Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu

Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu is a delicious, lighter version of the classic dish. It features juicy chicken breasts stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust, and baked to golden perfection. This dish is both elegant and comforting, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Healthier option: Baked, not fried, for a lighter meal.
  • Elegant and impressive: Perfect for dinner parties or romantic dinners.
  • Cheesy and flavorful: A gooey cheese center with a crispy crust.
  • Customizable: Easy to adapt with different cheeses, meats, or seasonings.
  • Make-ahead friendly: Prep in advance and bake when ready.

Ingredients

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

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Slices of ham (deli or thick-cut)
  • Slices of Swiss cheese (or Gruyère, mozzarella, or provolone)
  • Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
  • All-purpose flour
  • Eggs, beaten
  • Breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper
  • Olive oil spray or melted butter (for crisping the breadcrumbs)

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. Prepare the chicken:
    • Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Pound gently with a meat mallet or rolling pin to an even thickness (about ½ inch).
  3. Stuff the chicken:
    • Lay a slice of ham and a slice of cheese on each chicken breast.
    • Optional: Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the ham before adding the cheese.
    • Roll the chicken tightly, starting from the narrower end, and secure with toothpicks if needed.
  4. Bread the chicken:
    • Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
    • Dip each stuffed chicken roll into the flour, shaking off excess. Then dip into the egg, followed by the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
  5. Bake the chicken:
    • Place the breaded chicken rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray with olive oil or brush with melted butter.
    • Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. Rest and serve:
    • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Remove toothpicks before serving.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

  • Cheese options: Use provolone, Havarti, or pepper jack for different flavors.
  • Meat alternatives: Substitute ham with prosciutto, turkey, or bacon.
  • Low-carb version: Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
  • Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers.
  • Herb crust: Add fresh parsley or thyme to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as the breadcrumbs may lose their crunch.
  • Freezing: Freeze uncooked chicken rolls for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before breading and baking.

FAQs

1. Can I prepare Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and bread the chicken rolls, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Roll the chicken tightly and ensure the edges are tucked in securely. Toothpicks can help hold the roll together during baking.

3. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

No, raw chicken is needed for this recipe to ensure the chicken and stuffing cook evenly together.

4. What can I serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu?

Pair it with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, rice pilaf, or a fresh green salad.

5. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, use a dairy-free cheese alternative and omit Parmesan from the breadcrumb mixture.

6. What if I don’t have a meat mallet?

A rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy skillet works as a substitute for flattening the chicken.

7. How do I ensure the breadcrumbs are crispy?

Lightly spray the breadcrumbs with olive oil or brush with melted butter before baking.

8. Can I air fry Chicken Cordon Bleu?

Yes, cook the breaded chicken in a preheated air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

9. Is this recipe keto-friendly?

To make it keto-friendly, use almond flour and crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.

10. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Conclusion

Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress. With its crispy exterior and melty, cheesy center, this classic dish is a family favorite that’s perfect for both weeknight meals and special occasions. Try it today for a delicious, satisfying meal!

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Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Description

This Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu features tender chicken breasts stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, then coated in golden, crispy breadcrumbs. It’s a lighter, oven-baked version of the classic dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for a special dinner.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 slices of ham
  • 4 slices of Swiss cheese (or Gruyère)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

  1. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper.
  2. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken to an even thickness (about 1/4 inch thick).

3. Add the Filling:

  1. Lay a slice of ham and a slice of cheese on each chicken breast.
  2. Roll the chicken tightly around the filling, tucking in the sides as you go. Secure with toothpicks if necessary.

4. Bread the Chicken:

  1. In a shallow dish, mix the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  2. In a second dish, place the beaten eggs.
  3. In a third dish, combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
  4. Dredge each chicken roll in the flour mixture, then dip in the eggs, and coat with the breadcrumb mixture.

5. Bake:

  1. Place the breaded chicken rolls seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
  2. Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the chicken.
  3. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

6. Serve:

  1. Remove toothpicks (if used) and serve warm. Pair with a creamy Dijon sauce or your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: Assemble the chicken rolls ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
  • Dipping Sauce: Combine 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, and 1 tbsp honey for a quick dipping sauce.
  • Variations: Use prosciutto or turkey slices instead of ham for a twist.

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