Ultimate Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu: An Easy Weeknight Recipe
Indulge in the classic flavors of Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu – tender, thin chicken fillets expertly rolled with savory ham and luscious Swiss cheese, then coated in crunchy breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection. This easy recipe promises a super crispy crust and a delightfully gooey, melty cheese center every time.
There’s something truly special about a dish that combines a satisfyingly crispy exterior with a rich, molten interior. And when that dish is Chicken Cordon Bleu, you know you’re in for a real treat! Imagine biting into a golden-brown, crunchy crust, only to be met with succulent chicken, savory ham, and warm, oozing Swiss cheese. It’s a culinary experience that captures hearts and taste buds alike, making it a beloved classic around the world.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
This Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu isn’t just a fancy-sounding meal; it’s a surprisingly straightforward recipe that delivers impressive results, perfect for both special occasions and busy weeknights. Its elegance belies its simplicity, making it a go-to for home cooks looking to elevate their dinner game without spending hours in the kitchen. The key to its irresistible appeal lies in the contrast of textures and flavors: the satisfying crunch of the breading, the tender juiciness of the chicken, the salty kick of the ham, and the creamy, nutty notes of the melted Swiss cheese. It’s a complete package that promises to excite your palate.
If you’re new to the wonderful world of stuffed chicken recipes, don’t worry, this recipe is designed for success. Once you master the art of rolling, you’ll open up a whole new realm of culinary possibilities. For another incredibly flavorful and easy stuffed chicken dish, be sure to explore my Italian Stuffed Chicken – it’s packed with zest and comes together in no time at all.
What Exactly is Chicken Cordon Bleu?
The term “Cordon Bleu” literally translates from French as “blue ribbon,” and it’s traditionally associated with culinary excellence. While its exact origins are debated, the dish as we know it today generally refers to a chicken cutlet that has been pounded thin, wrapped around ham and cheese (typically Swiss), breaded, and then pan-fried or baked. It’s a versatile dish that has earned its place as a comfort food staple, celebrated for its rich flavors and comforting qualities. This recipe focuses on achieving that coveted crispy crust through a smart baking technique, making it a healthier and less messy alternative to deep-frying.
Gather Your Ingredients for Success
Before diving into the cooking process, ensure you have all these essential ingredients ready. For the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card with exact measurements, be sure to scroll to the bottom of this post!
- Thinly Sliced Chicken Breasts: The foundation of our dish. Using thinly sliced chicken ensures even cooking and makes for easier rolling. If you can’t find them pre-sliced, a regular chicken breast can be horizontally cut in half and then lightly pounded.
- Swiss Cheese: The traditional choice for Cordon Bleu, Swiss cheese melts beautifully and offers a distinctive nutty flavor that perfectly complements the ham and chicken. Feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses if Swiss isn’t your favorite!
- Sliced Ham: Quality deli ham works wonderfully here. The savory, slightly salty notes of the ham are crucial to the classic cordon bleu taste. You can also use leftover baked ham for an even richer flavor.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: This is the secret to an extra-crispy crust! Panko breadcrumbs are flakier and lighter than regular breadcrumbs, absorbing less oil and delivering a superior crunch. You can opt for seasoned Panko or plain, adding your own herbs and spices.
- Olive Oil: Used to brush the chicken before breading, the olive oil helps the breadcrumbs adhere evenly and promotes that golden, crispy texture during baking. It also adds a subtle richness to the chicken.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu
Making homemade Chicken Cordon Bleu might seem intimidating, but with our straightforward steps, you’ll achieve restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. The magic lies in a few simple techniques that ensure both a perfectly cooked interior and that coveted golden-brown, crispy exterior.
Prepping for Perfection: The Hot Pan Secret
The first crucial step to achieving maximum crispiness is to start with a hot baking pan. Place your baking dish or jelly roll pan in the oven as you preheat it to a high temperature. This initial heat transfer instantly crisps the breadcrumbs when the chicken touches the surface, preventing a soggy bottom and kickstarting that irresistible crunch. Think of it like preheating a cast iron skillet for a perfect sear – it makes all the difference!
Assembling Your Delicious Rolls
Once your chicken breasts are thinly sliced or pounded, it’s time to assemble. Lightly brush both sides of each chicken piece with olive oil. This not only adds flavor but acts as a binder for the breadcrumbs. Next, generously dredge the oiled chicken in your Panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even and thorough coating. The more breadcrumbs, the crispier the result! Lay a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on each breaded chicken piece. Carefully roll the chicken tightly, ensuring the fillings are securely encased. Place the rolled chicken seam-side down on your preheated baking sheet – this helps to seal the roll and prevent it from unraveling during baking.
Baking to Golden Crispy Perfection
Bake the chicken rolls until they are mostly cooked through, which takes about 8 minutes at a high temperature. The high heat works quickly to cook the chicken and begin browning the breadcrumbs. For that final, irresistible golden-brown crust and extra crunch, briefly switch your oven to broiler mode for the last couple of minutes. Keep a close eye on them during this stage, as broilers can quickly go from perfectly golden to burnt. Once the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165ºF (74ºC) and the crust is beautifully browned, they are ready to be served immediately. This two-stage cooking ensures juicy chicken with a truly crispy exterior.
- Preheat Oven & Pan: Place a jelly roll pan or baking dish in the oven. Preheat your oven to 500º F (260ºC) and leave the pan inside while it heats. This creates an initial hot surface for instant crisping.
