Craving something elegant yet achievable in your home kitchen? This chicken cordon bleu recipe delivers the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and savory—all topped with a rich chicken cordon bleu sauce that elevates every bite. Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner, hosting a holiday gathering, or simply treating yourself to something special, this classic dish is surprisingly simple to make.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Elegant presentation with minimal effort – Looks like fine dining, but it’s easy to assemble at home.
- Incredible flavor combo – Juicy chicken, salty ham, melty Swiss cheese, and crunchy breadcrumbs.
- Make-ahead friendly – Prep the entire dish in advance and bake when ready.
- The sauce steals the show – A silky, homemade parmesan cream sauce adds gourmet flair.
This dish has earned a permanent place in our family’s special occasion lineup. Even the pickiest eaters ask for seconds—yes, even the ones who “only eat plain chicken.”
Ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 slices deli ham
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1½ cups toasted breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
For the Chicken Cordon Bleu Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu
1. Prepare the Breadcrumbs
Toast breadcrumbs in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes until golden, stirring halfway through. This step enhances both texture and flavor.
2. Flatten the Chicken
Place each chicken breast between plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness—about ¼ inch thick. This makes rolling easier and ensures even cooking.
3. Add the Filling
Season both sides with salt and pepper. Lay out the flattened breasts, top each with 1 slice of Swiss cheese and 1 slice of ham, then roll tightly into a log.
4. Bread the Chicken
Set up a breading station: flour in one bowl, eggs in another, and toasted breadcrumbs in a third. Dredge each chicken roll in flour, dip in egg, then coat fully in breadcrumbs.
5. Chill to Set
Wrap each breaded roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps maintain shape and prevents leaks during baking.
6. Bake to Perfection
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place unwrapped chicken rolls on a baking sheet. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
How to Make the Cordon Bleu Sauce
While the chicken bakes, make the creamy parmesan sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Whisk in flour to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
- Keep warm until ready to serve over the chicken.
💡 Pro tip: Add a splash of milk while reheating to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken cordon bleu is rich, savory, and satisfying—so pair it with lighter sides for balance:
- Garlic mashed potatoes or buttery herbed rice
- Roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or a crisp side salad
- Crusty bread to mop up the extra parmesan sauce
- A glass of chilled white wine like Chardonnay or a light beer
Make-Ahead & Freezer Tips
- Make-ahead: Assemble and bread the chicken, then wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- Freeze: Wrap uncooked rolls tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
- Sauce: Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for 2 days. Reheat gently with a bit of milk.
Cordon Bleu Variations to Try
Want to put your own spin on this classic?
- Swap cheeses: Try Gruyère, provolone, or mozzarella
- Upgrade the ham: Use prosciutto or pancetta for a gourmet twist
- Add Dijon: Spread a thin layer of mustard on the chicken before adding cheese and ham
- Fresh herbs: Mix chopped thyme, parsley, or sage into the breadcrumbs
- Casserole version: Layer sliced chicken, ham, and cheese in a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and pour over the chicken cordon bleu sauce for an easy chicken cordon bleu casserole
Tips for Success
- Don’t skip chilling – Helps set the shape and ensures clean slices when serving
- Use a thermometer – Chicken is done at 165°F internally
- Toast the breadcrumbs – Adds color, flavor, and crunch
- Whisk constantly – When making the sauce to prevent lumps
Frequently Asked Questions
→ Do I really have to chill the chicken before baking?
Yes—this step helps everything stay together and prevents the filling from oozing out.
→ Can I prep this in advance for a dinner party?
Absolutely. Breaded chicken can be made up to a day in advance, or frozen for longer storage.
→ What if my sauce turns out lumpy?
Whisk quickly or strain through a fine mesh sieve, then return to heat and stir in parmesan.
→ Can I use different fillings?
Definitely—any good melting cheese and thinly sliced cured meat will work.
→ How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes. Sauce can be gently warmed on the stove.
More Delicious Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
Conclusion
This chicken cordon bleu is everything you want in a celebratory dish: crispy coating, melty cheese, savory ham, and a velvety chicken cordon bleu sauce that ties it all together. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or cooking for your family, it’s a recipe that feels impressive but is approachable even for beginner cooks. Pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal from the comfort of your kitchen. And if you’re craving comfort food with all the same flavors in an easier format, don’t forget to try a chicken cordon bleu casserole next time!
Chicken Cordon Bleu with Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 slices deli ham
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1½ cups toasted breadcrumbs preferably panko for extra crunch
For the Chicken Cordon Bleu Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Breadcrumbs: Toast breadcrumbs in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8–10 minutes until golden, stirring halfway through. This step enhances both texture and flavor.
- Flatten the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness—about ¼ inch thick. This makes rolling easier and ensures even cooking.
- Add the Filling: Season both sides with salt and pepper. Lay out the flattened breasts, top each with 1 slice of Swiss cheese and 1 slice of ham, then roll tightly into a log.
- Bread the Chicken: Set up a breading station: flour in one bowl, eggs in another, and toasted breadcrumbs in a third. Dredge each chicken roll in flour, dip in egg, then coat fully in breadcrumbs.
- Chill to Set: Wrap each breaded roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps maintain shape and prevents leaks during baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place unwrapped chicken rolls on a baking sheet. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Notes
- Don’t skip chilling – Helps set the shape and ensures clean slices when serving
- Use a thermometer – Chicken is done at 165°F internally
- Toast the breadcrumbs – Adds color, flavor, and crunch
- Whisk constantly – When making the sauce to prevent lumps
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