This Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe brings a touch of sophistication to your dinner table! Tender chicken breasts are filled with savory ham and melted Swiss cheese, then coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust and baked to golden perfection. It’s a classic dish that’s easier to make than you might think, and it’s perfect for a special occasion or a delightful weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic flavors: This recipe captures the essence of traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu with its combination of tender chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese.
- Easy to make: The steps are simple to follow, and the result is a restaurant-quality dish that you can easily make at home.
- Elegant presentation: This dish looks beautiful and is sure to impress your guests.
- Versatile: You can serve it with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
Ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu
This recipe uses fresh, high-quality ingredients to create a classic dish that’s both delicious and satisfying. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chicken:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use large chicken breasts for a generous filling.
- Ham: Thinly sliced ham adds a savory flavor.
- Swiss Cheese: Provides a nutty and melty cheese filling.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Create a light and crispy crust.
- Italian Seasoning, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt, Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Seasonings that add depth and complexity to the breading.
- Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
For the Sauce:
- Butter: Creates a rich base for the sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour: Used to thicken the sauce.
- Milk: Adds creaminess to the sauce.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy kick to the sauce.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Salt: Balances the flavors.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the middle, being careful not to cut all the way through. Open the chicken breast like a book. Place the chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound it with a meat mallet or rolling pin until thin and even. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Fill and Roll the Chicken
Place a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on each chicken breast. Gently roll up the chicken breast and secure it with toothpicks, if needed.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set up a breading station with two shallow bowls: one with melted butter and one with the breadcrumb mixture. Dip each chicken roll in the melted butter, then roll in the breadcrumbs until completely coated.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Transfer the breaded chicken rolls to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
While the chicken is baking, make the sauce. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour, then slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add the Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and serve immediately.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Chicken: Use high-quality chicken breasts for the best results.
- Pounding: Be careful not to over-pound the chicken, or it may become tough.
- Breading: Make sure the chicken is evenly coated in the breading for a crispy crust.
- Sauce: You can adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less milk.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Classic presentation: Serve the Chicken Cordon Bleu with a side of mashed potatoes and a simple green salad.
- Other sides: You can also serve it with roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or your favorite sides.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use other types of cheese, such as Gruyere or provolone.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time and bake it later. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled Chicken Cordon Bleu before baking. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
My chicken is dry, what did I do wrong?
If your chicken is dry, it could be that you overcooked it. Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, and avoid overbaking.
There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Chicken Cordon Bleu. I hope you enjoy it!
PrintChicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Chicken, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
This Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe is a classic and elegant dish that’s perfect for a special occasion or a delicious weeknight meal. Tender chicken breasts are filled with ham and Swiss cheese, then coated in a crispy breadcrumb mixture and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices ham
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 1/2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
Sauce:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Chicken: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the middle, taking care not to cut all the way through. Open the chicken breast up like a book. Lay the breast flat between 2 pieces of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken breasts into a thin, even layer. Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Fill and Roll Chicken: Place a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on each chicken breast. Gently roll up the chicken breast.
- Bread Chicken: In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set up a breading station with 2 shallow bowls; one of melted butter and one for the breading. Dip the chicken rolls in the melted butter and roll in the breadcrumbs until completely coated. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the chicken for 35-40 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Make Sauce: To make the sauce, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour. Then, slowly pour in the milk while whisking to incorporate. Add the Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt.
- Serve: Spoon the sauce over the chicken.
Notes
- Chicken: You can use smaller chicken breasts if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Cheese and Ham: You can use your favorite types of cheese and ham for this recipe.
- Sauce: You can make the sauce ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
- Storage: Store leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken roll-up
- Calories: 600kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
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