Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and ground black pepper to taste
  • 8 slices of Swiss cheese
  • 8 slices of deli ham
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
  2. Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of heavy plastic (resealable freezer bags work well) on a solid, level surface. Firmly pound the chicken with the smooth side of a meat mallet to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
  3. Sprinkle each side of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Place 1 cheese slice and 1 ham slice on each breast. Roll up each breast, and secure with a toothpick.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and water. Place the flour and breadcrumbs in separate shallow dishes.
  5. Dip each chicken roll in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in the egg mixture, then roll in breadcrumbs.
  6. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Add the chicken rolls, and cook until browned on all sides.
  7. Transfer the chicken rolls to a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven until chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear, about 20 to 25 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
  8. Remove toothpicks, and serve the chicken warm.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use smoked Gouda or cheddar cheese instead of Swiss cheese.
  • Replace the deli ham with prosciutto or cooked bacon.
  • Try using different herbs and spices in the breading, such as paprika, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • Make it a meat-free option by substituting the chicken breasts with tofu or portobello mushrooms.
  • Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms and onions inside the chicken rolls for extra flavor.
  • Instead of baking, cook the chicken rolls in a skillet until fully cooked and golden brown.
  • Serve the chicken cordon bleu with a creamy sauce, such as Dijon mustard sauce or hollandaise sauce.
  • Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top of the chicken rolls before baking for a crispy cheesy crust.
  • Experiment with different types of crusts, such as crushed tortilla chips, panko breadcrumbs, or crushed cornflakes.

Recipe overview

Get ready to impress your family and friends with this classic French dish! Chicken Cordon Bleu is a deliciously tender chicken breast stuffed with oozing Swiss cheese and savory ham, then coated with golden breadcrumbs. This dish, although it seems complex, is quite simple and fun to make. You'll start by flattening the chicken breasts and seasoning them, then layering a slice each of Swiss cheese and ham, roll them up, and secure with a toothpick. The rolls are then coated in flour, dipped in a beaten egg mixture, and finally rolled in breadcrumbs. After a quick sear in a skillet, they're transferred to the oven to bake until perfectly cooked. The end result is an elegantly presented, mouth watering dish with a crispy exterior and a gooey, savory center. Perfect for a special occasion or just a fancy dinner at home, this Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe is sure to be a hit!

Common questions

  1. How long does it take to bake the Chicken Cordon Bleu? - The chicken rolls should be baked in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
  2. What can I use as a substitute for Swiss cheese? - If you prefer a different type of cheese, you can substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyere, Provolone, or even Cheddar cheese.
  3. Can I use pre-cooked ham instead of deli ham? - Yes, you can use pre-cooked ham instead of deli ham. Just make sure it is thinly sliced and fits well inside the chicken rolls.
  4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? - While it is best to serve the Chicken Cordon Bleu immediately after baking for optimal taste and texture, you can prepare the chicken rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Just make sure to remove the toothpicks before baking.
  5. Can I freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu? - Yes, you can freeze the unbaked chicken rolls. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. When ready to cook, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before baking according to the recipe instructions.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Meat mallet - Used for pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
  • Toothpicks - Used to secure the rolled chicken breasts.
  • Whisk - Used to combine the eggs and water for dipping the chicken.
  • Shallow dishes - Used for coating the chicken in flour and breadcrumbs.
  • Large skillet - Used for browning the chicken rolls.
  • Baking dish - Used for baking the chicken rolls in the oven.
  • Instant-read thermometer - Used to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

Origin stories

Contrary to what its name might suggest, Chicken Cordon Bleu, which translates to "Blue Ribbon Chicken" in French, does not actually hail from France. It is rather a dish of American invention, likely inspired by other meat-and-cheese dishes from Switzerland. The dish's name is believed to be a nod to the French cooking school, Le Cordon Bleu, and the high standard of culinary craftsmanship associated with it. The dish, which involves pounding out a chicken breast, stuffing it with ham and Swiss cheese, then breading and frying it, first started appearing in American cookbooks in the 1960s. With its rich and satisfying flavors, Chicken Cordon Bleu soon became a popular choice for dinner parties and family meals alike.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.