Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic dish that combines tender chicken, savory ham, and gooey cheese, all rolled up and baked to perfection. This easy Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe simplifies the traditional method without sacrificing the delicious flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress with its elegant presentation and irresistible taste. Follow along to learn how to make this comforting and flavorful meal in your own kitchen.
Ingredients for Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 slices ham (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Toothpicks (optional, for securing)
How to Make Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Prepare chicken breasts: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Assemble the Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Layer with cheese and ham: Lay a slice of Swiss cheese and a slice of ham on top of each chicken breast.
- Roll up: Starting from one end, roll up each chicken breast tightly, securing the ends with toothpicks if necessary to hold the roll together.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Rolls
- Prepare breading station: In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour mixed with paprika in the first dish, beaten eggs in the second dish, and breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese in the third dish.
- Coat the chicken: Dredge each chicken roll in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Brown the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken rolls and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. This step helps to seal in the flavors and create a crispy exterior.
- Transfer to baking dish: Transfer the browned chicken rolls to the prepared baking dish.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Remove toothpicks if used and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.
About the Main Ingredients
Chicken Breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the foundation of this dish. Pounding them to an even thickness ensures they cook evenly and remain tender. Chicken breasts are a lean source of protein and provide a neutral base for the delicious fillings of ham and cheese.
Swiss Cheese and Ham
Swiss cheese adds a creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor to the Chicken Cordon Bleu. It melts beautifully when baked, enveloping the chicken and ham in gooey goodness. Thinly sliced ham contributes a savory element and complements the cheese perfectly.
Breadcrumbs and Parmesan Cheese
Breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese create a crispy and golden-brown crust when baked. This breading adds texture and enhances the overall flavor of the dish, giving it a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Paprika
Paprika adds a subtle smokiness and a hint of color to the flour coating. It complements the flavors of the chicken and enhances the visual appeal of the dish.
This easy Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe is a wonderful way to elevate a weeknight dinner or impress guests with minimal effort. With its tender chicken, gooey cheese, and savory ham, this dish offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Serve it alongside your favorite sides or a crisp salad for a complete meal that everyone will love. Enjoy the comfort and satisfaction of homemade Chicken Cordon Bleu any day of the week!
