Golden Crispy Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe For Dinner
Tender chicken breasts stuffed with savory ham and creamy swiss cheese create a delightful cordon bleu dish that promises pure culinary magic.
Golden-brown panko breadcrumbs add an irresistible crunch to this classic recipe.
Baking instead of frying makes this version lighter and healthier without sacrificing flavor.
The combination of salty ham and melted cheese nestled inside perfectly seasoned chicken creates a mouthwatering meal.
Each bite delivers a delicate balance of textures and rich, comforting flavors that will impress everyone at the dinner table.
This streamlined recipe transforms an elegant restaurant favorite into an easy home-cooked masterpiece.
Prepare to elevate your weeknight dinner with this simple yet sophisticated dish that never fails to delight.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories: 490 kcal
Servings: 4
Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu Breakdown
For Chicken Base:
Chicken Breasts: Lean protein powerhouse that serves as the star of this dish, look for plump, even-sized breasts for consistent cooking.
Black Pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor, freshly ground offers the most vibrant taste.
Salt: Enhances natural chicken flavors, use sea salt or kosher salt for better texture.
For Filling and Wrapping:
Swiss Cheese: Creamy, nutty cheese that melts beautifully, choose high-quality block cheese for best results.
Black Forest Ham: Rich, smoky meat that brings a luxurious flavor profile, select thinly sliced deli-style ham.
For Coating and Crunch:
Breadcrumbs: Creates a golden, crispy exterior, panko breadcrumbs provide the ultimate crunchy texture.
Dijon Mustard: Adds tangy complexity and helps breadcrumbs adhere to chicken, opt for smooth, high-quality mustard.
Dried Parsley: Introduces a subtle herbal note and visual appeal, dried works better than fresh for even distribution.
Olive Oil: Helps breadcrumbs crisp up and adds a light richness, extra virgin provides the best flavor.
Paprika: Brings warmth and a beautiful reddish hue, sweet or smoked varieties work well.
Tools for That Cheesy, Crispy Bake
Large baking dish: A spacious, oven-safe dish for baking the chicken.
Parchment paper: Optional lining to prevent sticking and easy cleanup.
Meat mallet or rolling pin: Helps flatten chicken breasts evenly.
Sharp knife: For precise cutting and trimming chicken.
Cutting board: Clean surface for preparing ingredients.
Toothpicks or kitchen twine: Secures the chicken rolls during baking.
Shallow dish: For breading the chicken with breadcrumbs.
Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient amounts.
Steps to Perfect Cordon Bleu Layers
Warm Up the Oven Prepare your kitchen by heating the oven to a perfect golden-brown temperature and getting a baking dish ready with a quick spray of cooking oil or a parchment paper lining.
Butterfly and Stuff the Chicken Cut each chicken breast open like a book, creating a wide surface for filling. Layer slices of ham and Swiss cheese inside the chicken, making sure they're evenly spread.
Seal and Coat the Chicken Gently fold the chicken closed, tucking the ham and cheese inside. Dip each chicken breast into beaten eggs, then roll in a mixture of breadcrumbs and your favorite herbs for a crunchy exterior.
Bake to Perfection Place the prepared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let the magic happen. Bake until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, typically around 25-30 minutes.
Rest and Serve Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and delicious. Slice and serve hot, revealing the melty cheese and ham inside.
Switch Up the Fillings and Coat
Crispy Coating Pro Tip: Crush cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs extra fine for an ultra-crunchy exterior that locks in moisture and adds delightful texture.
Cheese Melt Magic: Use Swiss or Gruyère cheese for authentic flavor, ensuring it's thinly sliced to help it melt perfectly inside the chicken without creating large pockets.
Low-Carb Transformation: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly version that maintains the classic crispy coating.
Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground gluten-free crackers to make the dish accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
Flavor Boosters: Experiment with adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the breadcrumb mixture, or sprinkle smoked paprika for an extra depth of flavor that elevates the classic recipe.
How to Serve Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu
Elegant Dinner Plate: Serve this golden-crusted chicken alongside a vibrant mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing for a balanced meal.
Hearty Side Companion: Pair the chicken with roasted asparagus or creamy mashed potatoes to complement the rich flavors of the cheese and ham filling.
Wine Pairing Delight: Choose a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness and enhance the delicate flavors of the chicken cordon bleu.
Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top to add a pop of color and a bright, fresh finish to the dish.
Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken cordon bleu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the crispy coating remains as delicious as possible.
Freezing Wisdom: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for convenient storage up to 2 months, perfect for quick future meals.
Reheating Magic: Restore crispiness by warming in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes, which helps maintain the original texture better than microwave heating.
Prep-Ahead Brilliance: Assemble the chicken rolls earlier in the day and refrigerate, covered, allowing flavors to meld and making dinnertime preparation faster and smoother.
Savory baked chicken cordon bleu brings Swiss and French culinary traditions together in one delightful dish. Ham and Swiss cheese nestled inside golden chicken create a satisfying meal that delights home cooks and dinner guests alike.
Ingredients
Scale
4 oz Swiss cheese (or Gruyere)
4 slices ham
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 large eggs, beaten
½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup (240 milliliters) breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
½ cup (120 milliliters) all-purpose flour
2 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.
Chicken Preparation: Butterfly chicken breasts horizontally, creating a flat surface for stuffing without completely separating the halves.
Filling Assembly: Layer Swiss cheese and ham inside the opened chicken breast, distributing evenly across the interior.
Rolling Technique: Carefully roll the chicken breast to encase the filling, securing with toothpicks to prevent unraveling during cooking.
Coating Creation: Mix breadcrumbs with dried herbs to develop a flavorful, crisp exterior coating.
Breading Process: Dip each chicken roll into whisked eggs, ensuring complete coverage, then coat thoroughly with the herbed breadcrumb mixture.
Baking: Arrange breaded chicken rolls in the prepared baking dish, allowing space between pieces for optimal heat circulation.
Cooking: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the exterior turns golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Finishing: Remove toothpicks and let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes to preserve moisture and enhance serving ease.
Notes
Maintain Precise Chicken Thickness: Slice chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
Control Moisture Levels: Pat chicken breasts dry before butterflying to help breadcrumbs adhere better and achieve a crispier exterior.
Secure Filling Technique: Use sturdy toothpicks or kitchen twine to prevent cheese and ham from leaking during baking, maintaining a neat presentation.
Adapt for Dietary Needs: Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives or almond meal for low-carb or celiac-friendly variations, ensuring the same delicious crispy coating.
Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
Food styling and photography for digital platforms.
Education
Box Hill Institute, Melbourne
Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.
William Angliss Institute, Melbourne
Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.
Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes.
Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.
Jenna Hartley
Founder & Recipe Creator
Expertise
Education
Box Hill Institute, Melbourne
William Angliss Institute, Melbourne
Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes.
Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.