Chicken Cordon Bleu – Crispy, Cheesy & Elegant
Few dishes combine elegance and comfort food quite like chicken cordon bleu. Originating in Europe, this dish traditionally features chicken breast stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, then breaded and fried (or baked) until golden and crispy.
It’s a restaurant-worthy meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare at home. The contrast between juicy chicken, melty cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb coating makes this a crowd-pleasing dinner for family nights, date nights, or even special occasions.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices of deli ham
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese (or Gruyère for a richer flavor)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for baking)
- Toothpicks (to secure rolls)
Step by Step Cooking Guide
- Prepare chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Pound gently with a meat mallet until ¼ inch thick.
- Assemble rolls: Layer one slice of ham and one slice of cheese on each chicken breast. Roll tightly, tucking in the edges, and secure with toothpicks.
- Set up breading station: Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a third.
- Coat chicken: Dredge each chicken roll in flour, dip in egg, and coat in breadcrumbs.
- Bake or fry:
- Baked version: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place rolls on a greased baking sheet, drizzle lightly with olive oil or melted butter, and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Fried version: Heat ½ inch of oil in a skillet. Fry chicken rolls for 3–4 minutes per side until golden, then transfer to oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes to finish cooking.
- Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing for the perfect presentation.
Cooking Time & Serving Size
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Serving Size: 4 portions
Tips & Variations
- Cheese options: Swap Swiss for mozzarella, provolone, or cheddar.
- Herb upgrade: Add fresh parsley, thyme, or basil to the breadcrumb mix.
- Crispier crust: Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Sauce pairing: Serve with Dijon mustard sauce, creamy garlic sauce, or even a light béchamel.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
Healthy Alternatives
- Low-Oil: Bake instead of frying, and use an air fryer at 375°F for 18–20 minutes.
- Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Keto-Friendly: Swap breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based cheese slices and dairy-free butter.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken cordon bleu pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. For a lighter option, serve with steamed asparagus or cauliflower mash.
This recipe gives you all the flavors of a classic fine-dining dish with the comfort of homemade cooking. Once you master it, chicken cordon bleu is sure to become a staple for special dinners or weeknight indulgence.
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I make chicken cordon bleu ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the rolls, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake or fry when ready.
Q2: Can I freeze chicken cordon bleu?
Absolutely. Freeze uncooked rolls on a tray, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to cooking time.
Q3: What’s the best cheese for chicken cordon bleu?
Swiss is traditional, but Gruyère, provolone, or mozzarella also melt beautifully.
Q4: Can I air fry chicken cordon bleu?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 18–20 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Q5: Why is my chicken dry?
Overcooking is the main culprit. Always check the internal temperature and remove at 165°F.
