Chicken Cordon Bleu

This baked Chicken Cordon Bleu is a delightful variation of the classic chicken dish that offers simple preparation with easy clean-up, too! You can serve it with a variety of side dishes, such as steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, pasta or a simple green salad.

What Does Chicken Cordon Bleu Mean?

The term “Cordon Bleu” is French for “blue ribbon” which is typically considered a symbol of excellence in cooking. So, Chicken Cordon Bleu roughly translates to “Blue Ribbon Chicken”, with the name implying it’s a high quality dish.

Ingredients to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic dish that combines chicken, ham, and cheese. It originated in Switzerland but was popularized in French cuisine. To make it, you typically start with a chicken breast pounded thin, then layer it with slices of ham and cheese, usually Swiss or Gruyère. The chicken is then rolled up, coated in breadcrumbs, and baked or fried until golden and crispy. It’s a delicious and elegant dish often served with a creamy sauce on the side which is also included in this recipe. In my recipe, we’re making aq pocket in the chicken and stuffing it with ham and cheese before popping it into the oven to bake. Ingredients you’ll need to make baked Chicken Cordon Bleu: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

• Chicken – Four 8 ounce boneless skinless chicken breasts.
• Ham – Four thick slices of honey ham or smoked ham adds a smoky flavor.
• Cheese – Four thick cut slices of Swiss cheese for stuffing the chicken.
• Flour – All purpose flour forms the base of the coating.
• Seasoning – Salt, black pepper, granulated garlic and onion powder.
• Whole Egg – One large egg beaten with milk for the egg wash.
• Bread Crumbs – Italian seasoned panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
• Parmesan – Finely grated Parmesan cheese adds a saltiness to the coating.
• Butter – Melted unsalted butter to drizzle the chicken breasts for flavor and browning.
• Sauce – (Optional) Butter, all purpose flour, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, grated Parmesan cheese, ground nutmeg and fresh chives for garnishing.

How to Make the Best Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

• Heat Oven and Prepare Pan – Preheat oven to 400°F. Fit an oven-safe wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet and spray.
• Season Chicken – Season the chicken pieces evenly with salt and black pepper.
• Create a Pocket in the Chicken Breasts – Use a sharp knife to cut a pocket in each chicken breast without cutting all the way through the other side.
• Ham and Cheese Slices – Place two slices of cheese on top of two slices of ham and tightly roll. Stuff inside the chicken breasts and secure the pocket with toothpicks.
• Set-Up Dredging Station – First Bowl – Dry ingredients, Second Bowl – Beaten egg and milk and Third Bowl – Panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
• Dredge the Chicken – Coat the chicken pieces in seasoned flour, then dip in egg, letting excess drip off. Dredge in panko-parmesan to coat, pressing to adhere.
• Transfer to Pan – Place breaded chicken pieces on the prepared wire rack.
• Butter – Drizzle the chicken pieces with melted butter.
• Oven – Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the juices run clear and an instant read thermometer registers 160°F when inserted into the thickest portion of the chicken. Broil at the end of baking to brown further.
• Make the Dijon Cream Sauce – Melt butter over medium heat in a small heavy bottomed saucepan. Whisk in flour, then whisk in cream, Dijon mustard, Parmesan cheese and nutmeg. Simmer on low until thickened. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.
• Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu drizzled with sauce garnished with fresh chives.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Large sheet pan with oven safe rack for baking the chicken.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Three shallow bowls to create the dredging station.
• Balloon whisk for sifting the dry ingredients and making the egg wash.
• Cheese grater to prep the Parmesan cheese. You could use pre-grated cheese.
• Medium saucepan to make the sauce.
• Sharp knife and cutting board to prep the chicken.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Breadcrumbs: If you’re unable to find Italian seasoned panko breadcrumbs you can use plain breadcrumbs (regular breadcrumbs) and add 1 teaspoon of dry Italian seasoning to the mix.
• Cheese: You can use sliced Swiss cheese or Gruyère cheese in this recipe. Wrapping the cheese inside of the ham slices helps to contain it so it doesn’t escape while baking.
• Ham: You can use honey ham, Virginia ham or smoked ham in this recipe.
• Pan Options: You could also use a broiler pan to make this chicken.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers: Store leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu chilled in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: You can reheat on a sheet pan in a preheated 350°F oven for s few minutes or just until heated through. You can also reheat chicken cordon bleu in an air fryer or in single servings in the microwave.
• Freezer: You can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat just before serving.

More Easy Chicken Recipes to Make

• Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks coated with barbecue sauce.
• Make your own Crispy Chicken Sandwich at home.
• My recipe for Southern Fried Chicken is the only one you’ll ever need!
• Creamy Chicken Florentine with pasta is restaurant quality.
• Perfectly seasoned and easy to make Baked Chicken Thighs.
• My Spatchock Chicken tutorial will have you making this favorite with ease.
• My Chicken Cakes recipe is a fan favorite!
• Easy Thai Peanut Chicken from All Day I Dream About Food.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Sheet Pans with Racks
• Measuring Set
• Kitchen Utensils
• Knives and Chopping Board