The aroma of crispy, golden-brown chicken cordon bleu wafting through your kitchen is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Picture this: succulent chicken breasts stuffed with savory ham and gooey cheese, all coated in a crunchy breadcrumb crust. Each bite releases a symphony of flavors that dances on your palate, creating a meal that’s not just food but an experience in itself.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
- What sides pair well with chicken cordon bleu?
- How do I know when my chicken is done?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I remember the first time I made this chicken cordon bleu recipe for my family. The way their eyes lit up and the chorus of “wow” that erupted from the dinner table still echoes in my heart. It was one of those rare moments where everything came together perfectly, and laughter filled the room as we savored each delicious bite during a family gathering.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This chicken cordon bleu recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions
- The flavor combination of tender chicken, salty ham, and creamy cheese is simply irresistible
- Its golden crust is visually appealing, making it a showstopper on any dinner table
- Versatile enough for different fillings or sides, you can customize it to suit your taste buds perfectly
Sharing meals brings people together, and this dish is no different. I still cherish the memory of my friends asking for seconds and thirds, claiming they could eat this scrumptious dish every day.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: You’ll need about 3-4 chicken breasts; adjust based on how many diners you have.
Deli Ham: Choose thinly sliced ham for easy rolling and tasty bites.
Swiss Cheese: Opt for good-quality Swiss cheese; its meltiness complements the other flavors beautifully.
Breadcrumbs: Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunchiness; they create the perfect crispy coating.
Eggs: A couple of beaten eggs will help bind the breadcrumbs to the chicken.
Flour: All-purpose flour creates a base layer before breading; it helps everything stick.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all those delicious flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking dish and spray it with nonstick cooking spray—it’s essential if you want your masterpiece to slide right out later! Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
Prepare your assembly line by setting out three shallow bowls: one with flour, another with beaten eggs, and the last with breadcrumbs. This method speeds up breading while keeping your hands relatively clean—an absolute win!
Take one chicken breast and lay it flat on your cutting board. Place slices of ham and cheese inside each breast, folding them over like a warm hug of flavors. Roll them up tightly like burritos—don’t worry if they look a bit messy; that just adds character!
Once rolled up, dip each piece first in flour (give it a nice dusting), then into the egg wash (like taking a bath), before finally coating it in breadcrumbs (the crunchy armor). Place them seam-side down in your prepared baking dish.
Pop them into the oven for 25-30 minutes or until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Your kitchen will start smelling divine! Let them rest for five minutes before slicing—this allows all those juicy flavors to settle.
Serve these delightful rolls with a side salad or some roasted vegetables for balance. Enjoy every crispy bite while basking in compliments from your loved ones—it’s practically guaranteed!
And there you have it—a mouthwatering chicken cordon bleu recipe that combines ease with elegance! Feel free to experiment with different fillings or sauces; perhaps add some mustard or herbs for an extra kick! Cooking is all about joy—enjoy crafting this dish as much as you’ll enjoy devouring it!
You Must Know
- This chicken cordon bleu recipe is a crowd-pleaser, combining crispy chicken with savory ham and gooey cheese
- The aroma fills your kitchen, making it irresistible
- Perfect for family dinners or impressing guests, this dish adds a touch of elegance to any meal
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by flattening the chicken breasts for even cooking, then assemble with ham and cheese. Sear them until golden brown before baking until fully cooked through. This ensures the chicken stays juicy while the coating remains crispy.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Swiss or pepper jack for added flavor. You can also swap out the ham for turkey or bacon to suit your taste preferences. Personalizing these ingredients can elevate your dish.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through to preserve that delightful crispiness. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the breading soggy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect chicken, pound it evenly to ensure consistent cooking
- Use quality cheese that melts well; it makes a difference in flavor and texture
- Don’t skip resting the chicken; it helps retain juices and improves flavor
Sometimes I make this dish when friends come over, and they rave about how fancy it feels—little do they know it’s simple enough for a Monday night!
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but ensure it’s completely thawed before you start cooking.
What sides pair well with chicken cordon bleu?
Mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables complement this dish perfectly.
How do I know when my chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F in the thickest part of the breast.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a delightful dish featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with savory ham and melted Swiss cheese, all encased in a crispy breadcrumb coating. This recipe is perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions, offering a spectacular presentation that will impress your family and friends. With its irresistible flavors and customizable ingredients, this meal will soon become a favorite at your dinner table.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices deli ham
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Lay them flat and place two slices of ham and some shredded cheese inside each breast. Roll tightly.
- Set up an assembly line with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs in three shallow bowls.
- Dip each rolled chicken breast into the flour, then the egg wash, followed by the breadcrumbs.
- Place seam-side down in the prepared dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let rest for five minutes before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken roll (150g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
