Golden, crispy chicken wrapped around savory ham and melted Swiss cheese—a timeless favorite for all occasions. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to make the perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu, a dish that exudes elegance while being simple enough to make at home. We’ll break down the ingredients, walk through detailed step-by-step instructions, and offer pro tips to elevate your culinary experience.
Introduction
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a dish that feels luxurious yet comforting. It originated in Switzerland but has become beloved around the world, particularly in American and French kitchens. Traditionally, it’s a chicken breast rolled with ham and cheese, breaded, then either baked or fried. This version is baked for a crispier, lighter finish, complemented by a rich and creamy Dijon-Parmesan sauce.
 Ingredients (US Measurements)
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 8 slices baked ham
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
For the Breading:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
For the Sauce:
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 4 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Breadcrumbs
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, garlic powder, and thyme leaves.
- Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Toast in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes, shaking the pan every minute to ensure even browning. Remove and let cool.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken
- Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally, creating a pocket.
- Use a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken flat, about 1/4-inch thick.
- Season both sides of each chicken piece with salt and pepper.
- Mix mayonnaise and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Spread this mixture on each flattened chicken breast.
- Place 2 slices of ham and 1 slice of Swiss cheese on top of each piece.
- Roll the chicken tightly, starting from the shorter side, and secure with toothpicks.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
- Carefully roll each chicken bundle in the toasted breadcrumb mixture, ensuring a full, even coat.
- Place the breaded rolls on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake the chicken at 400°F for 25 minutes or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Whisk in flour and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Add cream cheese and whisk until melted.
- Slowly pour in water and chicken bouillon while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Add heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 6: Serve
- Remove toothpicks from the baked chicken rolls.
- Slice each roll into rounds and place on a serving dish.
- Generously drizzle with the Dijon-Parmesan sauce.
- Serve hot with your choice of sides.
 Preparation & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
 Calories
- Approximate Calories: 500 kcal per serving
 Pro Tips
- Even Thickness: Pounding the chicken evenly ensures uniform cooking and makes rolling easier.
- Securing the Roll: Toothpicks or kitchen twine help keep the chicken tight during baking.
- Crunch Factor: Toasting breadcrumbs before breading enhances flavor and texture.
- Sauce Matters: Don’t skip the sauce. It adds a creamy contrast to the crispy chicken.
- Serving Suggestions: Excellent with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, green beans, or even a crisp garden salad.
- Make Ahead: Prepare chicken rolls in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
- Freezing: You can freeze uncooked, breaded chicken rolls. Just bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 more minutes.
 Nutritional Insight
This dish, while rich and indulgent, can be adapted for lighter diets. Swap out the heavy cream with half-and-half or use low-fat cheese. Baking instead of frying significantly cuts down on oil use and calories. Pairing with roasted vegetables instead of starches also helps balance the meal nutritionally.
 Flavor Variations
- Cheese Options: Gruyère, mozzarella, or provolone can be used instead of Swiss.
- Meat Substitutes: Try turkey or prosciutto instead of ham.
- Add-Ins: Insert a thin layer of spinach or basil inside for a fresh touch.
- Spice It Up: Add paprika or chili flakes to the breadcrumb mix for a kick.
 How to Prepare Ahead for Events
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a great make-ahead meal:
- Roll and bread the chicken ahead of time.
- Store covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Prepare the sauce and refrigerate it separately.
- Bake and reheat the sauce when guests arrive.
This method makes dinner parties or holiday meals stress-free.
 Perfect Pairings
- Wine: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Noir.
- Beer: Light lagers or wheat beers.
- Side Dishes: Garlic mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, or buttered noodles.
- Salads: Caesar salad, arugula with lemon vinaigrette, or classic garden salad.
Conclusion
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a showstopper that delivers on flavor, presentation, and comfort. With its crispy crust, melty cheese core, and savory sauce, it pleases both family and guests. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or craving comfort food, this dish checks every box. The preparation is straightforward, and the result is a restaurant-quality meal made in your own kitchen.
Master this recipe and make it your signature dish—it’s classic, versatile, and unforgettable.