Chicken Cordon Bleu
This post may contain affiliate links.
Ready to elevate your dinner game with an easy chicken cordon bleu recipe that’s sure to impress? This classic dish, often thought of as a fancy restaurant-only treat, is surprisingly simple to make at home. With just a few staple ingredients and some basic kitchen skills, you’ll be serving up a meal that looks gourmet but feels totally doable.
Searching for more quick dinner ideas? Try my Teriyaki Chicken Recipe or Chicken Pot Pie Casserole.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Dinner Idea
- Affordable Fancy: Chicken cordon bleu feels fancy but doesn’t break the bank. It uses simple, affordable ingredients like chicken, ham, and cheese, making it a great way to enjoy a ‘special’ dinner without the high cost.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike usually love the familiar flavors in chicken cordon bleu. It’s a great way to introduce a bit of culinary variety to the family dinner table without straying too far from familiar tastes.
- Easy to Make: With busy schedules, families need recipes that are straightforward. Chicken cordon bleu is simple enough to prepare on a weeknight, especially with a little prep in advance.
This is a family favorite recipe for so many reasons. It is picky eater and kid approved and regularly makes it onto our menu rotation. Easily one of our favorite weeknight dinner recipes.
Ham and chicken really go together like peanut butter and jelly… But they taste oh-so much better. Serve this with honey mustard, chicken gravy, or extra cheese smothered on top for the perfect finish. Reminds me of my super simple ranch chicken dinner but with the addition of ham and cheese.
Imagine this: You first bite through a crispy, golden breadcrumb crust, a satisfying crunch giving way to tender, juicy chicken. The chicken itself is mild and savory, perfectly complementing the rich, salty ham tucked inside. But the real star? That’s the oozing, creamy cheese – it’s like a little pocket of heaven right in the middle, melting into every nook and cranny. Chicken cordon bleu isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience – a comforting yet sophisticated dance of classic flavors that never fails to please the palate.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Ingredients
A lot of the items I decided to use in this recipe are pantry or refrigerator staples. I use many in recipes frequently to add a boost of flavor. Because there aren’t many ingredients called for, I suggest reaching for a good quality ham. We really like the Boars Head Tavern Ham that’s behind the deli counter. Not sponsored.
- Chicken Breast: Chicken breast has a firm, tender texture that’s ideal for rolling and stuffing. It holds its shape well, ensuring that the delicious fillings stay snugly wrapped inside.
- Bread crumbs: These create that irresistible golden, crispy exterior. This crunchy contrast to the tender chicken and melty cheese inside makes each bite satisfyingly diverse in texture.
- Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a rich, nutty, and slightly salty flavor to the breadcrumbs. This enhances the overall taste of the chicken, giving it a more sophisticated and deeper flavor profile.
- Butter: This is what I like to use as a base for the breadcrumbs to stick. Could you use eggs instead? Absolutely.
- Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard is known for its tangy, slightly spicy, and robust flavor. It adds a zesty kick that cuts through the richness of the butter and the chicken.
- Ham: The key is to choose thin slices of deli ham that you enjoy and that complements the other flavors in the dish. Each type of ham brings its own unique twist to Chicken Cordon Bleu, making it a versatile dish that’s easy to personalize!
- Cheese: The best cheese for your Chicken Cordon Bleu might come down to personal preference. Swiss cheese is the typical go-to, but you could use gruyere, mozzarella, provolone or even Havarti!
Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
This recipe makes an excellent meal prep option. It can be prepared a day in advance and even frozen for a quick weeknight dinner!
- PREP: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a shallow dish and set aside. Whisk together the melted butter and Dijon in a second dish. Set both aside.
- CHICKEN: Slice each breast in half length wise. Place one piece of chicken into a large Ziploc bag or between two sheets of plastic wrap. Pound using a meat mallet until very thin. Take one breast half and lay flat. Layer one slice of ham and two slices of cheese on top. Roll (sushi style) until the chicken is completely covering the ham. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
- COATING: Dip or roll the chicken in the butter mixture followed by the breadcrumbs. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- BAKE: Place each chicken bundle into a baking dish and bake 20 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches the correct temperature on an instant-read thermometer.
- OPTIONAL: For an extra crispy outside run the broiler the last 5 minutes of cooking and serve with a side of roasted broccoli!
Helpful Tools
- Meat Tenderizer/Mallet: Essential for pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness, ensuring they cook evenly and roll up nicely.
- Sharp Knife: A must-have for trimming the chicken and slicing the ham and cheese to the desired sizes.
- Toothpicks or Kitchen Twine: These are super helpful for securing the rolled-up chicken, keeping the ham and cheese tucked inside while cooking.
- Baking Sheet or Oven-Safe Dish: Necessary for cooking the chicken. Lining it with parchment paper or foil can also help with easy cleanup.
Recipe Notes:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. They’re easy to pound to an even thickness and roll up with the fillings.
You can use a heavy skillet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness.
Yes, you can prepare it up to a day in advance. Keep it wrapped in the refrigerator and cook it when you’re ready.
Make sure to tightly roll the chicken and secure it well with toothpicks or kitchen twine. Also, avoid overfilling.
The chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check.
Yes, though baking is healthier. If you fry, do it over medium heat until golden brown and then finish in the oven if needed.
Classic sides include steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light salad. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice or a green salad.
Yes, you can freeze it either before or after cooking. Just make sure to wrap it well and consume it within 2-3 months.
More Quick Chicken Recipes
Still Hungry? Follow One Sweet Appetite on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!
Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup Italian style bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup butter (melted)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 chicken breasts (halved and pounded to 1/4 inch thickness)
- 8 slices of ham (preferably from the deli and cut thick)
- 4 slices provolone
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a shallow dish.
- Whisk together the butter and Dijon in a second dish. Set both aside.
- Slice each breast in half length wise. Place one chicken breast half into a large Ziploc bag. Pound until very thin.
- Take one breast half and lay flat. Layer one slice of ham and two slices of cheese on top. Roll (sushi style) until the chicken is completely covering the ham. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Dip or roll the chicken in the butter mixture followed by the breadcrumbs.
- 7. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
- Bake 20 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches the correct temperature.
- Optional: For an extra crispy outside run the broiler the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
Related Recipes:
- Malibu Chicken Recipe
- Ranch Chicken Stuffed Shells
- Chicken Pot Pie
- Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese
- Simple Lasagna Recipe
- Grilled Chicken Fajitas
- Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets
- Hawaiian Chicken Dinner
Pin for later:
