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
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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!
Print
Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu
- 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
- 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:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
- Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper.
- Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken to an even thickness (about 1/4 inch thick).
3. Add the Filling:
- Lay a slice of ham and a slice of cheese on each chicken breast.
- Roll the chicken tightly around the filling, tucking in the sides as you go. Secure with toothpicks if necessary.
4. Bread the Chicken:
- In a shallow dish, mix the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- In a second dish, place the beaten eggs.
- In a third dish, combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Dredge each chicken roll in the flour mixture, then dip in the eggs, and coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
5. Bake:
- Place the breaded chicken rolls seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the chicken.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
6. Serve:
- 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.