Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

Let’s talk about Chicken Cordon Bleu—a dish that’s elegant enough for a special dinner, but so comforting and delightful you’ll want to make it on a cozy weeknight, too! Tender chicken, savory ham, and oozy cheese come together with a golden, crisp crumb for absolute magic on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the stunning results fool you—the magic of Chicken Cordon Bleu comes from just a handful of classic, honest ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, layering flavor, texture, and downright joy into every bite!

• Chicken Breasts: Large and boneless, these are the perfect blank canvas—pounded thin, they become irresistibly tender and wrap beautifully around the luscious filling.
• Salt: Just a sprinkle ensures that the chicken’s natural flavor shines in every layer.
• Paris Ham: A slice of classic ham brings savory depth—choose good-quality, thinly sliced ham for the most delicate texture.
• Hard Mountain Cheese (Emmental or Gruyère): This cheese melts like a dream, giving the signature ooze—Gruyère delivers nutty richness, while Emmental is delightfully mild and creamy.
• Egg: Room temperature is best for binding breadcrumbs and ensuring that golden crisp outside.
• All-Purpose Flour: A quick dusting helps the egg and breadcrumbs cling so you get a perfect crust.
• Dried Breadcrumbs: Unseasoned crumbs become a satisfyingly crisp shell—use the finest you can find for even coverage.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to both frying and flavor, for that classic French finish.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Prevents the butter from burning and lends a delicate peppery aroma.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped and sprinkled at the end, parsley adds a refreshing pop of color and vibrancy to the finished dish.

Variations

Chicken Cordon Bleu is timeless, but there’s plenty of room for a twist if you’re feeling creative or working with what’s on hand. You can tailor each layer to suit your mood, dietary needs, or a craving for something a little different!

• Swap the Cheese: Prefer something sharper? Try smoked gouda or fontina for a new flavor profile. Even mozzarella yields a fantastic gooey middle.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs—no one will notice the difference in crispiness.
• Turkey Instead of Chicken: Thin turkey cutlets work beautifully with the same preparation for those looking for a leaner option, with all the comfort intact.
• Vegetarian Version: Sub in grilled, thin eggplant slices in place of chicken, layered with your favorite cheese and vegetarian ham for a surprising (and delicious) take.

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu

Step 1: Prep and Pound the Chicken

Start by letting your chicken breasts sit at room temperature for about an hour—this bit of patience ensures they cook evenly. Lay each breast flat on a clean surface, then, with a sharp knife, slice horizontally almost all the way through, being careful not to cut all the way. Gently open each to form a heart shape, cover with plastic wrap, and then use a rolling pin to pound them to about 1/3-inch thick. This makes them super tender and perfect for rolling, while also ensuring they’ll cook through nicely.

Step 2: Layer with Cheese and Ham

Once pounded, lightly season both sides with salt. Lay a slice of cheese on one half of each breast, top with a slice of Paris ham, and finish with another cheese slice. Make sure to leave a little border around the edges—giving you room to seal everything in. If your cheese or ham is bigger than the chicken, simply fold or trim to fit snugly inside.

Step 3: Fold and Seal the Chicken

To make sure your gooey cheese stays exactly where you want it, fold the sides of the bottom half of each chicken breast in over the filling, then close the top over. Press down gently to seal and double-check that the edges are neat—this is the secret to keeping that irresistible filling from leaking out.

Step 4: Coat for the Perfect Crunch

Set up three shallow plates: one with flour, one with a whisked egg, and the final with breadcrumbs. Dredge each chicken parcel in flour first (shake off the excess!), then the egg, then breadcrumbs. For a truly epic crust, dip the chicken back into the egg and breadcrumbs for a second coat—trust me, this double dip is the secret to serious crunch. Place the assembled Chicken Cordon Bleu in the fridge for 15 minutes to help the coating set.

Step 5: Pan-Fry and Finish in the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large frying pan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-low until the butter foams. Gently brown the Chicken Cordon Bleu on both sides—about 2 minutes per side for a deeply golden color. Transfer them to your baking sheet and finish in the oven for 10 more minutes, until the chicken hits 165°F (74°C) and you see tantalizing cheese starting to ooze out.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let your Chicken Cordon Bleu rest for about 5 minutes once it emerges from the oven—this helps the cheese set just enough. Sprinkle generously with fresh parsley, slice, and serve while the cheese is wonderfully molten and the crumb perfectly crisp.

How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu

Garnishes

For a classic finish, scatter a handful of freshly chopped parsley over your Chicken Cordon Bleu right before serving. The green flecks add a pop of color and a crisp, fresh note that cuts through the richness. If you want even more elegance, a few lemon wedges or a whisper of grated lemon zest bring brightness and balance.

Side Dishes

This dish is practically begging to be paired with creamy mashed potatoes, garlicky green beans, or a vibrant leafy salad with a sharp vinaigrette—something that picks up the buttery, cheesy flavors but keeps everything feeling light. Fluffy rice pilaf or roasted baby carrots are also excellent partners for your crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice your Chicken Cordon Bleu on a diagonal to show off that gorgeous swirl of ham and molten cheese—it never fails to impress! For a more modern presentation, arrange slices over a bed of microgreens or nestle on top of a small pool of creamy mustard sauce. Miniature, rolled versions also make wonderful appetizers for parties or special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu keeps beautifully! Place any extra pieces in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days—even cold, that salty ham and rich cheese inside the tender chicken are just as swoonworthy for a delicious lunch.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu either before or after baking. For best results, assemble and coat the chicken, then freeze each piece on a lined tray before transferring to a freezer bag. To cook, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. Already-baked leftovers also freeze well for up to a month—a quick oven reheat revives them perfectly!

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat Chicken Cordon Bleu in a 350°F (180°C) oven until warmed through (about 10-15 minutes). The crust stays crisp and the cheese gets delightfully gooey again. While microwaving works in a pinch, it won’t have quite the same crunch—so the oven is worth the wait!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made Chicken Cordon Bleu at home before, now’s the time—each bite is a tiny celebration of comfort, elegance, and irresistible flavor. I can’t wait for you to slice into that golden crust and see melty cheese meet savory ham. Give it a try, and let yourself savor every single bite!

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