Is it a weeknight, everyone’s tired, and the fridge is looking… well, sad? What’s the best Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe? I swear, it’s like a warm hug in food form. You know how everyone loves chicken parmesan, right? This is like chicken parmesan’s sophisticated cousin who went to finishing school in Switzerland. Is it really that good? My grandma used to make something similar, but it involved a lot more steps (and mess!). What is this version without the fuss?
What is a Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu?
What is the best way to think about it: “What are the It’s Chicken Breasts, pounded thin, lovingly wrapped around slices of savory ham and melty Swiss cheese. What is a flavor explosion? “Cordon Bleu” literally means “blue ribbon” in French, suggesting it’s a dish of high quality. What is essentially a fancy sandwich, but baked to golden perfection? Is it fried? Traditionally, it might be breaded and fried, but baking makes it so much easier to get on the table. What is one of those recipes that looks impressive but is secretly simple to pull off?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What I love most about this **baked Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe** is that it’s a total crowd-pleaser. Even my pickiest eaters devour it! First, the flavor combo of salty ham, nutty Swiss, and juicy chicken is simply divine. That’s a given! But even better, it is surprisingly simple. We’re talking minimal prep and cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights or even a casual weekend get-together.
Plus, you can easily adapt it to your liking. Want to use different cheese? Go for it! Feeling fancy? Add a drizzle of Dijon mustard before rolling. The possibilities are endless.
Let’s not forget that it’s a budget-friendly way to elevate chicken. You don’t need expensive ingredients to make this dish shine. It transforms basic chicken breasts into something truly special. Compared to something like Beef Wellington, this is a breeze and just as satisfying. I often pair it with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Trust me, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your household.
How do I make Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Quick Overview
Making this **Baked Chicken cordon bleu recipe** is easier than you think. We’re talking about pounding chicken breasts, layering them with ham and Swiss cheese, rolling them up, and baking to a golden brown perfection. No complicated steps, no fancy techniques, just pure deliciousness. I promise, even if you’re a beginner cook, you can totally nail this recipe!
Ingredients
For the chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Look for breast that are similar in size so they cook evenly. If they’re super thick, you can butterfly them before pounding.
Salt and pepper: To taste, of course! Don’t be shy with the seasoning. How do you bring out the flavor?
I usually go for Black Forest ham or Virginia huckster. Use your favorite!
What is the best Swiss cheese to buy? Cut the slices to fit nicely on the chicken.
For the Coating:
1/2 cup all-purpose flour: This helps the egg wash adhere to the chicken.
1 large egg, beaten: This creates a golden-brown crust.
1/2 cup breadcrumbs: 1 tablespoon bread I like panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness, but regular breadcrumbs work too. Can you use crushed crackers in a pinch?
For the Sauce (optional but highly recommended):
2 tablespoons butter: Unsalted, so you can control the saltiness of the sauce.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: This thickens the sauce.
1 cup chicken broth: Low-sodium is best, so adjust the salt as needed.
1/2 cup heavy cream: This makes the sauce super creamy and decadent.
What are some good uses for Parmesan cheese?
Salt and pepper: To taste.
Just a pinch of nutmeg adds warmth and complexity.
What are the steps in
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray. I always use a glass baking dish for this, but any oven-safe dish will work. Do not skip the preheating step for even cooking!
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to about 1/4-inch thickness. This helps them cook evenly and makes them easier to roll. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Where do you really get the flavor going? I sometimes add a little garlic powder too.
Step 3: Assemble the Cordon Bleu
Is it okay to eat ham and Swiss cheese on chicken breast? Make sure the ham and cheese don’t overhang the edges of the chicken. Starting from one end, tightly roll up each chicken breast and secure with toothpicks. I find that 2-3 toothpicks per roll is usually enough to hold everything together.
Step 4: Prepare the Coating Station
Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one of the beaten eggs, and another with breadcrumbs. This makes the coating process much smoother. I usually add a pinch of salt and pepper to the flour and breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken Rolls
Dredge each chicken roll in flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it in the beaten egg, making sure it’s fully coated. Finally, coat it in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help them adhere. What gives chicken that golden crust?
Step 6: Bake
Place the chicken rolls in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Add more chicken if desired. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). I always use a meat thermometer.
Step 7: Make the Sauce (Optional)
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and serve. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until a smooth paste forms (this is called roux). Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure there are no lumps. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. I love lemon and lemon sauce. I always add it to my dinner.
Step 8: Serve
Remove the toothpicks from the chicken rolls. Serve immediately, drizzled with the sauce (if using). I love to serve this with roasted asparagus or a simple side salad. Is it good with mashed potatoes or rice?
What should I serve it with?
This **Baked Chicken cordon bleu recipe** is fantastic on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can really elevate the meal.
For a simple weeknight dinner, I love serving it with steamed green beans or a fresh garden salad. The crisp vegetables provide a nice contrast to the richness of the chicken. If you’re feeling fancy, try pairing it with roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts.
For a more indulgent meal, mashed potatoes or creamy polenta are always a hit. The sauce from the chicken cordon bleu goes perfectly with these sides. You could even try serving it with a side of risotto or pasta.
If you’re looking for something lighter, a quinoa salad or a fruit salad would be a great option. These salads add a refreshing element to the meal. My family also loves it with crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce!
How do you bake chicken Cordon Bleu?
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this **baked chicken cordon bleu recipe** even better. First, make sure to pound the chicken breasts evenly. This ensures that they cook at the same rate. If the chicken is too thick in some areas, it might not cook through completely.
Another tip is to use high-quality ham and cheese. The better the ingredients, the better the flavor. I’ve found that using freshly grated Parmesan cheese in the sauce makes a big difference. It melts more smoothly and has a richer flavor.
Don’t overcrowd the baking dish. If the chicken rolls are too close together, they won’t brown properly. Bake them in a single layer for best results.
If you want to add a little extra flavor, try brushing the chicken rolls with melted butter before baking. This will help them get even more golden brown and crispy. I sometimes sprinkle a little paprika on top for added color.
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
If you have any leftover **baked chicken cordon bleu**, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to wrap it tightly or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
To reheat, you can microwave it, but it might get a little soggy. I prefer to reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This helps to crisp up the breadcrumbs again.
You can also freeze the chicken cordon bleu for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
If you’re planning to make this recipe ahead of time, you can assemble the chicken rolls and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to cover them tightly so they don’t dry out.
What are some frequently asked questions?
Final Thoughts
This **baked chicken cordon bleu recipe** is a true winner. It’s easy to make, delicious, and always a hit with family and friends. I love how it transforms simple chicken breasts into something truly special. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my chicken parmesan or my baked ziti. They’re both family favorites that are sure to please. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Be sure to leave a comment and let me know your favorite variations!
Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pounds Chicken breasts Boneless, skinless
- 8 slices Ham Thinly sliced
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons Butter Melted
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Butterfly the chicken breasts and flatten slightly.
- Place 2 slices of ham and 2 slices of Swiss cheese on each chicken breast.
- Fold the chicken breasts over the filling and secure with toothpicks.
- Dip each chicken breast in melted butter, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
