Crispy on the outside and irresistibly melty on the inside, Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu is a beloved dish that combines tender chicken breasts with savory ham and Swiss cheese. Coated in golden panko breadcrumbs and baked to perfection, each serving is finished with a rich, creamy Dijon sauce for an elegant and satisfying meal. Whether for a holiday gathering or an upscale weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers timeless flavor and restaurant-quality presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a dish that brings elegance to the dinner table without being overly complicated to make. It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors—juicy chicken wrapped around layers of salty ham and nutty Swiss cheese, all encased in a crisp breadcrumb coating. Baked, not fried, this version offers a lighter touch without sacrificing crunch. The accompanying Dijon cream sauce enhances the richness and adds a gourmet touch, making this dish ideal for entertaining or elevating a family dinner.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices deli-style ham
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
For the sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even 1/4-inch thickness.
- Lay one slice of ham and one slice of Swiss cheese on each flattened chicken breast. Roll tightly from one end to the other and secure with toothpicks.
- Season each roll lightly with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and melted butter.
- Arrange the coated rolls in the prepared baking dish and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the exterior is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While the chicken bakes, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and Parmesan if using. Simmer until thickened, about 3–4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove the baked chicken from the oven, discard toothpicks, and serve each portion with a generous drizzle of warm Dijon cream sauce.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Calories per serving: 460 kcal
Variations
- Chicken Cordon Bleu Bites: Slice the chicken into smaller pieces before stuffing and secure with toothpicks for appetizer-sized portions.
- Spinach and Mushroom Filling: Add a layer of sautéed spinach or mushrooms along with the ham and cheese for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Air Fryer Method: Cook the breaded rolls in an air fryer at 375°F for about 18–20 minutes for an even crispier result.
- Different Cheeses: Try Gruyère, provolone, or mozzarella in place of Swiss for a unique twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover chicken cordon bleu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes, or until heated through, to maintain the crispy exterior. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may soften the breading. The sauce can be stored separately and gently reheated on the stovetop over low heat.
FAQs
Can I prepare chicken cordon bleu in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the rolls and refrigerate them (uncooked) for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze chicken cordon bleu?
Yes, the prepared and breaded (but uncooked) rolls can be frozen for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding an additional 10–15 minutes to the cooking time.
What’s the best way to secure the rolls?
Use toothpicks or small skewers to keep the rolls tight during baking. Remember to remove them before serving.
Is it necessary to use panko breadcrumbs?
Panko provides a lighter, crispier texture, but you can substitute regular breadcrumbs if needed.
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
You can use regular yellow mustard or a grainy mustard, though the flavor will be slightly different.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
Ensure the chicken is rolled tightly and fully sealed, and use toothpicks to keep it secure during baking.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, but they may require a slightly longer baking time and will need to be flattened carefully to roll well.
What side dishes go well with chicken cordon bleu?
Mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, roasted asparagus, or a fresh green salad complement this dish well.
Is this dish suitable for kids?
Yes, it’s typically a hit with children, especially with the melty cheese and crispy coating.
Can I make this dish without the sauce?
Yes, the chicken cordon bleu is flavorful on its own, but the Dijon cream sauce adds a delicious, creamy finish.
Conclusion
Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu is a dish that combines elegance, comfort, and flavor in every bite. With its crispy coating, savory ham and Swiss cheese center, and luxurious Dijon cream sauce, it transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a special dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe is a timeless favorite that’s sure to impress.
PrintClassic Chicken Cordon Bleu
This Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu is a crispy, golden, oven-baked favorite stuffed with melty Swiss cheese and savory ham. Topped with a creamy Dijon sauce, it’s an elegant, restaurant-style dish perfect for family dinners or holiday celebrations.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Ingredients
For the chicken:
-
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-
4 slices deli-style ham
-
4 slices Swiss cheese
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
-
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
-
2 large eggs, beaten
-
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
-
2 tablespoons butter, melted
For the sauce:
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2 tablespoons butter
-
2 tablespoons flour
-
1 cup milk
-
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
-
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
-
Place chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound to about 1/4-inch thickness.
-
Lay a slice of ham and cheese on each chicken breast. Roll tightly and secure with toothpicks.
-
Season rolls with salt and pepper. Dredge each roll in flour, dip in egg, then coat with panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter.
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Place in the prepared baking dish and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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While chicken bakes, prepare the sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
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Slowly add milk, whisking constantly until smooth. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and Parmesan (if using). Cook until thickened, about 3–4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
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Remove chicken from oven, discard toothpicks, and drizzle with warm Dijon cream sauce before serving.
Notes
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Use freshly shredded Parmesan for a richer, smoother sauce.
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To prep ahead, roll and chill chicken up to a day in advance before breading and baking.
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Great served with green beans, mashed potatoes, or a crisp side salad.