Elegant Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

The Ultimate Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe You’ll Adore

Whipping up a delectable chicken cordon bleu can turn an ordinary dinner into a memorable culinary adventure.

Layers of tender chicken, savory ham, and melted swiss cheese create a mouthwatering combination that feels like pure comfort.

Classic techniques meet modern simplicity in this irresistible dish.

Delicate flavors merge seamlessly, promising a meal that delights every palate.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this recipe brings restaurant-quality elegance to your home kitchen.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike will appreciate the balance of textures and rich, creamy goodness.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next special meal.

Proper Storage for Chicken Cordon Bleu

  • Refrigerate leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain optimal taste and food safety.
  • Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing in the container.
  • Keep the cream sauce separately to prevent the breading from becoming soggy.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu?

The key ingredients are chicken breasts, ham, Swiss cheese, flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, butter, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard.

  • Is this recipe difficult to make for beginners?

This recipe requires some basic cooking skills like pounding chicken, rolling, and coating, but it’s manageable for home cooks with some practice and patience.

  • Can I prepare Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the rolled chicken and refrigerate it for a few hours before cooking, which makes it convenient for meal preparation.

  • What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Swiss cheese is traditional, but you can also use provolone or mozzarella for similar melting qualities and mild flavor.

Chicken Cordon Bleu That Impresses

  • Satisfy Family Cravings: A crowd-pleasing dish that transforms ordinary chicken into a gourmet meal everyone will love, packed with cheesy goodness and crispy texture.
  • Master Cooking Skills: Perfect for home chefs looking to elevate their culinary techniques with a restaurant-style recipe that looks impressive but isn't complicated to prepare.
  • Versatile Meal Option: Adaptable for special dinners, weeknight meals, or entertaining guests, this recipe works brilliantly for different dining scenarios without sacrificing flavor or quality.
  • Quick Prep Delight: Requires minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, allowing cooks to create a delectable meal without spending hours in the kitchen, making it ideal for busy households.

Ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender cuts of white meat that serve as the base for this classic dish.
  • Ham Slices: Savory pork product that adds a rich, salty flavor to the chicken.
  • Swiss Cheese: Mild, melty cheese that provides a creamy, tangy element to the recipe.
Coating Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Used to create a dry surface for the egg coating to adhere to.
  • Large Eggs: Beaten eggs help the breadcrumb mixture stick to the chicken.
  • Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy, golden exterior to the chicken rolls.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty flavor to the breadcrumb coating.
Sauce and Cooking Ingredients:
  • Butter: Helps brown the chicken rolls and adds richness to the dish.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth, luxurious sauce base.
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy, sharp flavor to the cream sauce.
  • Toothpicks: Used to secure the rolled chicken during preparation.

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for the chicken’s grand entrance.

Step 2: Flatten the Chicken

Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and gently pound them until they’re uniformly thin and ready for rolling.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Layers

Assemble the chicken roll-ups with these tasty ingredients:
  • Thin ham slice
  • Swiss cheese slice
  • Carefully roll each chicken breast tightly
  • Secure the rolls with toothpicks to keep everything tucked in

Step 4: Prepare the Crispy Coating

Set up three shallow dishes for the breading station:
  • First dish: All-purpose flour
  • Second dish: Whisked eggs
  • Third dish: Breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese

Dip each chicken roll first in flour, then eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture.

Step 5: Golden Brown the Chicken

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and brown the chicken rolls on all sides until they develop a beautiful golden crust.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the browned chicken rolls to a baking dish and slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is completely cooked through.

Step 7: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

In a saucepan, gently heat heavy cream and stir in Dijon mustard. Let the sauce simmer and develop rich flavors for about 5 minutes.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Pour the luxurious cream sauce over the baked chicken rolls and serve immediately while everything is hot and tempting.

Tips for Chicken Cordon Bleu Success

  • Pound chicken breasts evenly for consistent cooking and tender texture.
  • Use toothpicks to secure rolls tightly, preventing filling from falling out during cooking.
  • Pat chicken dry before dredging to help breadcrumbs adhere better and create a crispier coating.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap wheat flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • Ensure internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption and juicy meat.

Flavor Variations on Chicken Cordon Bleu

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for coating and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond meal. Use thin slices of prosciutto instead of traditional ham for added flavor.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute chicken with large portobello mushrooms or firm tofu. Replace ham with roasted red peppers and use plant-based cheese alternatives.
  • Mediterranean Spin: Add fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary to the breadcrumb mixture. Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes inside the roll and use feta cheese instead of Swiss.

Pairings to Enjoy with Chicken Cordon Bleu

  • Elegant Dinner Party Centerpiece: Slice chicken cordon bleu diagonally and arrange beautifully on a white platter with fresh parsley garnish, creating a sophisticated main course that impresses guests.
  • Comfort Food Classic: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes and roasted green beans, transforming the dish into a hearty family meal that feels warm and satisfying.
  • Romantic Date Night Plate: Pair with a crisp white wine and candlelight, plating the chicken with a delicate drizzle of cream sauce and a small side salad for an intimate dining experience.
  • Lunch Transformation: Slice chicken into thin medallions and place atop mixed greens with a light vinaigrette, turning the rich dish into a lighter midday meal option.
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Elegant Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

Elegant Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe


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4.9 from 29 reviews

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

Description

Homemade chicken cordon bleu melds Swiss cheese and ham within tender chicken breasts, creating a classic comfort dish. Crispy golden breadcrumbs and rich, melted cheese make this French-inspired recipe a delightful meal you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 slices of ham
  • 4 slices of Swiss cheese
  • 2 cups heavy cream

Coating Ingredients:

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Seasoning and Finishing Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C), ensuring an even temperature for consistent cooking.
  2. Gently flatten chicken breasts to create a uniform thickness, promoting even cooking and optimal texture.
  3. Layer a slice of ham and Swiss cheese onto each chicken breast, carefully rolling the meat into a compact cylinder and securing with toothpicks to maintain shape.
  4. Create a three-stage coating process: first dust chicken rolls in flour, then dip thoroughly in beaten eggs, and finally coat generously with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese for a crispy exterior.
  5. Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, then carefully brown the chicken rolls on all sides, developing a golden, crisp crust.
  6. Transfer the browned chicken rolls to a baking dish and roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches a safe 165F.
  7. While chicken bakes, prepare the cream sauce by gently heating heavy cream in a saucepan and incorporating Dijon mustard, allowing the mixture to simmer and thicken for approximately 5 minutes.
  8. Remove chicken from the oven, discard toothpicks, drizzle with the creamy Dijon sauce, and serve immediately while hot and fresh.

Notes

  • Tenderize chicken carefully to ensure even cooking and prevent tearing during rolling.
  • Use toothpicks strategically to keep chicken rolls sealed and prevent unraveling while cooking.
  • Opt for panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness and a lighter, crunchier exterior coating.
  • Consider lighter alternatives like Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce cream sauce calories without compromising flavor.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 570 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 45 g
  • Cholesterol: 180 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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