Easy Crispy Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu: Your Ultimate Guide to a Delicious Dinner

Get ready to indulge in a dish that perfectly balances elegant flavor with weeknight simplicity: **Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu**. Imagine tender, thinly sliced chicken breasts, lovingly wrapped around slices of flavorful ham and creamy, melty Swiss cheese. Each roll is then coated in a golden, crunchy breadcrumb crust and baked to perfection. The moment you slice into it, revealing that irresistible cascade of gooey cheese, you’ll know you’ve created something truly special.

This recipe transforms a classic into an accessible masterpiece, proving that you don’t need to be a gourmet chef to enjoy restaurant-quality meals at home. Our method focuses on achieving that coveted crispy exterior and juicy interior, making it a guaranteed family favorite.

Unveiling the Classic: What is Chicken Cordon Bleu?

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a beloved dish with roots often traced back to Swiss or French culinary traditions. The name “Cordon Bleu,” meaning “blue ribbon,” historically referred to a prestigious order of knighthood and later became synonymous with high culinary standards. The dish itself typically involves a thin cutlet of meat (traditionally veal, but often chicken) filled with ham and cheese, then breaded and cooked.

Our recipe embraces the delicious simplicity of this classic, focusing on chicken breasts for a lighter, more accessible rendition. The combination of the chicken’s lean protein, the smoky notes of ham, and the distinctive flavor of Swiss cheese creates a symphony of tastes and textures that has stood the test of time. By opting for baking, we achieve a healthier profile without sacrificing any of the satisfying crispiness.

Why This Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe Will Be Your New Favorite

• Achieve Unmatched Crispiness: Our unique baking method, starting with a hot pan, guarantees an incredibly crunchy, golden Panko crust every single time. Forget soggy breading – this is pure crisp perfection!
• Effortless Elegance: This dish looks sophisticated and tastes gourmet, yet it requires minimal effort and simple ingredients. It’s perfect for impressing guests or elevating a casual family dinner.
• Quick & Convenient: With a prep time of just 5 minutes and a cook time of around 10 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal on the table fast.
• Irresistible Flavor Combination: The savory ham and rich, gooey Swiss cheese encased in tender chicken breast offer a harmonious blend of flavors that is truly satisfying.
• Customization at Your Fingertips: Easily adapt the type of cheese, ham, or even the breadcrumb seasoning to suit your personal preferences or what you have on hand.

If you’re eager to explore more delicious ways to prepare chicken, especially stuffed varieties, then you’re in the right place! After mastering this Cordon Bleu, be sure to check out my Italian Stuffed Chicken recipe. It’s another incredibly easy and flavorful option that will become a go-to in your recipe collection.

Gather Your Ingredients: What You’ll Need

You’ll find precise measurements and complete instructions in the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card located at the bottom of this post.

• Thinly Sliced Chicken Breasts: The key to quick cooking and easy rolling. Most grocery stores carry pre-sliced chicken cutlets, but you can also butterfly larger chicken breasts and pound them thin yourself for perfect uniformity.
• Swiss Cheese: The traditional choice, offering a delightfully nutty flavor and melting beautifully. For a slight variation, try Gruyère, provolone, or even a mild cheddar.
• Sliced Ham: High-quality deli ham works best. Opt for thinly sliced varieties that are easy to roll. This recipe is also a brilliant way to use up leftover Baked Ham, adding a wonderful depth of flavor.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are essential for the “crispy” in Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu! Their light, airy texture provides a superior crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs. Feel free to use Italian seasoned Panko or add your own blend of herbs and spices (garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, a pinch of paprika) to plain Panko.
• Olive Oil: Used to coat the chicken, ensuring the breadcrumbs adhere well and promoting that gorgeous golden-brown, crispy crust during baking. A light or extra virgin olive oil works perfectly.

Mastering the Art: How to Make Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu

Creating this impressive dish is simpler than you might imagine. Follow these steps for perfect results every time:

1. Preheat Oven with Pan: Begin by placing an empty baking dish or jelly roll pan into your oven. Preheat the oven to a high temperature, ideally 500ºF (260ºC). Allowing the pan to heat up with the oven is crucial for creating that instant crispiness when the chicken hits the hot surface.
2. Prepare Chicken Breasts: If your chicken breasts aren’t already thinly sliced, butterfly them open and gently pound them to an even 1/4-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and makes them easier to roll.
3. Coat the Chicken: Lightly brush both sides of each chicken breast with olive oil. This step helps the breadcrumbs stick. Next, generously dredge each piece of chicken in the Panko breadcrumbs, pressing firmly to ensure an even and complete coating.
4. Assemble the Cordon Bleu: Lay one slice of ham and one slice of Swiss cheese on top of each breaded chicken breast. Carefully roll each chicken breast tightly from one end to the other. Secure the roll with one or two toothpicks to prevent it from unraveling during baking.
5. Bake for Crispiness: Once the oven and baking pan are scorching hot, carefully arrange the chicken rolls, seam-side down, onto the preheated baking sheet. This orientation helps to keep the filling secure and prevents cheese from leaking out.
6. Bake and Broil: Bake the chicken for approximately 8 minutes. After this initial bake, switch your oven to the broiler setting. Broil for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching carefully, until the crust is beautifully golden brown and extra crispy, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165ºF (74ºC).
7. Serve Immediately: Remove the chicken from the oven. Carefully remove any toothpicks before serving your perfectly crispy and cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu!

