Chicken Cordon Bleu
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a timeless classic—tender chicken breast stuffed with savory turkey or chicken ham and melty cheese, then breaded and baked or pan-fried until perfectly golden. This version is family-friendly (non-spicy), reliable, and delivers that irresistible crunch with a creamy center—ideal for dinner parties or a special weeknight meal.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: ~55 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
Chicken
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt & black pepper, to taste
4 slices turkey or chicken ham
4 slices Swiss, Emmental, or mozzarella cheese
Breading
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large egg
1 tbsp milk or water
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
½ tsp paprika (mild)
½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
For Cooking
Olive oil or neutral oil spray
Butter (optional, for richness)
Optional Creamy Sauce
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp flour
1 cup milk
1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
Salt & white pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
Place chicken breasts between parchment and gently pound to ½ cm (¼-inch) thickness.
Season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Stuff & Roll
Lay a slice of ham and cheese on each breast.
Roll tightly, tucking sides in, and secure with toothpicks if needed.
Chill 10 minutes (helps keep shape).
3. Bread the Chicken
Set up three bowls: flour; eggs whisked with milk; breadcrumbs mixed with paprika & garlic powder.
Dredge chicken in flour → egg → breadcrumbs, pressing gently to coat.
4. Cook
Pan-Fry + Bake (Best Texture):
Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
Sear chicken in a skillet with oil over medium heat 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
Transfer to oven; bake 18–22 minutes until cooked through (internal temp 74°C / 165°F).
Oven-Only (Lighter):
Place on a greased rack over a tray, spray lightly with oil.
Bake 25–30 minutes, flipping once.
5. Optional Sauce
Melt butter, whisk in flour (1 min).
Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth.
Stir in Dijon (if using), season, and simmer until thick.
6. Serve
Rest chicken 5 minutes, remove toothpicks, slice, and serve with sauce.
Notes & Tips
Chill before cooking to prevent cheese leakage.
Panko breadcrumbs give extra crunch.
Don’t over-season—ham and cheese add saltiness.
Great with roasted potatoes, green beans, or a crisp salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I air-fry it?
Yes—air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 14–16 minutes, turning once.
Can I make it ahead?
Assemble and bread up to 1 day ahead; keep refrigerated and cook fresh.
What cheese melts best?
Swiss are classic; mozzarella is milder and very melty.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 520 kcal
Protein: 42 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fat: 26 g