Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

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.

Stuffed Breaded Chicken: Why It’s a Winner

  • Satisfy Hunger Quickly: Packed with delicious ham and Swiss cheese, this chicken recipe delivers maximum flavor in every single bite.
  • Master Impressive Cooking Skills: Although it looks complicated, the step-by-step process makes this dish achievable for home cooks of all skill levels.
  • Create Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home: The breading technique and creamy mustard sauce elevate this chicken from ordinary to extraordinary, impressing family and guests without requiring professional chef training.
  • Versatile Comfort Food: Perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or when you want a hearty meal that combines classic ingredients in a exciting new way.

Ingredient List for Stuffed Breaded Chicken

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breast: A tender and versatile protein that serves as the base for this delicious stuffed and breaded dish.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Swiss Cheese, Ham: Create a rich and savory filling that adds moisture and flavor to the chicken.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Enhance the overall taste and provide depth of flavor to the chicken.
Breading Station Ingredients:
  • Flour, Eggs, Panko Breadcrumbs: Provide a crispy, golden-brown exterior that adds texture and crunch to the chicken.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Butter, Garlic, Flour, Milk, Mustard, Parmesan Cheese: Create a creamy and flavorful sauce that complements the stuffed chicken.

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:
  • Swiss cheese slices
  • Ham slices
  • More Swiss cheese slices
  • Additional ham slices

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:
  • First dish: flour
  • Second dish: whisked eggs
  • Third dish: panko breadcrumbs

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.

Stuffed Chicken – Cook Like a Pro

  • Pound chicken evenly to ensure consistent thickness and prevent uneven cooking.
  • Refrigerating rolled chicken helps maintain shape and prevents filling from spilling during breading.
  • Keep oil consistently at 325F to achieve crispy, golden exterior without burning breading.
  • Use meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165F for safe consumption.
  • Seal chicken rolls tightly to keep cheese and ham filling inside during cooking.

Fun Variations for Stuffed Breaded Chicken

  • Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace flour with almond flour or crushed pork rinds. Use thin ham slices and Swiss cheese for filling. Skip breading and bake chicken directly in the oven.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers for coating. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Replace chicken with large portobello mushrooms or firm tofu. Layer with plant-based cheese and vegetarian ham slices. Use egg substitute for coating if needed.
  • Mediterranean Spin: Swap ham with prosciutto. Use provolone instead of Swiss cheese. Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano to the breading mixture. Serve with a light lemon-herb sauce.

Serving Up Stuffed Breaded Chicken

  • Cheese Lover's Dream Plate: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice to soak up the delicious mustard sauce.
  • Elegant Dinner Companion: Serve alongside roasted asparagus or crisp green salad for a balanced, restaurant-quality meal.
  • Dipping Delight: Offer extra mustard sauce in small ramekins for guests to drizzle or dunk their crispy chicken rolls.
  • Weekend Brunch Star: Slice chicken crosswise and place on toasted brioche with a dollop of sauce for a stunning weekend centerpiece.

Storing Stuffed Breaded Chicken with Care

  • Keep leftover stuffed chicken wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Wrap individual chicken rolls in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag to preserve for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm chicken in a preheated oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy breading and uneven heating.
  • Store remaining sauce separately in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Gently reheat on the stovetop, whisking occasionally to restore smooth consistency.

FAQs

  • What ingredients do I need for the stuffing?

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.

  • Can I use different cheese or meat?

Yes, you can substitute Swiss cheese with provolone or mozzarella, and ham with turkey or prosciutto. Choose flavors you enjoy that melt well.

  • How do I prevent the stuffing from falling out while cooking?

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.

  • What's the best way to check if the chicken is fully cooked?

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

Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe


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4.6 from 38 reviews

  • 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

Scale

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

  1. Infuse chicken with a harmonious blend of salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder, ensuring even distribution of seasonings.
  2. Place chicken between plastic wrap and gently flatten to an even 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet.
  3. Create a luxurious filling by layering Swiss cheese and ham, alternating two slices of each across the chicken breast.
  4. Carefully roll the chicken tightly, securing the filling inside, and wrap in plastic wrap, twisting the ends to create a compact cylinder.
  5. Refrigerate the rolled chicken for 30 minutes to help maintain its shape during cooking.
  6. Prepare a deep pan with oil, heating to 325°F for optimal frying temperature.
  7. Arrange three separate breading stations: first with flour, second with beaten eggs, and third with panko breadcrumbs.
  8. Methodically coat each chilled chicken roll first in flour, then egg wash, and finally cover completely with panko crumbs.
  9. Carefully lower breaded rolls into hot oil, frying for approximately 5 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown exterior.
  10. Transfer to a preheated 325°F oven if additional cooking is required to reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
  11. For the accompanying sauce, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant and soft.
  12. Incorporate flour and whisk for one minute to create a roux, then gradually add milk, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
  13. 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

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.

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