If you’ve ever dreamed of a dish that’s the perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and savory, then look no further than Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu. Picture this: tender chicken breasts, stuffed with a rich slice of ham and gooey melted cheese, all wrapped up in a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust. Every bite delivers a deliciously indulgent combination of textures and flavors that make this dish so irresistible. It’s classic, it’s comforting, and it’s one of those meals that never fails to impress. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked.
Why You’ll Love Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu
Here’s why Chicken Cordon Bleu is a timeless favorite that always delivers:
Crispy, Crunchy Perfection
The breadcrumb crust is golden and crispy, giving the dish a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken and creamy filling.
Savory, Cheesy Filling
The ham and Swiss cheese inside the chicken create the perfect melt-in-your-mouth filling. The cheese oozes out when you cut into the chicken, and the ham adds a savory, salty depth that takes this dish to the next level.
Elegant, Yet Easy to Make
While it sounds impressive, Chicken Cordon Bleu is actually pretty straightforward to prepare. It’s perfect for a fancy dinner party, a special family meal, or a date night. You can even prep it ahead of time and just bake when you’re ready to serve.
Crowd-Pleasing Comfort
The combination of chicken, cheese, and ham is a crowd favorite, whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or foodies alike. It’s like a cozy hug on a plate—who wouldn’t love that?
Versatile for Any Occasion
This dish pairs wonderfully with so many sides, from roasted veggies and mashed potatoes to a light salad or even some buttery garlic bread. Whether you serve it on a busy weeknight or at a holiday dinner, it’s a showstopper.
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Ingredients in Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu
To make this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
Chicken Breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the foundation of this dish. When pounded thin, they wrap around the delicious filling beautifully, ensuring every bite is juicy and tender.
Ham
Use thinly sliced, good-quality ham for that perfect balance of salty, savory goodness. You can also opt for honey ham for a touch of sweetness.
Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese is the classic choice here. It melts beautifully, adding a creamy, slightly nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the ham.
Bread Crumbs
For the crispy crust, you’ll need plain breadcrumbs, seasoned breadcrumbs, or panko breadcrumbs. If you like a lighter, extra crispy crunch, panko works wonderfully.
Eggs
Eggs help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken, creating that delicious, crispy outer layer when baked.
Flour
A light dusting of flour helps to give the chicken a golden crust and ensures the breadcrumbs stick perfectly to the chicken.
Salt and Pepper
To season the chicken and filling—keep it simple to let the other ingredients shine!
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Now, let’s dive into making this deliciously indulgent dish. The steps are simple but result in something seriously impressive!
Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to make sure it’s ready for your chicken. You’ll want it to be nice and hot for even cooking.
Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even ½-inch thickness. This ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and wraps easily around the filling.
Season the Chicken
Sprinkle each side of the chicken with a little salt and pepper. This simple seasoning adds flavor to the chicken, making every bite taste even better.
Add the Ham and Cheese
Place a slice of ham on each chicken breast, followed by a slice or two of Swiss cheese. You want to leave a little space around the edges so the cheese doesn’t melt out during baking. Roll up the chicken tightly, securing the filling inside.
Dredge the Chicken
Next, set up a dredging station:
- Place flour in one shallow dish.
- Beat eggs in another dish.
- Put breadcrumbs in a third dish.
Dip each chicken roll in the flour, coating it lightly, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it evenly with breadcrumbs. This creates the perfect golden crust.
Bake to Perfection
Place the chicken rolls on a greased baking sheet or a baking dish, seam side down. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 75°C) and the crust is golden and crispy.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the Chicken Cordon Bleu is baked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Then, slice into each roll and watch the cheesy filling ooze out—pure magic! Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy.
How to Serve Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu
This dish is just as delicious as a standalone meal, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some suggestions to round out your meal:
With Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables, like carrots, zucchini, or asparagus, are a perfect accompaniment. Their natural sweetness balances out the rich, savory chicken and filling.
With Mashed Potatoes
A side of creamy mashed potatoes is the ultimate comfort food pairing. You can even add some garlic or cheese to the mash to complement the Cordon Bleu.
With a Fresh Salad
A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the chicken. The freshness of the veggies provides a nice contrast to the savory filling.
With Rice Pilaf
For something a little heartier, serve your Chicken Cordon Bleu with a fluffy rice pilaf. The light texture of the rice will complement the crispy chicken without overpowering it.
With Garlic Bread
Garlic bread is a simple and delicious side that pairs perfectly with the creamy, cheesy chicken. It’s also great for mopping up any sauce or melted cheese that might spill out!
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to make your Chicken Cordon Bleu even more amazing:
Make It Ahead
You can assemble the chicken rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. This makes it a perfect meal for meal prepping or preparing for a dinner party.
Add a Sauce
While Chicken Cordon Bleu is incredible on its own, a light sauce can elevate it even further. Try serving it with a creamy mustard sauce, a velvety white wine sauce, or even a tangy Dijon sauce on the side.
Use Chicken Thighs
If you prefer a juicier, richer option, swap out the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They’re a bit more forgiving if you overcook them slightly and will add extra flavor to the dish.
Make It Lighter
For a lighter version, use whole wheat breadcrumbs and lean turkey ham. You can also bake the chicken rolls instead of frying them for an even healthier option.
Gluten-Free Option
If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers for the coating. Just make sure your ham and cheese are also gluten-free.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time?
A1: Absolutely! You can assemble the chicken rolls ahead of time, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
Q2: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A1: Yes! While Swiss cheese is the classic choice, you can also use Gruyère, cheddar, or provolone. Just choose a cheese that melts well.
Q3: Can I freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu?
A3: Yes! After assembling the rolls, you can freeze them before baking. Wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Q4: How do I reheat leftovers?
A4: To reheat, place the Chicken Cordon Bleu in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This will help keep the crust crispy.
Q5: What sides go best with Chicken Cordon Bleu?
A5: Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and a fresh salad are some of the best sides. Garlic bread or rice pilaf also make excellent choices!
Conclusion
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a showstopper that’s as comforting as it is delicious. With its crispy crust, savory ham, and melted cheese, it’s the ultimate indulgence that always satisfies. Whether you’re making it for a special dinner or just because, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. So, go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the magic of perfectly crispy, cheesy, ham-filled chicken!
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Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu: The Ultimate Comfort Food
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu is a delicious and elegant dish that combines tender chicken, creamy Swiss cheese, and savory ham, all coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust. It’s a perfect choice for a special dinner or any occasion where you want to impress. The melty cheese and ham paired with the crunchy exterior create a mouthwatering experience that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices Swiss cheese (or Gruyère cheese)
- 4 slices deli ham
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even 1/2-inch thickness.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder on both sides.
- Place a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on top of each chicken breast. Fold the chicken around the filling to create a tight roll. Secure the edges with toothpicks to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Set up a breading station: in one shallow dish, place the flour; in another, place the beaten eggs; and in a third, place the breadcrumbs.
- Coat each chicken roll first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat in breadcrumbs, pressing down gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick well.
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken rolls and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet—work in batches if necessary.
- Transfer the browned chicken to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese inside has melted.
- Remove the toothpicks from the chicken before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the chicken rolls without frying them first. Simply spray with a little olive oil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes until golden brown.
- For extra flavor, you can add Dijon mustard to the inside of the chicken before rolling it up, or sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on the breadcrumbs for a cheesy crunch.
- Feel free to use other types of cheese, such as mozzarella or provolone, depending on your preferences.
- Make sure to fully cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: French, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg