The juicy chicken wraps around gooey cheese and tasty ham in this Chicken Cordon Bleu, bringing fancy restaurant vibes to your dinner table. When you break through the crunchy coating, you'll find perfectly cooked chicken hugging Swiss cheese and ham, making a dish that'll wow guests while feeling like comfort food.
I got hooked on making Cordon Bleu during my cooking school days in France. The first time I nailed that golden-brown outside with cheese oozing from the middle, I couldn't wait to share it with everyone.
Must-Have Ingredients Breakdown
Fresh Herbs: They make the dish look and taste better
Panko Breadcrumbs: They give you that extra crunch factor
Ham: Get thin slices from the deli for easy rolling
Dijon Mustard: It brings the sauce to life
Chicken Breasts: Look for ones that are all about the same size
Swiss Cheese: It melts just right for this classic dish
Foolproof Cordon Bleu Steps
Master The Roll
Make a tight bundle and lock it with toothpicks.
Layer With Care
Place your ham and cheese where they won't escape during cooking.
Finish With Skill
Watch the heat to get that perfect golden outside.
Coat With Precision
Go through each breading step for that amazing crust.
Prepare The Chicken
Beat those breasts flat so they'll cook evenly.
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'Take your time for perfect Cordon Bleu,' my cooking teacher in France always told me. After making this hundreds of times, I can tell you he wasn't kidding.
Perfect Serving Ideas
Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes, fresh steamed asparagus, or a simple green salad. When you want to go all out, drizzle some Dijon cream sauce over the top.
Mix It Up Options
Swap in prosciutto for the ham, try different cheeses, or mix herbs into the filling for a twist. If you're watching calories, you can bake it instead of frying.
Keeping It Fresh
You can keep the raw, breaded rolls in your fridge for a day before cooking. After cooking, they'll stay good for two days - just warm them up slowly in the oven.
I've spent years getting this dish just right, and I've learned that the little things matter most. When you pay attention to each tiny step, you'll end up with a meal that brings a touch of France right to your dining room.
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Frequently Asked Questions
→ Can this meal be prepped early?
Totally! Prep and coat the rolls, refrigerate up to 8 hours. Cook fresh when serving.
→ What keeps the coating together?
Chill the coated chicken rolls and press breadcrumbs tightly for best results.
→ What if I’d rather bake it?
That’s fine! Just bake at 375°F for 25–30 min with a spritz of oil. It won’t be quite as golden.
→ When is the chicken done cooking?
Use a thermometer and check the center—it should hit 165°F.
→ Can I swap the cheese type?
Of course! Mozzarella or provolone work inside, and cheddar blends great into the sauce.
Stuffed Chicken Cordon Bleu
Golden chicken rolls filled with ham and gooey cheese, paired with a rich and creamy Dijon sauce.
Use plastic wrap to pound chicken until it's 1/4-inch thin. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Stack ham and cheese on top, roll tightly, wrap it up, then refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes.
Step 02
Preheat oven to 350°F and put foil on a baking tray. Get three bowls ready: one with flour, another with beaten eggs, and the last with seasoned panko.
Step 03
Dip each chicken roll in the flour first, then the egg, and finish with a coating of panko. Fry in oil heated to 350°F till all sides are golden, about 5 minutes.
Step 04
Move the fried rolls onto the baking tray. Bake for about 15–20 minutes until a meat thermometer reads 165°F in the center.
Step 05
Melt butter and whisk in flour to make a roux. Slowly pour in milk, seasonings, and Dijon mustard. Let it simmer before adding Gruyere and Parmesan. Stir until creamy, then pour over the chicken.
Notes
You can prep the chicken rolls early and keep them in the fridge.
Bake them instead of frying if you want a lighter option.
Pound the meat evenly for better cooking and rolling.
Tools You'll Need
Plastic wrap
A meat mallet
Shallow bowls (three)
A pan for frying
A baking tray
A small pot for sauce
Meat thermometer
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
Contains dairy (cheese, milk)
Contains wheat (flour, breadcrumbs)
Contains eggs
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.