Pro Tips & Delicious Variations for Success

Unlock the full potential of your Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu with these helpful tips and creative ideas:

• The Secret to the Crispiest Crust: As mentioned in the steps, the key to an ultra-crispy crust lies in two things: a preheated baking pan and a generous coating of olive oil on the chicken before breading. The hot pan sears the breadcrumbs instantly, preventing sogginess, while the oil helps them crisp up to a perfect golden brown. Don’t underestimate these simple but effective techniques!
• Cheese, Your Way: While Swiss cheese is the traditional star, feel free to customize! Provolone, mozzarella, or even a sharp white cheddar can be fantastic alternatives. For a richer, more complex flavor, try combining Swiss with a small amount of Parmesan or Gruyère.
• Ham Substitutions & Upgrades: Any good quality thinly sliced deli ham will work beautifully. If you have leftover holiday ham, this recipe is an ingenious way to give it a delicious second life. For a gourmet touch, consider using prosciutto. For a lighter option, thin-sliced smoked turkey breast can also be a tasty substitute.
• Pounding Chicken for Perfection: If you can’t find thinly sliced chicken breasts, it’s easy to make your own. Place a boneless, skinless chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or the flat side of a heavy pan, gently pound the chicken until it’s about 1/4-inch thick. This ensures even cooking and makes the chicken pliable for rolling.
• Prevent Cheese Leakage: Rolling the chicken tightly and placing it seam-side down on the hot baking sheet are crucial steps. You can also use one or two toothpicks to secure the rolls, especially if they seem prone to unfurling. Just remember to remove them before serving!
• Don’t Overcrowd Your Pan: Ensure there’s ample space between each chicken roll on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can lead to steaming, which prevents the breadcrumbs from getting crispy. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
• Make Ahead & Freeze: This recipe is great for meal prep! Assemble the chicken cordon bleu rolls (without baking), wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until cooked through, then finish under the broiler for crispiness.

I truly appreciate how effortlessly this chicken cordon bleu recipe comes together. With ingredients often already in my pantry, it’s become my go-to for a delicious, satisfying meal any night of the week.

What to Serve with Your Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu

This flavorful chicken dinner pairs beautifully with a wide array of side dishes. Since your oven will already be hot, it’s a perfect opportunity to roast some complementary vegetables or potatoes. Here are some fantastic suggestions to complete your meal:

• Roasted Asparagus: A simple yet elegant choice. Tossing fresh asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roasting until tender-crisp provides a healthy and vibrant contrast to the rich chicken.
• Crispy Smashed Potatoes: For another layer of incredible crunch, these potatoes are a phenomenal option. Boil small potatoes until tender, gently smash them, then roast with olive oil until golden and irresistibly crispy.
• Parmesan Garlic Roasted Edamame: A unique and protein-packed side that’s bursting with savory flavors. The garlic and Parmesan wonderfully complement the Cordon Bleu.
• Loaded Baked Potatoes: For a more hearty and comforting meal, a classic loaded baked potato with sour cream, chives, and bacon bits makes an excellent companion.
• Simple Green Salad: A light, fresh mixed green salad with a zesty vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance to the richness of the chicken.
• Steamed Green Beans with Toasted Almonds: A quick and classic vegetable side that adds both color and texture.
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Sometimes, nothing beats a classic. Smooth, buttery mashed potatoes are always a welcome addition.

Craving More Easy Chicken Dinners? Explore These Favorites!

Chicken is an incredibly versatile protein, making it a go-to for countless delicious meals. If you enjoyed preparing and savoring this Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu, then you’ll absolutely love exploring more of our fuss-free and flavorful easy chicken dinner recipes. Expand your culinary repertoire with these proven winners:

• Chicken Pot Pie Noodles: All the comforting, savory flavors of a classic chicken pot pie, but in a fun, easy-to-make noodle dish that comes together in a fraction of the time.
• Chicken Madeira: Impress with this elegant dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, mushroom, and Madeira wine sauce. It tastes fancy but is surprisingly simple.
• Easy Chicken Fajitas: Get that sizzling restaurant experience at home with these flavorful, customizable chicken fajitas. Perfect for a vibrant and interactive family meal.
• Garlic Tomato Baked Chicken: A rustic and hearty baked chicken dish bursting with the aromatic goodness of garlic and the sweet tang of roasted tomatoes. Minimal prep, maximum flavor!
• Creamy Chicken and Rice: A ultimate one-pot comfort food. This stovetop recipe delivers creamy, tender chicken and rice in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze.

5 from 1 vote

Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu

By

Erin Sellin

Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu – thin pieces of chicken with slices of Swiss cheese and sliced ham. Roll them up and dip in bread crumbs for a super crispy crust.

Prep:

5 minutes
mins

Cook:

10 minutes
mins

Total:

15 minutes
mins

Servings:
4

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Equipment

• 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

• Place a jelly roll pan in the oven. Preheat to 500º F. Leave the pan in the oven while it heats.
• Brush both sides of the chicken with olive oil. Dredge in the bread crumbs.
  4 thinly sliced chicken breasts,
  Olive oil,
  1/2 cup Italian Panko Crumbs
• Place a piece of ham and a piece of cheese on each piece of chicken. Roll tightly, securing with toothpicks.
  4 slices swiss cheese,
  4 slices ham
• Once the oven is hot, place chicken, seam side down on baking sheet.
• Bake for 8 minutes.
• Turn on the broiler, and cook for 2 more minutes until browned and chicken is fully cooked, 165º internal temperature.
• Remove from oven and serve immediately.

Notes

Recipe Adapted From Cooking Light

Nutrition

Calories:
510
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
15
g

|

Protein:
62
g

|

Fat:
21
g

|

Saturated Fat:
8
g

|

Polyunsaturated Fat:
10
g

|

Cholesterol:
171
mg

|

Sodium:
947
mg

|

Fiber:
1
g

|

Sugar:
2
g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:

Erin Sellin

Prep Time:

5 minutes
minutes

Cook Time:

10 minutes
minutes

Total Time:

15 minutes
minutes

Course:
Dinner Recipes

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
4

Calories:
510

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