Oh, Chicken Cordon Bleu—just saying the name makes me feel fancy! But here’s the secret: this crispy, golden, cheese-stuffed delight is actually easier to make than you’d think. With just a few simple techniques, you can recreate this restaurant-worthy dish right at home. Perfect for a cozy weeknight, but elegant enough for a dinner party, this recipe is a surefire hit.
If you love crispy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying meals, this Chicken Cordon Bleu is calling your name!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & Cheesy: A golden breadcrumb coating with a melty, cheesy center—perfection.
- Easy But Impressive: It looks fancy but comes together with basic ingredients.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make them ahead and bake straight from the freezer.
- Customizable: Switch up the cheese or protein to fit your taste.
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken Breasts: Go for boneless, skinless, and try to keep them similar in size.
- Ham: Traditional but feel free to swap for turkey or prosciutto.
- Swiss Cheese: Classic choice, but Gruyère or mozzarella work beautifully too.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko gives extra crispiness!
- Eggs & Flour: Helps create that crisp, golden coating.
- Butter & Dijon Mustard: For sealing in moisture and adding that signature tang.
Pro Tip:
Use plastic wrap when pounding the chicken—it prevents tearing and keeps things mess-free!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make Chicken Cordon Bleu from scratch:
- Pound the Chicken: Place each breast between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound with a mallet until about ¼-inch thick.
- Assemble: Lay a slice of ham and cheese on each piece, then roll tightly and secure with toothpicks.
- Bread It: Dredge in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Chill (Optional, But Recommended!): Let them sit in the fridge for 30 minutes—this helps them hold their shape.
- Bake or Fry: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes or pan-fry in oil until golden and cooked through.
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Skip Chilling: It helps keep everything together when cooking.
- Sear for Extra Crispiness: If baking, try searing the rolls in a pan first.
- Let It Rest: Give it 5 minutes after cooking to lock in juices.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
Want to switch things up? Here are some ideas:
- Air Fryer Version: Cook at 375°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Gluten-Free: Swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne to the breadcrumb mix.
What to Serve With: Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a well-rounded meal.
FAQs
Can I prep this ahead of time? Yes! Assemble and refrigerate them a day in advance.
How do I store leftovers? Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What’s the best way to reheat? Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices ham
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Olive oil, for frying (if pan-frying)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pound chicken breasts to ¼-inch thick using a mallet.
- Spread Dijon mustard on each breast, then layer with ham and cheese.
- Roll tightly and secure with toothpicks.
- Dredge in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs.
- For extra crispiness, sear in a pan with olive oil over medium heat before baking.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below or tag your creation with #TheKitchensAid on social media. Happy cooking!