This Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe is a classic and elegant dish that’s perfect for a special occasion or a delicious weeknight dinner! Imagine tender chicken breasts filled with savory ham and melted Swiss cheese, coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust and fried to golden perfection. This recipe is easier to make than you might think and delivers a restaurant-quality meal that will impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Elegant: The combination of chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese is a classic for a reason. It’s a timeless flavor combination that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- Crispy and Golden: The breadcrumb coating creates a satisfyingly crispy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken and melted cheese filling.
- Satisfying and Hearty: This dish is packed with protein and flavor, making it a satisfying and complete meal.
- Versatile: Serve this Chicken Cordon Bleu with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Use high-quality chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture.
- Kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the chicken.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a touch of heat.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor.
- Swiss cheese: A classic pairing with chicken and ham, it adds a nutty and slightly sweet flavor.
- Deli ham: Adds a salty and savory flavor to the filling.
- Canola oil: Used for frying the chicken cordon bleu.
- Crispy fried onions: Crushed and added to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor and texture.
- Breadcrumbs: Create a crispy and golden crust.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Montreal steak seasoning: Adds a blend of spices for extra flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Helps the breading adhere to the chicken.
- Eggs: Beaten and used to bind the breading.
Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness of about ½ inch. This helps them cook evenly and makes it easier to roll.
Step 2: Fill and Roll
Remove the plastic wrap. Layer a slice of Swiss cheese, a slice of ham, another slice of Swiss cheese, and another slice of ham on top of each chicken breast. Starting from one end, tightly roll up the chicken breast and wrap it tightly in a new sheet of plastic wrap. Twist the sides of the plastic wrap to secure the roll and shape it into a neat log. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the rolls to firm up.
Step 3: Make the Breading
Preheat 2 inches of canola oil in a tall-sided skillet to 350°F. While the oil is heating, add the crispy fried onions to a food processor and pulse for 20 seconds to crush them. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed fried onions, breadcrumbs, parsley, and Montreal steak seasoning. In a separate bowl, add the flour. In a third bowl, whisk the eggs.
Step 4: Bread and Fry
Dredge each chilled chicken roll in the flour, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere. Carefully place the breaded chicken cordon bleu in the hot oil and cook for about 7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 5: Serve
Remove the chicken cordon bleu from the oil and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy immediately with your favorite sides.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Pound the chicken evenly: Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures that it cooks evenly and makes it easier to roll.
- Chill the chicken rolls: Chilling the chicken rolls helps them hold their shape while frying.
- Use a meat thermometer: A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Frying the chicken in batches prevents the oil temperature from dropping and ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and becomes crispy.
- Drain on paper towels: After frying, place the chicken cordon bleu on paper towels to drain excess oil.
How to Serve
This Chicken Cordon Bleu is delicious with a variety of sides:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for this dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts, add a healthy and colorful touch.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
Make Ahead and Storage
This Chicken Cordon Bleu is best enjoyed fresh, but you can also prepare components ahead of time or store leftovers for later.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chicken cordon bleu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the uncooked, breaded chicken rolls for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before frying.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven or air fryer until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite cheese, such as Gruyère, provolone, or Monterey Jack.
2. Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Yes, you can! If using pre-cooked chicken, simply assemble the rolls and bread them before frying.
3. Can I bake the chicken cordon bleu instead of frying it? Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the chicken cordon bleu for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Can I add other ingredients to the filling? Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or Dijon mustard would be delicious additions to the filling.
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe is a classic and elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its crispy crust, tender chicken, and flavorful filling, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
PrintChicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-fry
- Cuisine: American, French-inspired
Description
This Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe is a classic and elegant dish that’s easier to make than you might think! Tender chicken breasts are filled with savory ham and melted Swiss cheese, then coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust. It’s a perfect meal for a special occasion or a delicious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 6 slices Swiss cheese
- 6 slices deli ham
- Canola oil, for frying
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon Montreal steak seasoning
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs, beaten
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place each breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to ½-inch thickness.
- Fill and Roll: Layer one slice of Swiss cheese, one slice of ham, another slice of Swiss, and another slice of ham on each chicken breast. Tightly roll up each chicken breast and wrap in plastic wrap. Twist the sides to secure and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Make Breading: Preheat 2 inches of canola oil in a skillet to 350°F (177°C). Pulse crispy fried onions in a food processor until finely ground. In a bowl, combine ground onions, breadcrumbs, parsley, and Montreal steak seasoning.
- Bread Chicken: Set up a breading station with flour in one bowl and beaten eggs in another. Dredge each chicken roll in flour, then egg, and finally the breadcrumb mixture.
- Fry Chicken: Carefully place breaded chicken in the hot oil and cook for about 7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Serve the Chicken Cordon Bleu immediately.
Notes
- You can use toothpicks to secure the chicken rolls if needed.
- If you don’t have crispy fried onions, you can use regular breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs.
- Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken cordon bleu roll
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
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