Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu Made Simple
Looking for an impressive yet doable chicken dinner? Chicken Cordon Bleu combines tender chicken, savory ham, and melty Swiss cheese topped with a velvety sauce that transforms an ordinary dinner into something spectacular.
Chicken Cordon Bleu
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a French-inspired dish that combines chicken breast, ham, and Swiss cheese, then coats it in breadcrumbs and bakes it to golden perfection. While traditional recipes can be complicated, my version simplifies the process without sacrificing flavor. The creamy Swiss cheese sauce takes this classic to new heights with its rich, velvety texture that complements the crispy exterior perfectly.
What makes this recipe special is the balance of textures – juicy chicken, savory ham, melted cheese inside, and that delightful crunch with each bite. It’s an elegant dinner that’s actually quite accessible for home cooks.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 8 thin slices ham
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Swiss Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Tools Used to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- Plastic wrap
- Shallow dishes for breading station
- Toothpicks
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Instant-read thermometer
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Prepare the chicken: Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and pound to 1/4-inch thickness. Season with salt and pepper.
- Layer and roll: Place 2 slices of Swiss cheese and 2 slices of ham on each chicken breast. Roll tightly and secure with toothpicks.
- Set up breading station: Place flour in one dish. Beat eggs in second dish. Mix panko with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper in third dish.
- Bread the chicken: Dredge each chicken roll in flour, then egg, then panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Prepare for baking: Preheat oven to 375°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper and drizzle with olive oil. Place breaded chicken rolls on sheet.
- Bake: Cook for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Make the sauce: While chicken bakes, melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk until smooth. Bring to simmer until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in Swiss cheese, Dijon mustard, and nutmeg until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Remove toothpicks from chicken. Slice and serve with warm Swiss cheese sauce drizzled over top and garnish with parsley.
Serving Chicken Cordon Bleu
For a complete meal, serve this dish with sides that complement its rich flavors. Vibrant spring salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast, while buttery mashed potatoes or homemade cheese bread makes for a heartier accompaniment.
When plating, slice the chicken roll at an angle to show off the beautiful spiral of chicken, ham, and cheese. Drizzle the Swiss cheese sauce artfully over the top and around the plate, then sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
For an extra special touch, serve with a glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay that pairs beautifully with the creamy flavors of this dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make chicken cordon bleu ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and bread the chicken rolls up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator, then bake as directed when ready to serve. The sauce is best made fresh just before serving.
How do I know when chicken cordon bleu is done?
The most reliable way is to use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the roll. It should read 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into one roll – the chicken should be completely white with no pink, and the cheese should be fully melted.
Can I freeze chicken cordon bleu?
Absolutely! Freeze unbaked, breaded chicken rolls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, bake from frozen at 375°F for about 45 minutes until cooked through.
What can I substitute for Swiss cheese?
Gruyère makes an excellent substitute with a similar nutty flavor. Provolone or mozzarella will give a milder flavor but still provide that wonderful cheese pull. For the sauce, you can use any good melting cheese.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking?
Make sure to completely seal the edges when rolling the chicken. Use toothpicks to secure the rolls, and make sure the seam is placed downward on the baking sheet. Also, freezing the rolls for 20-30 minutes before breading can help.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Cordon Bleu with Swiss cheese sauce elevates simple ingredients into an elegant meal that’s perfect for both special occasions and weeknight dinners. Give this recipe a try and discover why this classic has stood the test of time!