Cheesy Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe That Wows Every Time

When preparing a delightful baked chicken cordon bleu, you’ll discover a mouthwatering twist on a classic comfort dish.

Layers of tender chicken embrace creamy Swiss cheese and savory ham in a crispy golden coating.

Crisp breadcrumbs create a perfect crunchy exterior that seals in incredible flavors.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners become special with this elegant yet approachable recipe.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction for everyone at the table.

Each bite promises a delectable combination of textures and rich, melted cheese that will make you an instant culinary hero.

Why Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu Wows Every Time

• Minimal steps make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish that impresses family and guests with its fancy rolled presentation.
• Swap ingredients like cheese or breadcrumbs to match personal tastes or dietary preferences while keeping the core technique simple.
• Skips deep-frying for a lighter approach that reduces calories without sacrificing the crispy, golden exterior everyone loves.

Ingredients for Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu Magic

• Chicken Breasts: Tender, boneless cuts that serve as the base for this classic dish.

• Ham, Swiss Cheese: Savory ham and melty Swiss cheese create a rich, flavorful center for the chicken rolls.

• All-Purpose Flour, Large Eggs, Panko Breadcrumbs: These ingredients help create a crispy, golden-brown exterior that seals in the delicious filling.

• Nonstick Spray, Mustard: Nonstick spray ensures easy release from the baking dish, while mustard adds a tangy finishing touch.

Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu: How to Make It

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Lightly coat a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Flatten Chicken Breasts

Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound chicken breasts until they’re uniformly about half an inch thick.

This ensures even cooking and helps with rolling.

Step 3: Layer and Roll Chicken

• Thin slices of ham
• Slice of Swiss cheese

Carefully roll the chicken tightly, tucking in the sides to keep the filling secure.

Step 4: Create Crispy Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Beaten eggs
• Panko breadcrumbs

Coat each chicken roll by first dredging in flour, then dipping in eggs, and finally rolling in panko for a golden, crunchy exterior.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the chicken rolls seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow the chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes after baking.

This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender.

Slice diagonally and serve with a tangy mustard sauce or your favorite side dish.

Pro Tips for Juicy Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound chicken breasts evenly, ensuring uniform thickness for consistent cooking and tender results.
• Secure chicken rolls with toothpicks or kitchen twine to prevent unraveling during baking, maintaining a neat and compact shape.
• Double-dip breadcrumbs for extra crunch by repeating the egg and panko process, creating a thicker, more golden exterior.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165F (75C) internally, guaranteeing safe and juicy meat without overcooking.
• Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a gluten-free and keto-friendly version of this classic dish.

Storage Tips for Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu Leftovers

• Store leftover chicken cordon bleu in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring the rolls are completely cooled before sealing.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
• Preheat oven to 350F, place chicken on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through to 165F internal temperature.
• Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, rotating halfway through, to prevent rubbery texture and ensure even warming.

Best Pairings for Chicken Cordon Bleu Night

• Flavor Symphony Pairings
• Sip Crisp Riesling to cut through the richness of the cheesy chicken, balancing each bite with bright, acidic notes.
• Serve Roasted Asparagus alongside the dish, letting its earthy green flavor complement the salty ham and creamy Swiss cheese.
• Pour Dijon Cream Sauce around the chicken, enhancing the mustard undertones and adding luxurious moisture to each golden-crusted roll.
• Match Light Pinot Noir to bring subtle red fruit notes that dance with the chicken's savory profile without overwhelming the delicate flavors.

Chicken Cordon Bleu: Try These Tasty Variations

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. Use corn flakes or crushed rice crackers for extra crunch.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap chicken with large portobello mushroom caps or firm tofu slices. Keep the ham layer or substitute with roasted red peppers and plant-based cheese for similar texture and flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip breading entirely and wrap chicken in prosciutto instead. Use grated parmesan cheese as a light crispy coating. Serve with roasted vegetables for a lighter meal.
• Mediterranean Spin: Replace Swiss cheese with feta cheese. Add fresh herbs like oregano and thyme to the breadcrumb mixture. Use olive oil instead of nonstick spray for authentic Mediterranean taste.

FAQs

• What is the secret to keeping the chicken moist and tender?

The key is pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness and not overcooking. Bake just until the internal temperature reaches 165F, which ensures juicy meat without drying out.

• Can I prepare these chicken rolls in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the chicken cordon bleu rolls up to a day ahead. Cover and refrigerate them unbaked, then bake right before serving for maximum freshness.

• How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking?

Roll the chicken tightly and ensure the seam is sealed on the bottom when placing in the baking dish. This helps keep the cheese inside during cooking.

• Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?

Substitute the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the dish celiac-friendly.

Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy golden chicken cordon bleu delivers Swiss cheese and ham’s delightful embrace within tender chicken breasts. Homemade comfort combines classic French-inspired flavors with simple ingredients, promising a satisfying meal you’ll savor with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 slices of ham
• 4 ounces (113 grams) Swiss cheese

Coating Ingredients:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Serving Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons mustard

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 400F (200C) and lightly coat a baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Gently flatten chicken breasts to an even half-inch thickness using a meat mallet, ensuring uniform cooking.
3. Create elegant rolls by layering each chicken breast with thin slices of ham and Swiss cheese, carefully tucking and rolling into compact parcels.
4. Develop a crispy exterior by coating each chicken roll: first dust with flour, then dip into beaten eggs, and finally roll in panko breadcrumbs for maximum crunch.
5. Arrange the prepared rolls seam-side down in the greased baking dish, maintaining space between each piece for even heat circulation.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the exterior turns golden brown and the internal temperature reaches a safe 165F (75C) using a meat thermometer.
7. Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 3-4 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, tender texture.
8. Slice diagonally and garnish with a light drizzle of tangy mustard sauce for an extra flavor dimension before serving.

Notes

• Select chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Chill rolled chicken for 15 minutes before breading to help coating stick better and prevent unraveling during baking.
• Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for a celiac-friendly version without compromising crispy texture.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like Gruyère or provolone to create unique flavor profiles while maintaining classic dish structure.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 150mg