Chicken Cordon Bleu is a tasty dish featuring chicken stuffed with ham and cheese, all coated in a crispy breadcrumb layer. It’s a fun way to jazz up dinner!
Who can resist that oozy cheese inside? I love serving it with some simple veggies on the side. It feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the go-to choice. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use turkey breast instead, which works surprisingly well.
Ham: Traditional Cordon Bleu uses thinly sliced ham. If you prefer a lighter flavor, turkey or chicken ham can be good alternatives. You could also use prosciutto for a richer taste.
Cheese: Swiss cheese is classic here, but Gruyère adds a nutty twist. If you can’t find them, try mozzarella or even cheddar. Just keep in mind the melting properties of the cheese for best results!
Breadcrumbs: Panko is great for that extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work too. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free breadcrumbs in the store.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half or even a dairy-free cream substitute like coconut cream. Just be aware that it may change the flavor slightly.
How Can I Achieve Perfectly Rolled Chicken?
Rolling the chicken tightly is essential for cooking evenly and keeping the filling inside. Here’s how to do it well:
- Start with pounded chicken; it should be about 1/4 inch thick for even cooking.
- Layer ham and cheese carefully, ensuring they fit neatly without hanging over the edges.
- Begin rolling from one narrow end, applying gentle pressure while tucking in the sides to prevent any filling from leaking out.
- Secure with toothpicks to hold everything together during cooking, especially if you’re a beginner.
Trust me, a clean, tight roll makes all the difference in presentation and taste! Happy cooking!
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices of ham (about 4 oz)
- 4 slices Swiss cheese (or Gruyère)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for crunch)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley (optional)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and around 25 minutes to cook, totaling about 55 minutes from start to finish. You’ll enjoy a beautifully presented dish that’s perfect for impressing family or guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for the chicken once you’re done prepping!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Layer each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. You want it thin without tearing!
3. Season the Chicken:
Sprinkle salt, pepper, and garlic powder over each piece of flattened chicken, ensuring an even coating for flavor.
4. Add the Filling:
On each chicken breast, lay down a slice of ham followed by a slice of cheese. Then, starting from one narrow end, carefully roll the chicken up tightly, tucking in the sides as you go to keep everything snug.
5. Secure the Rolls:
If you like, use toothpicks to secure the ends of the chicken rolls to ensure they don’t unravel during cooking.
6. Set Up Your Breading Station:
In three separate shallow dishes, set up your breading station. Put flour in the first dish, beaten eggs in the second, and a mix of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and parsley in the third.
7. Bread the Chicken:
Take each chicken roll and first coat it in flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it in the eggs and finally coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Get it nice and covered for a crispy finish!
8. Sear the Chicken:
In a large, ovenproof skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken rolls and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown.
9. Bake the Chicken:
After searing, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
10. Make the Sauce:
While the chicken bakes, grab a saucepan and combine the heavy cream, shredded Swiss cheese, and Dijon mustard over medium heat. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
11. Slice and Serve:
Once the chicken is done, carefully remove the toothpicks, and slice the rolls crosswise for a lovely presentation.
12. Drizzle and Garnish:
Serve the warm slices over a small drizzle of your delicious cheese mustard sauce and top with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.
13. Enjoy!
Pair your Chicken Cordon Bleu with steamed vegetables or a simple salad, and dig in. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to fully thaw it first. The best way to thaw is in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also use the cold water method by placing the chicken in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water until thawed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you can warm it gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This helps keep the chicken crispy!
What If I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
You can use regular breadcrumbs instead, but keep in mind that the texture might be slightly less crunchy. Alternatively, crushed crackers or even cornflakes can make a great substitute for that extra crunch!
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken rolls up to the baking step and store them in the fridge for a day before cooking. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if they are cold when you put them in the oven.
