Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe | Crispy, Cheesy & Delicious
I’m so happy to share with you my take on the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe.I just made it yesterday and it turned out golden, crispy and absolutely delicious. It felt kind of fancy, but easy enough for a weeknight dinner. I loved how the ham and cheese wrapped inside the tender chicken made every bite rich and comforting.
I’d describe it as nostalgic comfort food — like something from my childhood, but fresh and homemade. If you follow along, I promise you’ll end up with a dish that looks and tastes like you spent hours, but without the fuss. You can also enjoy similar flavors in the Easy Baked Garlic Lemon Pepper Chicken Recipe for a zesty twist on baked chicken.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need (for about 6 servings) and why each one matters:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (each about 6–8 ounces) — these form the base of the dish, and using fresh chicken ensures better flavor and texture.
- 1 1/4 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste) — for seasoning the chicken so it’s flavorful all the way through.
- 1/2 tsp paprika — adds a gentle smoky-sweet depth and subtle color.
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder — brings mild savory flavor to the chicken.
- 1 Tbsp plus 2 tsp Dijon mustard — great for a tangy base note under the ham and cheese.
- 6 slices deli ham — provides the classic salty, meaty layer inside.
- 6 slices Swiss cheese (folded in half or in thirds) — melts beautifully and creates that creamy cheese pull.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (plus extra to taste) — balances the saltiness and enhances flavor.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour — helps the outer coating adhere and crisp up.
- 2 large eggs — used in the breading process so the breadcrumbs stick well.
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs — gives that extra-crispy coating.
- Vegetable oil — for frying the rolls to a golden crust.
- Juice of 1/2 lemon — optional, for a bright salad dressing or side.
- 1 Tbsp white wine vinegar — adds tanginess if making dressing.
- 1 tsp honey — balances acidity with a touch of sweetness.
- 1 small garlic clove, grated — gives depth and aroma to dressing.
- 3 Tbsp olive oil — whisked into dressing for smoothness.
- 8 ounces mixed greens — great for a fresh side salad. You can also serve this alongside a fun twist like the Meat Lovers Pizza Stuffed Peppers Recipe for a heartier meal.
Note: Serves 6
Variations
Here are some simple ways to customize the recipe:
- Dairy-free version: Use dairy-free cheese or skip cheese altogether.
- Spicy version: Add cayenne or smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mix.
- Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Herb-enhanced: Add fresh thyme or parsley to the breadcrumbs.
- Cheese swaps: Try Gruyère, cheddar, or provolone for different flavors.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 50 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 10 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Meat mallet or rolling pin — to flatten the chicken evenly.
- Plastic wrap — to prevent tearing when pounding chicken.
- Three shallow dishes — for flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs.
- Large skillet — for frying the chicken rolls.
- Baking sheet with rack — to finish baking the rolls evenly.
- Oven — for cooking after frying.
- Whisk and bowl — optional, for making a side salad dressing.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe?
A simple breakdown to guide you through each step with ease.
Preparing the Chicken
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Season each chicken breast with salt, paprika, and garlic powder. Place each breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound until about ¼-inch thick. This ensures even cooking and makes rolling easier.
Assembling & Rolling
Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard onto each flattened piece. Lay one slice of ham on top, then place the folded Swiss cheese in the center. Roll each chicken breast tightly and secure with a toothpick so nothing falls out while cooking.
Breading the Rolls
Set up your breading station using three shallow dishes. Coat each chicken roll first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the panko breadcrumbs until thoroughly coated.
Frying & Baking
Heat a thin layer of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the toothpicks, then fry each roll until golden brown on all sides. Transfer to a rack set over a baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Optional Side Salad
Whisk lemon juice, vinegar, honey, grated garlic, salt, and pepper together, then slowly whisk in olive oil. Toss with mixed greens for a bright, fresh side.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
Here are some personal tips that helped me get the perfect result:
- I always pound chicken gently from the center outward to avoid tearing.
- I chill the breaded rolls for 15–20 minutes so the coating sticks better.
- I make sure the oil is hot before frying so the crust gets crispy instead of soggy.
- I fry in small batches for even browning.
- I let the rolls rest a few minutes after baking to keep them juicy.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe?
Chicken Cordon Bleu looks beautiful when sliced diagonally to reveal the swirl of ham and melted cheese. I like serving it with a fresh green salad, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or buttered rice. Adding parsley or a lemon wedge on the side makes it look extra elegant.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving:
- Calories: ~1024 kcal
- Protein: ~62 g
- Carbohydrates: ~17 g
- Fat: ~77 g
Make Ahead and Storage
Refrigerating & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F to bring back crispiness.
Freezing
Wrap cooked rolls tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then freeze in a sealed bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating in the oven to keep the crust crunchy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why this dish stands out and becomes a favorite fast:
- It looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to make with step-by-step prep.
- Every bite is full of texture—crispy crust, juicy chicken, molten cheese, and savory ham.
- It pairs well with almost anything, making it versatile for meals.
- It’s great for family dinners, special occasions, or weekend comfort food.
- The recipe is flexible, so you can switch cheeses, add herbs, or lighten it up.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Season each chicken breast with salt, paprika, and garlic powder. Place each breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound until about ¼-inch thick. This ensures even cooking and makes rolling easier.
- Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard onto each flattened piece. Lay one slice of ham on top, then place the folded Swiss cheese in the center. Roll each chicken breast tightly and secure with a toothpick so nothing falls out while cooking.
- Set up your breading station using three shallow dishes. Coat each chicken roll first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the panko breadcrumbs until thoroughly coated.
- Heat a thin layer of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the toothpicks, then fry each roll until golden brown on all sides. Transfer to a rack set over a baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Whisk lemon juice, vinegar, honey, grated garlic, salt, and pepper together, then slowly whisk in olive oil. Toss with mixed greens for a bright, fresh side.
Notes
- I always pound chicken gently from the center outward to avoid tearing.
- I chill the breaded rolls for 15–20 minutes so the coating sticks better.
- I make sure the oil is hot before frying so the crust gets crispy instead of soggy.
- I fry in small batches for even browning.
- I let the rolls rest a few minutes after baking to keep them juicy.