Chicken Cordon Bleu is a tasty dish with juicy chicken, delicious ham, and melted cheese all rolled up together. It’s crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside!
It’s like a party in your mouth! I love serving it with a side of crunchy veggies or mashed potatoes. It looks fancy but is super easy to make—perfect for impressing guests!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are essential for this recipe. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using turkey breasts instead. They work just as well!
Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese gives that lovely melting quality. If you can’t find it, Gruyère or Monterey Jack are delicious alternatives that will still melt nicely.
Ham: Traditional recipes use regular ham, but you can substitute with prosciutto for a richer flavor or turkey ham for a leaner choice if you’re watching calories.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs create extra crunch! But if you only have regular breadcrumbs, that’ll work too. You can even crush some crackers or cornflakes as a fun twist!
Dijon Mustard: This adds great flavor to the sauce. For a milder taste, you can swap it with yellow mustard or omit it entirely if you’re not a fan.
How Do I Get the Chicken Rolls to Stay Together?
Keeping the chicken rolls intact while cooking is key! Start by securely rolling them. Make sure to tuck in the sides as you roll, so the cheese doesn’t escape. Use toothpicks to hold everything tightly together during baking.
- After assembling each roll, ensure the seam side is down on the baking dish to help them stay closed.
- Cooking them evenly is important. If you’re worried about them unrolling, you can also use kitchen twine to tie them up before breading.
What’s the Best Way to Make the Sauce Smooth?
To ensure your sauce is creamy and smooth, start by whisking the flour into melted butter to create a roux. Cook this for about a minute to eliminate the raw flour taste. When adding the milk, do it slowly and whisk continuously to prevent lumps.
- Using warm milk instead of cold helps it combine more easily.
- Keep stirring until the sauce thickens to your liking before removing it from heat.
With these tips and insight, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Rolls:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 4 slices of ham (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for coating)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk, warmed
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 25-30 minutes for baking, making the total time around 40-45 minutes. It’s a great recipe for a weeknight dinner or for impressing your guests during a special meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, lightly grease a baking dish to ensure the chicken doesn’t stick while baking.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
To butterfly the chicken, slice each breast horizontally without cutting all the way through, then open it like a book. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to about 1/4 inch thickness. This helps it cook evenly and makes rolling easier!
3. Season Your Chicken:
Sprinkle a mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano over both sides of each chicken breast for flavor.
4. Assemble the Rolls:
Lay a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on each flattened chicken breast. Roll it up tightly, tucking in the sides to keep the filling inside. Secure each roll with toothpicks to hold everything in place.
5. Prepare for Breading:
Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, another with the beaten eggs mixed with water, and the last with breadcrumbs. This will help with the breading process.
6. Coat the Chicken Rolls:
Take each chicken roll and coat it first in flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it in the egg wash, and finally, roll it in the breadcrumbs until it’s completely covered. For an added crunch, brush or drizzle some olive oil or melted butter over each roll.
7. Bake the Chicken:
Place the coated chicken rolls in the greased baking dish and bake them for about 25-30 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the outside is a lovely golden brown.
8. Make the Sauce:
While the chicken is baking, make the sauce! In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute until bubbly and golden, creating a roux. Gradually whisk in the warmed milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens (about 3-5 minutes). Add Dijon mustard and season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chicken is done, take out the toothpicks and slice the rolls. Serve them drizzled with the sauce and garnish with freshly chopped chives for a pop of flavor. Pair it with your favorite side, like steamed vegetables or mashed potatoes!
Enjoy your homemade Chicken Cordon Bleu, and take pride in what you’ve created!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you a juicier result, just be sure they are boneless and skinless. Follow the same preparation and cooking instructions as you would for the breasts!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko. Just ensure that your ham and cheese are also gluten-free.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave until warmed through. If you find the coating has lost its crispiness, a quick re-bake for 5-10 minutes in the oven can help!
Can I Freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Yes! You can freeze the rolls before baking. Prepare them as directed, then wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
