Chicken Cordon Bleu: A Classic Dish Made Easy

There’s something magical about the crispy, golden exterior and gooey, cheesy interior of a perfectly cooked Chicken Cordon Bleu. This dish, with its French origins, brings together tender chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese in a delightful bundle that’s as elegant as it is comforting. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a family dinner, Chicken Cordon Bleu is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Cordon Bleu

You might think that Chicken Cordon Bleu is too fancy or complicated for a home cook, but it’s easier than it looks! Here’s why this dish is worth trying:

1. Show-Stopping Presentation: The rolled-up chicken looks stunning on the plate, making it perfect for entertaining.
2. Customizable: You can experiment with different cheeses, coatings, or sauces to suit your taste.
3. Deliciously Satisfying: The combination of tender chicken, salty ham, and gooey cheese is irresistible.
4. Meal Prep-Friendly: You can prepare the chicken rolls ahead of time, making dinnertime stress-free.

Ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu

Here’s what you’ll need to make this classic dish:

Ingredient	Quantity
Ham slices	8 thin slices
Swiss cheese (sliced or shredded)	8 oz
Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)	4 (about 2 lbs)
Salt and pepper	To taste
Corn flakes cereal (crushed)	3 cups
Butter (melted)	6 tablespoons

For the Sauce:

Ingredient	Quantity
Mayonnaise	1 cup
Yellow mustard	1–2 teaspoons

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Cordon Bleu

1. Prepare the Chicken

• Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
• Use a sharp knife to slice each chicken breast in half horizontally, creating two thinner pieces.
• Place the chicken pieces between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until thin and even. Be careful not to tear the meat.

2. Assemble the Rolls

• Lay a piece of ham and a handful of Swiss cheese on each flattened chicken breast.
• Roll the chicken tightly, tucking in the sides as you go to keep the filling inside.
• Wrap each chicken roll in plastic wrap, twisting the ends to secure the shape like a tootsie roll.
• Refrigerate the wrapped chicken rolls for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours, to help them hold their shape.

3. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Lightly grease a baking sheet to prevent sticking.

4. Bread the Chicken Rolls

• Pulse the corn flakes in a food processor to create fine crumbs, then transfer them to a shallow dish or pie plate.
• Melt the butter and place it in a separate shallow dish.
• Remove the chicken rolls from the fridge, unwrap them, and season with salt and pepper.
• Dip each roll in the melted butter, then roll it in the crushed corn flakes, pressing gently to help the crumbs adhere.

5. Bake the Chicken

• Place the breaded chicken rolls on the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down.
• Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) on a meat thermometer.

6. Make the Sauce

• While the chicken bakes, whisk together the mayonnaise and mustard in a small bowl.
• Taste and adjust the mustard to your preference.

7. Serve and Enjoy

• Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
• Slice each roll diagonally for an elegant presentation and serve with the creamy mustard sauce on the side.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu

1. Choose the Right Chicken

Opt for fresh, boneless, and skinless chicken breasts for easy preparation and even cooking.

2. Keep the Rolls Tight

Wrapping the chicken tightly in plastic wrap helps the rolls hold their shape during cooking.

3. Use High-Quality Cheese

Swiss cheese is traditional, but Gruyere or provolone can add a unique twist.

4. Crush the Corn Flakes Well

Finely crushed corn flakes create a crispy coating that sticks well to the chicken.

5. Let It Rest

Allow the chicken rolls to rest for a few minutes after baking to let the juices redistribute.

Creative Variations

1. Gluten-Free Chicken Cordon Bleu

Swap the corn flakes with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers.

2. Vegetarian Cordon Bleu

Use eggplant or zucchini slices instead of chicken and fill them with ham and cheese.

3. Air Fryer Version

Cook the breaded chicken rolls in an air fryer at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

4. Add Spinach

Layer fresh spinach leaves along with the ham and cheese for added color and nutrients.

5. Cheddar and Bacon Twist

Replace the Swiss cheese with sharp cheddar and use crispy bacon instead of ham.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional value per serving (based on four servings):

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	550
Protein	38g
Carbohydrates	22g
Fat	34g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	780mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used.

What to Serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu

1. Side Dishes

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery, they pair perfectly with the crispy chicken.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add color and freshness.
• Rice Pilaf: Lightly seasoned rice balances the rich flavors of the chicken.

2. Salads

• A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette complements the dish well.
• Try a Caesar salad for a more indulgent pairing.

3. Beverages

• Pair with a chilled white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
• Non-alcoholic options like sparkling water with a slice of lemon work beautifully too.

FAQs About Chicken Cordon Bleu

1. Can I Use Chicken Tenders Instead of Breasts?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time since tenders are smaller and cook faster.

2. How Do I Prevent the Cheese from Leaking Out?

Ensure the rolls are tightly sealed, and tuck the sides in when rolling. Using toothpicks can help secure the rolls.

3. Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Prepare the chicken rolls and refrigerate them overnight. Bread and bake just before serving.

4. What Can I Use Instead of Corn Flakes?

Breadcrumbs, panko, or crushed Ritz crackers are excellent substitutes.

5. Is There a Dairy-Free Option?

Use dairy-free cheese and vegan butter for the coating.

6. How Do I Reheat Leftovers?

Reheat the chicken rolls in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to maintain their crispiness.

Your Turn to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu

Now that you know how to make this classic dish, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and try it for yourself. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner, Chicken Cordon Bleu is a recipe that delivers both elegance and comfort. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating a meal that’s as delicious as it is impressive.

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