Crispy Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

Home-Style Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crispy, golden-brown chicken cordon bleu captures the hearts of home cooks seeking a delightful dinner centerpiece.

This classic French-inspired dish blends tender chicken with creamy cheese and savory ham in a delectable combination.

Swiss cheese melts beautifully inside the chicken, creating a luxurious filling that oozes with flavor.

The breadcrumb coating delivers a satisfying crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft, rich interior.

Mastering this recipe brings restaurant-quality elegance to your home kitchen without complicated techniques.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will impress even the most discerning palates.

Dive into this mouthwatering recipe and transform an ordinary evening meal into a memorable culinary experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 3

Everything You Need For Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu

For Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breast: Select plump, fresh cuts with minimal visible fat for tender, juicy results that absorb seasonings beautifully.
For Seasoning Blend:
  • Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: Create a flavor-packed coating that enhances the chicken's natural taste and adds a warm, golden color with each sprinkling.
For Filling:
  • Ham, Swiss Cheese: Choose high-quality deli ham with a rich, smoky profile and Swiss cheese that melts smoothly, delivering a creamy, indulgent center to each rolled chicken bundle.

Tools You’ll Need For Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu

  • Large cutting board: Sturdy surface for preparing chicken.
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin: Flatten chicken breasts evenly.
  • Plastic wrap: Protect chicken while pounding.
  • Measuring spoons: Precisely measure seasonings.
  • Small bowl: Mix and blend spices.
  • Toothpicks: Optional for securing rolled chicken.
  • Baking dish: Holds chicken while cooking in oven.
  • Kitchen tongs: Easily handle and transfer chicken.

How To Make Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu

  • Chicken Preparation

Carefully flatten chicken breasts using plastic wrap, creating thin, even surfaces that will cook uniformly and absorb flavors beautifully.

  • Flavor Infusion

Sprinkle a delightful blend of seasonings across the chicken, ensuring each piece is generously coated with a balanced mix of savory spices.

  • Cheese and Ham Layer

Gently place delicate slices of ham and Swiss cheese onto the seasoned chicken, creating a luxurious inner filling that will melt and blend during cooking.

  • Elegant Roll

Skillfully transform the chicken into a compact, tight roll, securing the delicious layers inside with toothpicks to maintain its shape during baking.

  • Baking Transformation

Transfer the prepared chicken rolls into a preheated oven, allowing them to bake until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches a perfect, safe level, typically around 165°F.

  • Resting and Serving

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven, which helps redistribute the juices and ensures a moist, tender final dish. Slice and serve immediately for a spectacular meal.

Cooking Tips For Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu

  • Crispy Coating Trick: Dip each rolled chicken in beaten egg, then coat with seasoned breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy golden exterior that adds delightful texture.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Skip traditional breadcrumbs and use crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly version that keeps the dish protein-packed and delicious.
  • Cheese Swap Adventure: Experiment with different cheese types like Swiss, provolone, or gouda to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.
  • Gluten-Free Modification: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make this recipe completely accessible for those with wheat sensitivities while maintaining the classic crispy coating.

Serving Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu Hot

  • Elegant Plating Paradise: Arrange chicken cordon bleu on a pristine white plate with a delicate sprinkle of fresh parsley for color contrast.
  • Sauce Sensation: Drizzle a creamy dijon mustard sauce or light white wine reduction around the chicken, enhancing its rich flavors and adding gourmet flair.
  • Complementary Companions: Serve alongside roasted asparagus spears or a bright mixed green salad to balance the hearty protein and provide fresh vegetable elements.
  • Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the dish with a crisp chardonnay or light pinot grigio that matches the chicken's delicate cheese and ham profile.

Save And Reheat Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu

  • Refrigerator Revival: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the chicken completely before sealing to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm in oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to keep chicken crispy. Avoid microwave, which can make the coating soggy and dry out the meat.
  • Meal Prep Strategy: Prepare chicken rolls up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in refrigerator. This allows flavors to meld and saves cooking time on busy evenings.
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Crispy Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

Crispy Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Crispy Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu combines tender chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese in a golden breadcrumb coating. Home cooks can easily prepare this classic dish with simple ingredients and minimal kitchen effort.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese (or provolone)
  • 4 slices ham (thinly sliced)
  • 1 lg egg, beaten
  • ¾ cup (90 g) panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
  • ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil or melted butter
  • 1 tbsp (15 g) butter
  • 1 tbsp (8 g) flour
  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard
  • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
  • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) black pepper
  • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) garlic powder
  • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) paprika (optional, for color)
  • ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) salt
  • ¼ cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Unfold chicken breasts between plastic wrap, then flatten evenly using a meat mallet to create uniform thickness across each piece.
  2. Seasoning: Generously coat both sides of chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, massaging spices thoroughly into the meat’s surface.
  3. Layering: Place a slice of ham flat on the interior side of each chicken breast, then top with a precise slice of cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
  4. Rolling: Tightly roll the chicken from one end to the other, forming a compact cylindrical shape that completely envelops the ham and cheese filling.
  5. Securing: Position the rolled chicken with the seam facing downward, using toothpicks strategically to maintain the roll’s structure and prevent unraveling.
  6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F and transfer the prepared chicken rolls to a lightly greased baking dish, cooking for approximately 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the exterior develops a golden-brown crust.
  7. Resting: Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, tender final result.

Notes

  • Prevent Meat Tearing: Use heavy-duty plastic wrap and apply gentle, even pressure when flattening chicken to avoid creating holes or uneven surfaces.
  • Secure Rolling Technique: Insert toothpicks at slight angles to maintain roll structure and prevent filling from spilling during baking.
  • Season Generously: Massage seasonings deeply into chicken to enhance flavor absorption and create a more robust taste profile.
  • Temperature Control: Let chicken rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and more consistent cooking results.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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