Chicken Cordon Bleu is a timeless, comforting dish that combines crispy, golden-brown chicken with savory ham and melted Swiss cheese. The breading gives it a satisfying crunch, while the rich filling of meat and cheese creates a decadent, delicious center. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe never fails to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I absolutely love Chicken Cordon Bleu for its crispy, golden exterior paired with a mouthwatering, gooey cheese and savory meat filling. It’s the ultimate comfort food, delivering a combination of textures and flavors that are simply irresistible. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients and steps, I get to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Plus, the fact that I can customize the choice of meat, whether ham, turkey, or even prosciutto, makes it even more versatile.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 slices of meat (use your preferred choice)
1 cup breadcrumbs
4 slices Swiss cheese
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lay the chicken breasts flat on a cutting board. Place a slice of meat and a slice of Swiss cheese on top of each chicken breast.
Carefully roll up each chicken breast, securing the filling inside. If necessary, use toothpicks to hold them closed.
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Then In another shallow dish, place the beaten eggs. In a third shallow dish, place the breadcrumbs.
Coat each chicken roll in the flour mixture, dip it into the beaten eggs, and then roll it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken rolls and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
Transfer the chicken rolls to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Variations
Meat choices: I can switch out the traditional ham for turkey, prosciutto, or even chicken sausage for a fun twist.
Cheese swap: While Swiss cheese is the classic choice, I can experiment with other melty cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda for a different flavor.
Spices: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the breading mixture can give the dish a spicy, smoky kick.
Storage/Reheating
If I have leftovers, I store the chicken rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and the crust is crispy again.
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FAQs
Can I freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Yes, I can freeze it before or after cooking. To freeze before cooking, assemble the chicken rolls, but don’t cook them. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To cook from frozen, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 35-40 minutes.
Can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu without meat?
If I prefer a vegetarian version, I can substitute the meat with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even roasted vegetables. It won’t have the same savory taste, but it will still be a delicious and satisfying dish.
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
While boneless chicken breasts work best, I can certainly use bone-in chicken, though I’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Bone-in chicken will require a longer bake time, around 35-40 minutes, to ensure it’s cooked through.
How do I keep the cheese from oozing out while cooking?
I find that properly securing the chicken roll with toothpicks and making sure it’s tightly rolled helps. Also, I make sure to bread the chicken well to create a solid barrier around the cheese. That way, the cheese stays where it belongs!
Can I use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs?
Yes, I can use panko breadcrumbs for an even crispier coating. Panko will give a lighter, airier texture, making the dish extra crunchy on the outside.
Conclusion
Chicken Cordon Bleu is one of those dishes that combines elegance with comfort, and it’s easy to make right at home. Whether I’m preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is always a hit. The crispy chicken, savory filling, and melted cheese come together to create a meal that I can’t resist. It’s simple, satisfying, and sure to impress anyone at the table!
📖 Recipe:
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Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic dish featuring crispy, golden-brown chicken stuffed with savory ham and melted Swiss cheese. This comforting and elegant meal is perfect for any occasion, offering a combination of textures and flavors that will impress your family or guests. Easy to make and highly customizable, Chicken Cordon Bleu is a satisfying, delicious meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 slices of ham (or your preferred choice of meat)
4 slices of Swiss cheese
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lay the chicken breasts flat on a cutting board. Place a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on top of each chicken breast.
- Carefully roll up each chicken breast, securing the filling inside. If necessary, use toothpicks to hold them closed.
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In another shallow dish, place the beaten eggs. In a third shallow dish, place the breadcrumbs.
- Coat each chicken roll in the flour mixture, dip it into the beaten eggs, and then roll it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken rolls and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- Transfer the chicken rolls to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
Notes
Variations: Swap out the ham for turkey, prosciutto, or even chicken sausage. You can also experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda for a new flavor twist.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy.
Freezing: Assemble the chicken rolls and freeze them (before cooking) for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking & Pan-frying
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 390 kcal
