Chicken Cordon Bleu: A Classic Made Easy and Delicious
When I first made Chicken Cordon Bleu, I was convinced it was too fancy for me to handle. But once I got the hang of rolling and breading the chicken, I realized how simple and enjoyable it is!
The crispy coating, savory ham, and gooey cheese make it a dish that’s always a hit. Whether it’s a dinner party or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe never fails to impress. Trust me, you’ll feel like a pro chef in no time!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delicious dish:
- 2 large chicken breasts – Fresh chicken works best for tender, juicy results.
- 4 slices of ham – Thinly sliced deli ham makes rolling easier and adds a savory touch.
- 4 slices or 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese – Freshly shredded or sliced cheese melts beautifully.
- 1 ½ cups crushed cornflakes (or breadcrumbs) – For a perfectly crispy, golden coating.
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted – Helps the breading stick and adds richness.
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise – Creates a creamy, tangy sauce.
- 1 teaspoon mustard – Adds a subtle zing to the sauce.
Note: This recipe makes 4 servings, ideal for a small family meal or dinner party.
Variations to Try
Switch things up with these fun and tasty alternatives:
- Cheese Swap: Try cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère for a unique flavor twist.
- Bread Crumb Alternatives: Use panko, crushed crackers, or gluten-free breadcrumbs for different textures.
- Sauce Options: Pair with creamy garlic aioli or a Parmesan sauce for extra indulgence.
Cooking Time
Here’s how much time you’ll need to prepare this dish:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Equipment You’ll Need
You’ll need these tools to make Chicken Cordon Bleu:
- Rolling Pin or Meat Tenderizer: To flatten the chicken evenly.
- Plastic Wrap: Keeps the chicken secure while rolling.
- Food Processor: Crushes cornflakes into fine crumbs.
- Baking Sheet: Ensures even baking for crispy rolls.
- Meat Thermometer: Guarantees perfectly cooked chicken at 160°F.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Making Chicken Cordon Bleu is easier than you think! Follow these steps for a foolproof dish.
Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing each chicken breast horizontally to create two thinner pieces. Place each piece between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently flatten them with a rolling pin or meat tenderizer. Aim for an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
Add the Filling
Lay a slice of ham on each flattened chicken piece, followed by a slice or handful of shredded Swiss cheese. Spread the fillings evenly to make rolling easier and ensure every bite is flavorful.
Roll and Wrap
Carefully roll up each chicken piece, tucking in the sides as you go. Use plastic wrap to secure the rolls tightly, twisting the ends to hold their shape. Chill the wrapped rolls in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to make breading easier.
Coat the Rolls
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Unwrap the chilled chicken rolls and season them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Dip each roll into melted butter, then coat thoroughly with crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs. Press the coating gently to ensure it sticks.
Bake to Perfection
Place the breaded rolls on a greased baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. The coating should be golden and crispy, and your kitchen will smell amazing!
Make a Simple Sauce
While the chicken bakes, mix mayonnaise and mustard in a small bowl. Adjust the mustard to your taste for a creamy, tangy sauce that pairs perfectly with the dish.
Tips to Make Your Chicken Cordon Bleu Even Better
Here are some tips from my experience to make this recipe even more amazing:
- Room-Temperature Fillings: Use ham and cheese at room temperature for even melting.
- Chill the Rolls: Chilling helps the rolls hold their shape and makes breading easier.
- Finely Crush Crumbs: A finer crumb texture ensures an even, crispy coating.
- Check While Baking: Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking or drying out the chicken.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Presentation is key! Slice each roll into rounds to showcase the beautiful layers of chicken, ham, and cheese. Arrange them on a platter with vibrant sides like steamed green beans or roasted carrots. Drizzle the tangy mustard sauce over the slices or serve it on the side for dipping.
Side Dish Ideas:
- Mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes
- Buttered asparagus or sautéed spinach
- A crisp walnut and mixed greens salad
Nutritional Information
Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 513
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fat: 42g
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
Chicken Cordon Bleu is perfect for prepping ahead or saving leftovers!
- Make Ahead: Wrap the chicken rolls and refrigerate them a day before baking. This saves time when you’re ready to cook!
- Freezing: Store wrapped rolls in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before breading and baking.
- Storing Leftovers: Keep cooked rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This Chicken Cordon Bleu is a must-try for so many reasons:
- Effortlessly Elegant: Impress your guests without complicated techniques.
- Customizable Flavors: Easily adapt to your taste or dietary needs.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep ahead for stress-free meals.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by both kids and adults, it’s perfect for any occasion.
- Crispy, Cheesy Goodness: The golden coating and gooey cheese are irresistible!
With this recipe, you’ll create a gourmet masterpiece that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Enjoy every bite!
Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by slicing each chicken breast horizontally to create two thinner pieces. Place each piece between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently flatten them with a rolling pin or meat tenderizer. Aim for an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- Lay a slice of ham on each flattened chicken piece, followed by a slice or handful of shredded Swiss cheese. Spread the fillings evenly to make rolling easier and ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Carefully roll up each chicken piece, tucking in the sides as you go. Use plastic wrap to secure the rolls tightly, twisting the ends to hold their shape. Chill the wrapped rolls in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to make breading easier.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Unwrap the chilled chicken rolls and season them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Dip each roll into melted butter, then coat thoroughly with crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs. Press the coating gently to ensure it sticks.
- Place the breaded rolls on a greased baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F. The coating should be golden and crispy, and your kitchen will smell amazing!
- While the chicken bakes, mix mayonnaise and mustard in a small bowl. Adjust the mustard to your taste for a creamy, tangy sauce that pairs perfectly with the dish.
Notes
- Room-Temperature Fillings: Use ham and cheese at room temperature for even melting.
- Chill the Rolls: Chilling helps the rolls hold their shape and makes breading easier.
- Finely Crush Crumbs: A finer crumb texture ensures an even, crispy coating.
- Check While Baking: Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking or drying out the chicken.
