Let It Rest and Serve

I remove the toothpicks and let the rolls rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving them hot with a drizzle of pan juices or a creamy mustard sauce if I want to go the extra mile.

Tips

If I’m short on time I sometimes prep the chicken rolls ahead and refrigerate them until ready to bake. You can also use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or provolone for variety. I like to toast the breadcrumbs first in a pan with a touch of butter for extra crunch and color.

Ways to Serve

Chicken cordon bleu pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. I’ve also served it with a side of creamy Dijon sauce or honey mustard for dipping it adds a fun twist and even more flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the rolls and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

What cheese is best for Chicken Cordon Bleu?

Swiss is classic but you can use Gruyère, provolone, or even mozzarella depending on your taste.

Can I freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu?

Absolutely. Freeze the uncooked rolls and bake directly from frozen, just add 10–15 minutes to the bake time.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this chicken cordon bleu recipe a try! It’s one of those dishes that feels a little fancy but is so easy to pull off and always makes dinner feel special. Let me know how it turned out for you or if you added your own spin!

Happy Cooking!

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