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
Scale
- 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