Name: Chicken Cordon Bleu
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487110H11M39S
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 4 slices of beef; 4 slices of Swiss cheese (or Gruyère, mozzarella, or provolone); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing); Olive oil (for frying); For the sauce (optional):; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup chicken broth; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic, indulgent dish that combines tender chicken breasts with gooey melted cheese, all encased in a crispy golden breadcrumb crust. This French-inspired recipe may sound fancy, but it’s surprisingly easy to make and perfect for a special dinner or entertaining guests. With a beautiful presentation and rich, comforting flavors, Chicken Cordon Bleu is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe combines everything you love—crispy, tender chicken, melted cheese into one delicious dish. The breadcrumbs create a perfect, golden-brown crust, while the melted cheese and ham add depth of flavor and richness. It’s a great meal for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special celebrations. Plus, it’s easier to make than you might think, requiring only a few simple steps and ingredients.

Chicken Cordon Bleu

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 slices of beef
4 slices of Swiss cheese (or Gruyère, mozzarella, or provolone)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for brushing)
Olive oil (for frying)

For the sauce (optional):

1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)

Directions

Prepare the chicken:

Flatten the chicken: Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch thick). This helps the chicken cook evenly and makes it easier to roll.
Assemble the filling: Lay one slice of beef and one slice of cheese on top of each chicken breast. Roll the chicken up tightly, securing the beef and cheese inside. If necessary, use toothpicks to secure the chicken rolls.

Coat the chicken:

Prepare the breading station: Set up three shallow bowls for breading:
- In the first bowl, place the flour. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- In the second bowl, beat the eggs.
- In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, and Parmesan cheese (if using).
Bread the chicken: Dredge each chicken roll in the flour, making sure it’s fully coated. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, followed by the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.

Cook the chicken:

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Pan-fry the chicken: Heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken rolls to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the breading is golden brown. Be gentle when turning the chicken to prevent the filling from falling out.
Finish in the oven: Once the chicken is browned on all sides, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Make the sauce (optional):

Prepare the sauce: While the chicken is baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to form a smooth paste. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Finish the sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep the sauce warm while the chicken finishes cooking.

Serve:

Serve the chicken: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Remove any toothpicks (if used) before serving.
Drizzle with sauce: Slice the chicken and serve with the creamy sauce drizzled over the top, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Use different cheese: You can use different types of cheese for variety, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone.
Add spinach: For a twist, add a layer of fresh spinach inside the chicken along with the beef and cheese.
Air fryer version: To make this recipe in the air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the breaded chicken for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway through.
Substitute with chicken thighs: If you prefer darker meat, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked, un-sauced Chicken Cordon Bleu for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave it for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. If using a microwave, the crust will not stay crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat instead?

Yes! You can use turkey, or even substitute a vegetarian option like sautéed mushrooms or spinach.

2. Can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the chicken, bread it, and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. This makes it easy to prepare ahead for entertaining or a busy day.

3. Can I make the sauce dairy-free?

To make the sauce dairy-free, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based cream, and use a dairy-free butter substitute.

4. Can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu without frying it first?

Yes, you can skip the frying step and bake the chicken directly after breading. To do this, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet, and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden.

5. How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Conclusion

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a delicious and impressive dish that combines the best of crispy, cheesy comfort food with a touch of elegance. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, it’s sure to be a hit. With its golden, crunchy crust and melty cheese filling, Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic dish that will never go out of style.

Chicken Cordon Bleu

Why You’ll Love This Recipe