There’s something magical about a dish that wraps tender chicken around ham and gooey cheese, and then gets baked until golden perfection. Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu delivers all that goodness with a crispy exterior and melty interior that makes your taste buds dance. Imagine slicing into that warm, inviting chicken to reveal savory layers of ham and cheese, releasing an aroma that can make any dinner feel like a five-star restaurant experience.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use frozen chicken breasts for Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu?
- What sides pair well with Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu?
- How do I know when my chicken is fully cooked?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I still remember the first time I served Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu at a family gathering. The delighted squeals from my younger cousins as they dug in were priceless. It’s the kind of meal you want to share with loved ones on special occasions or just as a treat after a long week. You can feel the excitement build as everyone anticipates that first bite of flavor-packed goodness.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu is incredibly simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings
- The rich flavors blend seamlessly, creating a deliciously satisfying meal
- It looks stunning on your dinner plate with its beautiful golden crust
- This recipe is versatile enough to adapt with different cheeses or additional spices based on your taste preferences
Every time I serve this dish, my family can’t help but rave about it for days afterwards.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: For more inspiration, check out this more delicious recipes.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use three or four chicken breasts, depending on your hungry guests’ appetite.
- Deli Ham: Thinly sliced ham works best; look for quality options for maximum flavor.
- Swiss Cheese: Opt for good melting cheese; Swiss adds a nutty flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These give the chicken an extra crunchy texture; they’re lighter than regular breadcrumbs.
- Eggs: Two large eggs help bind everything together nicely; whisk them before coating the chicken.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is perfect for dredging; it helps create that lovely golden crust when baked.
- Salt and Pepper: Don’t forget these essentials to enhance the flavors throughout the dish.
For the Sauce:
- Mustard Sauce: A simple mustard sauce can elevate this dish; mix Dijon mustard with honey for sweetness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grab a baking dish while you’re at it. Lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray so your masterpiece doesn’t stick! For more inspiration, check out this helpful cooking tips recipe.
Prepare the Chicken: Lay each chicken breast flat and gently pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures they cook evenly and become tender.
Dredge in Flour: Season flour with salt and pepper, then coat each chicken breast well in the mixture. This step adds flavor and helps the egg adhere better.
Add Ham and Cheese: Layer slices of ham and cheese right on top of each floured chicken breast. Roll them up tightly like little burritos, keeping all those delicious ingredients tucked inside.
Coat with Eggs: Dip each rolled chicken into beaten eggs thoroughly before rolling them in panko breadcrumbs—this creates a delightful crunch when baked.
Bake to Perfection: Arrange your rolled-up masterpieces in the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown on top.
This magical combination will have your kitchen smelling delightful while it bakes!
Serve hot with a side of veggies or over pasta if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy every last bite as you relish in its crispy, cheesy glory!
You Must Know
- Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu is a delightful twist on the classic recipe, but it’s also an easy meal prep option
- The inviting aroma of baked chicken and melted cheese fills your kitchen, turning dinner into a gourmet experience
- Pair it with a fresh salad for a complete meal
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by prepping your chicken and assembling all ingredients. Bake at 375°F for about 30-35 minutes until golden and crispy.
Add Your Touch
Consider swapping ham for turkey or adding spinach for extra flavor. Experiment with different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For best results, pound chicken evenly so it cooks uniformly
- Use toothpicks to secure rolls tightly, preventing cheese from oozing out
- Let the dish rest after baking for juicier chicken and better flavors
Baking this dish brings back memories of family gatherings where everyone fought over the last piece—who knew chicken could cause such chaos?
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Yes, just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking for even baking.
What sides pair well with Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Serve with steamed vegetables or a light pasta salad to complement the dish.
How do I know when my chicken is fully cooked?
Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s safe to eat.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, savory ham, and gooey cheese, all baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your dining table, making it ideal for family gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz deli ham, thinly sliced
- 8 oz Swiss cheese, sliced
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Evenly pound each chicken breast to about 1/2 inch thick for uniform cooking.
- Season flour with salt and pepper; coat each chicken breast in the flour mixture.
- Layer ham and cheese on each breast, then roll tightly.
- Dip rolls in beaten eggs and coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Place in the baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg