If you are craving a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to prepare, this Quick and Easy Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe will soon become your go-to. Picture tender chicken breasts wrapped around savory ham and gooey Swiss cheese, all coated in a crunchy, golden panko crust. Baking instead of frying cuts back on oil without sacrificing flavor or texture, delivering a lighter take on this classic comfort food that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play an important role in making every bite perfectly balanced. From the luscious melt of Swiss cheese to the crunch of panko crumbs, these essentials ensure a delicious, well-rounded meal.
- 4 chicken breasts: The lean protein base that’s juicy and tender when baked just right.
- 4 slices ham: Adds savory saltiness and pairs beautifully with cheese.
- 4 slices Swiss cheese: Melts smoothly inside to create that irresistible gooey center.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: Gives the dish its signature crispy, airy coating.
- 2 tbsp butter, melted: Enhances browning and adds rich flavor to the crust.
- 1 egg + 1 tbsp milk (egg wash): Helps the coating stick and creates a golden finish.
How to Make Quick and Easy Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Chicken
First things first, preheat your oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Meanwhile, gently pound each chicken breast to an even thickness — this ensures they cook evenly and are easier to roll. The even thickness is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 2: Assemble the Rolls
Lay one slice of ham and one slice of Swiss cheese over each flattened chicken breast. Starting from one side, roll up the chicken tightly to encase the filling securely. This rolling step is where the magic happens, locking in all the savory goodness inside.
Step 3: Prepare the Coating
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to create the egg wash. In another bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter. The butter-coated panko will give your chicken the perfect crunchy crust once baked.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken Rolls
Dip each chicken roll in the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off, then roll it thoroughly in the buttery panko mixture. Make sure every inch is coated for maximum crispiness.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Place the coated chicken rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased rack. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. This oven method yields a juicy interior with a crisp exterior all around.
How to Serve Quick and Easy Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a light drizzle of Dijon cream sauce instantly elevates this dish. The fresh green color from herbs brightens the plate and adds a little freshness to every bite. For a bit of extra richness, creamy hollandaise is another classic complement that pairs wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This dish loves company on the plate! Serve alongside buttery mashed potatoes and steamed green beans to keep things classic and cozy. For a lighter contrast, roasted asparagus or a crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette offer delightful texture and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your chicken cordon bleu slices fanned out over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy risotto for a restaurant-style presentation. You can also cut each roll in half to showcase that beautiful spiral interior — it makes for a stunning visual that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Quick and Easy Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making for a fantastic next-day meal or lunch option.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled but uncooked chicken rolls by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them inside a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for convenience.
Reheating
To bring crispy texture back to life, reheat leftovers in a 350 °F oven for about 10-15 minutes rather than the microwave. This method keeps the panko crust crisp and the filling delightfully warm without drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is classic, Gruyère or mozzarella also melt beautifully and add their own unique flavors. Just choose a cheese that melts well to maintain the gooey center.
Is it necessary to pound the chicken breasts?
Pounding ensures even thickness so the chicken cooks uniformly and rolls easily without tearing. Skipping this step might result in uneven cooking or a tough texture.
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. The crunchy texture will still be fantastic.
What sauces pair best with baked chicken cordon bleu?
Dijon mustard cream sauce, hollandaise, or even a simple lemon butter sauce complement this dish wonderfully. These sauces add moisture and a flavorful finishing touch.
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165 °F. The crust should be golden and crisp, and the cheese inside melted. Using a meat thermometer makes this easy and foolproof.
Final Thoughts
This Quick and Easy Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe is a brilliant way to enjoy a classic favorite without spending hours or fussing with frying. The combination of juicy chicken, savory ham, melted Swiss cheese, and crispy panko is simply irresistible. I encourage you to give it a try soon — it’s comfort food that feels fancy but comes together in a flash. Your family and friends will thank you for sharing this delightful dish!
Print
Quick and Easy Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Quick and Easy Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu offers a crispy outside and melty inside, providing a lighter baked alternative to the classic restaurant favorite. Perfect for a comforting yet simple dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Filling
- 4 chicken breasts
- 4 slices ham
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
Breading
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Egg Wash
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 °F (200 °C) to ensure it’s hot enough for a crispy crust and evenly cooked chicken.
- Prepare Chicken Rolls: Flatten each chicken breast slightly. Place one slice of ham and one slice of Swiss cheese on each chicken breast, then roll them up tightly to encase the filling.
- Make Egg Wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to create the egg wash which will help the breadcrumbs adhere.
- Coat Chicken Rolls: Dip each chicken roll into the egg wash, then roll in the melted butter mixed with panko breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating for a crispy texture.
- Bake: Arrange the coated chicken rolls on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the outside is golden and chicken is cooked through.
Notes
- Add a drizzle of Dijon cream or hollandaise sauce when serving to enhance the flavor.
- To ensure the chicken cooks evenly, pound the breasts to an even thickness before rolling.
- Use fresh Swiss cheese for best melting results.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
