Irresistibly Cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe for Dinner Magic
Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this classic chicken cordon bleu recipe delivers pure culinary magic.
Swiss cheese and ham nestled inside golden-crusted chicken create an irresistible combination.
Tender chicken breasts receive a delicate coating that turns gloriously crisp when baked to perfection.
Each slice reveals a melted, gooey center that promises restaurant-quality flavor right from your kitchen.
The recipe balances simplicity with sophisticated taste, making it an ideal choice for both casual family meals and elegant entertaining.
Sophisticated yet approachable, this dish transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
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Ingredient List for Stuffed Breaded Chicken
Main Protein:Filling Ingredients:Seasoning Ingredients:Breading Station Ingredients:Sauce Ingredients:How to Make Stuffed Breaded Chicken at Home
Step 1: Whip Up Seasoning
Massage chicken with a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, ensuring every inch gets flavored.
Step 2: Flatten and Prepare
Place chicken between plastic wrap and gently pound until thin and even, creating a perfect canvas for filling.
Step 3: Create Delicious Layers
Build a tasty foundation by layering each chicken breast with:Step 4: Carefully Roll and Chill
Tightly roll the chicken in plastic wrap, securing the ends by twisting.
Refrigerate for half an hour to help hold the shape.
Step 5: Warm the Cooking Oil
Heat oil in a deep pan to a steady 325°F, preparing for the golden transformation.
Step 6: Arrange Breading Stations
Set up three dishes for coating:Step 7: Coat and Prepare
Methodically coat each chicken roll by dipping first in flour, then egg, and finally panko for a crispy exterior.
Step 8: Cook to Perfection
Fry chicken rolls for 5 minutes on each side until beautifully golden.
Transfer to oven at 325°F if additional cooking is needed to reach 165°F internal temperature.
Step 9: Craft Creamy Sauce
Melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
Whisk in flour, then gradually add milk, stirring until sauce thickens.
Blend in mustard and Parmesan.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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FAQs
You’ll need Swiss cheese and ham. Layer 2 slices of Swiss cheese, 2 slices of ham, then repeat the layers inside each chicken breast.
Yes, you can substitute Swiss cheese with provolone or mozzarella, and ham with turkey or prosciutto. Choose flavors you enjoy that melt well.
Roll the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes before breading. This helps the chicken hold its shape and keeps the filling inside during cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165F. This guarantees the chicken is safe to eat and prevents overcooking.
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Delightful Chicken Cordon Bleu brings Swiss and French culinary magic to dinner tables with elegant rolled chicken stuffed with ham and cheese. Crispy golden breading and rich flavor combinations make this classic dish a crowd-pleasing favorite you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 16 slices Swiss cheese
- 0.5 pound ham, thinly sliced
Breading and Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Sauce and Cooking Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 0.25 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- Peanut or vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Infuse chicken with a harmonious blend of salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder, ensuring even distribution of seasonings.
- Place chicken between plastic wrap and gently flatten to an even 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet.
- Create a luxurious filling by layering Swiss cheese and ham, alternating two slices of each across the chicken breast.
- Carefully roll the chicken tightly, securing the filling inside, and wrap in plastic wrap, twisting the ends to create a compact cylinder.
- Refrigerate the rolled chicken for 30 minutes to help maintain its shape during cooking.
- Prepare a deep pan with oil, heating to 325°F for optimal frying temperature.
- Arrange three separate breading stations: first with flour, second with beaten eggs, and third with panko breadcrumbs.
- Methodically coat each chilled chicken roll first in flour, then egg wash, and finally cover completely with panko crumbs.
- Carefully lower breaded rolls into hot oil, frying for approximately 5 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown exterior.
- Transfer to a preheated 325°F oven if additional cooking is required to reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- For the accompanying sauce, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant and soft.
- Incorporate flour and whisk for one minute to create a roux, then gradually add milk, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
- Finish the sauce by stirring in mustard and Parmesan, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Pound chicken evenly to ensure consistent cooking and prevent dry spots.
- Use high-quality deli ham and Swiss cheese for maximum flavor and melting potential.
- Refrigerating rolled chicken helps maintain shape and allows breading to adhere better.
- Maintain consistent oil temperature to achieve crispy, golden exterior without burning.
- Substitute wheat flour with almond or rice flour, use gluten-free panko for celiac-friendly version.
- Always use meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches safe 165F without overcooking.
- If sauce becomes too thick, gradually whisk in extra milk to restore creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1200 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 46 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg
Nathaniel Brooks
Founder & Recipe Developer
Expertise
Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling
Education
Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques.
Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.