Introduction
I’ll be honest with you—I used to think Chicken Cordon Bleu was one of those fancy restaurant meals that belonged behind glass, guarded by a French chef and a velvet rope. That was, until I made my own version at home—creamy, comforting, and surprisingly simple. And just like that, it became a regular guest at my dinner table.
The first time I tried this recipe, it was a bit of an experiment. I swapped out the traditional pork-based ham with chicken ham, added a creamy sauce because, well, everything’s better with a sauce, and baked it instead of frying. The result? Golden, juicy chicken with melty cheese inside and a rich, creamy topping that made me feel like I was dining somewhere expensive—but in pajamas.
What I love about this version is that it doesn’t require a culinary degree or a sous chef. It just needs a few simple ingredients, a little layering, and a hot oven. The crispy coating, the gooey melted cheese, and that creamy sauce—it all just works. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever waited so long.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Versatile
You can serve this dish on a weeknight or dress it up for a special dinner. It pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Budget-Friendly
Despite its fancy reputation, this recipe uses everyday ingredients. It’s an affordable way to impress guests or treat yourself without spending a fortune.
Ingredients for the Recipe
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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4 slices of chicken ham
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4 slices of Swiss cheese
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1 cup breadcrumbs
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½ cup grated parmesan cheese
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1 egg
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2 tablespoons milk
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)
For the creamy sauce:
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1 cup milk
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½ cup grated parmesan cheese
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make This Recipe
You don’t need a culinary degree to make this Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu. It’s baked instead of fried, stuffed with savory chicken ham and gooey Swiss cheese, and finished with a smooth parmesan cream sauce that ties everything together. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a dish that’s elegant, yet totally doable on a weeknight.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Chicken Breasts
Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness—about ½ inch thick. This step helps it cook evenly and makes rolling easier.
3. Layer the Filling
Remove the top layer of plastic wrap. Lay one slice of chicken ham and one slice of Swiss cheese on top of each pounded chicken breast. Make sure the ham and cheese stay centered to prevent leaking during baking.
4. Roll and Secure
Starting from the short side, tightly roll up each chicken breast, enclosing the filling. Tuck in the sides if possible to keep the cheese from escaping. Use toothpicks to secure the ends or tie each roll with kitchen twine.
5. Prepare the Breading Station
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. In a second bowl, mix breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Dip each chicken roll first into the egg mixture, then coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure every inch is covered for a golden, crispy finish.
6. Bake the Chicken
Place the breaded chicken rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil or spray with cooking spray. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 75°C or 165°F) and the breadcrumbs are golden and crisp.
7. Make the Creamy Sauce
While the chicken bakes, prepare the creamy sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour to form a roux and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps. Continue to cook, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens—about 3–4 minutes. Add the parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
8. Assemble and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked, remove the toothpicks or twine and place each roll on a plate. Spoon the warm creamy sauce generously over the top. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Quick and Easy
Despite its fancy appearance, this version of Chicken Cordon Bleu is truly quick and manageable. Using the oven cuts down on mess and effort. There’s no oil to heat, no splatter to clean. You can even prep the chicken rolls ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Making the sauce is also quick. It’s based on a simple roux, thickened with milk and parmesan, which comes together in less than 10 minutes. You don’t need to stand over the stove forever—just whisk, melt, and pour.
Customizable
This recipe is easy to tweak to suit your taste. Don’t like Swiss cheese? Try mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone. Want to add herbs? Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or thyme into the breadcrumb mixture for an herby crust.
You can also make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour. Or lighten it up by using low-fat cheese and milk in the sauce. The result may be slightly different in texture, but the flavor will still shine.
Prefer individual portions? Slice each chicken roll into pinwheels before baking for a fun, appetizer-style twist. Or double the recipe and store extras for easy lunches.
Perfect for Guests
When you want to impress without stressing, this dish is your answer. It looks fancy, it tastes indulgent, and it makes people feel special. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a crisp green salad, and you’ve got a plate that rivals any fine dining experience.
You can even prepare everything in advance—roll, bread, and refrigerate the chicken in the morning, then bake and make the sauce just before serving. That way, you’re not stuck in the kitchen when your guests arrive. Instead, you can sip on a sparkling mocktail and enjoy the compliments.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I prepare Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble and bread the chicken rolls up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator and bake them when you’re ready. This makes it ideal for entertaining or busy weeknights.
What if I don’t have Swiss cheese?
No problem. Mozzarella, provolone, or even mild cheddar can be used instead. Just choose a cheese that melts well.
Can I air fry the chicken rolls instead of baking?
Yes. Place the breaded rolls in the air fryer basket and cook at 180°C (360°F) for 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F).
Is there a way to make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour blend for the sauce. Everything else in the recipe remains the same.
What side dishes pair well with this meal?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, steamed green beans, or a crisp garden salad all complement this dish beautifully. A simple garlic rice pilaf is also a great option.