Chicken Cordon Bleu
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic, restaurant-quality dish featuring tender chicken breast rolled with savory ham and melted Swiss cheese, all encased in a crispy golden crust. This comforting and impressive recipe is easy to prepare using simple ingredients and can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, it delivers a delightful balance of crunchy exterior and gooey, cheesy inside.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thinly pounded to about 1/4 inch thick)
- 4 slices of ham
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
Breading and Coating
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free option)
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup bread crumbs (or gluten-free bread crumbs)
For Cooking and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil (for frying or brushing)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Optional herbs: thyme, rosemary, or paprika
- Prepare the Chicken: Carefully pound each chicken breast to an even thinness of about 1/4 inch. This ensures even cooking and makes rolling easier.
- Add the Filling: Lay each chicken breast flat and place a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on top. Add extra cheese if desired, leaving a small border around edges for sealing.
- Roll and Secure: Roll the chicken breast tightly from one side to the other, enclosing the ham and cheese. Use toothpicks if needed to keep the roll intact during cooking.
- Bread the Rolls: Set up three shallow dishes with flour, beaten eggs, and bread crumbs. Coat each chicken roll first in flour, then dip into egg, and finally coat with bread crumbs, pressing gently to ensure adhesion.
- Cook the Chicken: Fry the rolls in butter or oil over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, or bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 25-30 minutes until cooked through and crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the chicken to rest a few minutes after cooking to let juices settle and avoid burns. Remove toothpicks and slice if desired before plating.
Notes
- Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to achieve uniform chicken thickness.
- Chill rolled chicken for 15 minutes before breading to help maintain shape.
- Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding and keep oil temperature steady.
- Choose high-quality ham and cheese for the best flavor.
- For added flavor, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard inside before rolling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rolled chicken breast
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Chicken Cordon Bleu, crispy chicken, baked chicken, cheesy chicken roll, classic French dish