- Prepare Chicken: Lightly brush both sides of each thinly sliced chicken breast with olive oil. Generously dredge the chicken in Panko breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coat.
- Assemble Rolls: Place one slice of ham and one slice of Swiss cheese on each breaded chicken piece. Roll each piece tightly, starting from one end. Secure with toothpicks if needed to prevent unrolling.
- Bake: Once the oven and pan are hot, carefully place the assembled chicken rolls seam-side down on the preheated baking sheet.
- Initial Bake: Bake for 8 minutes at 500º F.
- Broil for Crispiness: Turn on the broiler and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165º F / 74ºC). Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove from oven, let rest for a minute, then serve immediately.
Expert Tips & Delicious Variations for Your Cordon Bleu
While this recipe is incredibly easy, a few expert tips can elevate your Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu from great to absolutely unforgettable. Plus, don’t be afraid to get creative with variations!
- Achieving Ultimate Crispy Chicken: The secret truly lies in that super hot pan and the olive oil. The high temperature creates an immediate sear, locking in moisture and ensuring the breadcrumbs get super crispy without becoming greasy. Patting the chicken dry before oiling also helps the breadcrumbs adhere better, leading to a more consistent crunch. Since the chicken is thin and the heat is high, it cooks surprisingly fast, so keep an eye on it!
- Cheese, Please! Customizing Your Filling: While Swiss cheese is traditional, don’t limit yourself! Gruyere offers a similar nutty profile but with more depth. Provolone provides a milder, stretchier melt, while a blend of fontina and mozzarella could also be delicious. For a bolder flavor, consider adding a thin slice of smoked Gouda.
- Ham Choices and Beyond: Deli-sliced ham is convenient and works perfectly. If you have leftover Baked Ham, this is an excellent opportunity to put it to delicious use! For a slightly different flavor, try thinly sliced prosciutto or even turkey ham for a lighter option.
- Prepping Your Chicken Breasts: Many grocery stores now offer pre-sliced thin chicken breasts, which are a fantastic time-saver. If you have larger chicken breasts, simply place them on a cutting board, hold your hand flat on top, and carefully slice horizontally through the middle to create two thinner cutlets. For extra thinness, you can then place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them gently with a meat mallet or a heavy pan until they are about 1/4 inch thick. This ensures quick and even cooking.
- Securing Your Rolls: Sometimes the rolls want to unravel. Don’t hesitate to use one or two wooden toothpicks to secure the seam. Just remember to remove them before serving! Alternatively, you can tie them with kitchen twine.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This recipe is great for meal prepping! You can assemble the chicken cordon bleu rolls up to a day in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator on a baking sheet. When ready to cook, proceed with step 1, placing them directly onto the preheated pan from the fridge (you may need to add a minute or two to the baking time).
- Freezing for Later: For an even longer-term solution, assemble the rolls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. To cook from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then follow the cooking instructions.
I truly appreciate how simple and versatile this chicken cordon bleu recipe is. It’s one of those reliable dishes where I almost always have the ingredients on hand, making it my ideal choice for a satisfying and impressive dinner any night of the week.
Elevate Your Meal: Delicious Side Dishes for Cordon Bleu
This chicken dinner is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with the right side dishes can truly enhance the experience. Take advantage of your hot oven and consider roasting some vegetables alongside your chicken, or choose any of your favorite accompaniments. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned and roasted until tender-crisp, asparagus offers a fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich chicken.
- Crispy Smashed Potatoes: With their crunchy exterior and fluffy interior, smashed potatoes are a perfect textural match for crispy chicken.
- Parmesan Garlic Roasted Edamame: A unique and flavorful side that’s packed with protein and a delightful savory kick.
- Loaded Baked Potatoes: A classic comfort food pairing, offering a creamy, satisfying counterpoint to the crispy chicken.
- Simple Green Salad: A light, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the dish, adding a refreshing element.
- Rice Pilaf or Quinoa: For a carb that absorbs flavors well, a fluffy rice pilaf or healthy quinoa can be an excellent choice.
Craving More? Explore Our Easy Chicken Dinner Recipes
Chicken is a versatile ingredient that forms the basis of countless delicious meals. If you enjoyed this Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu, you’re sure to love these other simple yet flavorful chicken dinner ideas. Each one is designed to be easy to prepare, making them perfect for any day of the week!
- Chicken Pot Pie Noodles
- Chicken Madeira
- Chicken Fajitas
- Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken
- Creamy Chicken and Rice
Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu
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Equipment
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Small Sheet Pan
Ingredients
- 4 thinly sliced chicken breasts, pounded thin
- 4 slices swiss cheese
- 4 slices ham
- 1/2 cup Italian Panko Crumbs, (or bread crumbs)
- Olive oil
Instructions
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Place a jelly roll pan in the oven. Preheat to 500º F (260ºC). Leave the pan in the oven while it heats.
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Brush both sides of the chicken with olive oil. Dredge in the bread crumbs, pressing to coat evenly.4 thinly sliced chicken breasts, Olive oil, 1/2 cup Italian Panko Crumbs
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Place a piece of ham and a piece of cheese on each piece of chicken. Roll tightly, securing with toothpicks if desired.4 slices swiss cheese, 4 slices ham
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Once the oven is hot, carefully place chicken, seam side down, on the preheated baking sheet.
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Bake for 8 minutes.
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Turn on the broiler, and cook for 2 more minutes until browned and the chicken is fully cooked (165ºF / 74ºC internal temperature). Watch closely to prevent burning.
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Remove from oven and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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