There’s something about Chicken Cordon Bleu that makes it feel fancier than your average chicken dinner. Maybe it’s the French name, the crispy golden crust, or that satisfying moment when you slice in and gooey cheese oozes out. Whatever the reason, this dish has been a go-to for home cooks and restaurant chefs alike for decades.
But let’s be honest—traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu can be a bit of a headache. Pounding chicken into submission, rolling it into tight spirals, and deep-frying it can turn dinner into a culinary workout. That’s why we’re taking the easy route today with a baked version that’s just as crispy, just as delicious, and way less stressful.
Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or to impress guests, this easy Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe is going to become a staple in your kitchen. Plus, we’ll throw in tips for a casserole variation, air fryer instructions, and a killer mustard cream sauce that’ll make you want to lick your plate clean.
Want another crispy chicken recipe? Try this Air Fryer Chicken Breast for an easy weeknight meal.
What is Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes Chicken Cordon Bleu so special. The name might sound fancy, but at its core, this dish is simply a breaded, stuffed chicken breast filled with ham and cheese.
- “Cordon Bleu” literally means “blue ribbon” in French, symbolizing top-notch quality.
- While often associated with France, the dish actually has Swiss origins (think schnitzel meets cheesy chicken).
- It’s traditionally deep-fried, but we’re keeping things lighter by baking it instead.
Essentially, it’s a chicken dish that combines crispy, juicy, cheesy, and smoky flavors in every bite. And who doesn’t love that?
Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices ham (honey-glazed or smoked for extra flavor)
- 4 slices Swiss or Gruyère cheese
For the Coating
Method 1: Super Easy (No Mess!)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Method 2: Classic Dredge (Extra Crunchy)
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Optional Mustard Cream Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ½ cup heavy cream
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Take a boneless, skinless chicken breast and cut a deep pocket into the side. Don’t cut all the way through! Think of it like creating a little cheese-and-ham hideout inside the chicken.
Next, roll the cheese inside the ham slices—this trick helps keep the cheese from melting out everywhere. Stuff the ham-cheese roll into the pocket, then secure the edges with toothpicks to keep everything snug.
Step 2: Choose Your Coating Method
Super Easy Method (No Egg, No Mess!)
Mix together mayonnaise and Dijon mustard and spread it all over the chicken. Then, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs generously on top. The mayo acts like glue, so you don’t need an egg wash.
Classic Dredge Method (Extra Crunchy!)
Dip the stuffed chicken first in flour, then in beaten egg, and finally in panko breadcrumbs. This gives you an ultra-crispy, restaurant-style finish.
Step 3: Toast the Breadcrumbs for Extra Crunch
Want that golden, crispy exterior without deep frying? Pre-toast your breadcrumbs!
- Spread panko breadcrumbs on a baking sheet.
- Spray with a little cooking oil.
- Bake at 350°F for 3 minutes until lightly golden.
This little trick makes a big difference!
For another crispy dish, try these Oven Roasted Chicken Thighs.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken on a greased baking sheet, then lightly spray the top with oil.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (use a meat thermometer for accuracy).
Step 5: Make the Mustard Cream Sauce (Optional, but Highly Recommended!)
In a small pan, melt butter, sauté garlic, then whisk in Dijon mustard and heavy cream. Let it simmer until thickened. Drizzle over your Chicken Cordon Bleu for an extra flavor boost.
Need another comforting dish? Try this Roasted Chicken Thighs and Potatoes!
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole: A Lazy-Day Alternative
If you love the flavors but don’t feel like stuffing chicken, try this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole!
- Use shredded chicken instead of whole breasts.
- Layer with chopped ham, Swiss cheese, and a crispy panko topping.
- Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
It’s pure comfort food, perfect for feeding a crowd!
More Crispy Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re into crunchy, cheesy chicken, check out these other delicious recipes:
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs – Extra crispy, super easy.
- Honey Garlic Chicken – Sweet, savory, and packed with flavor.
Chicken Cordon Bleu
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices ham smoked or honey-glazed
- 4 slices Swiss or Gruyère cheese
- For the Coating Choose One Method:
- Super Easy Method:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Quick Dredge Method:
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Optional Mustard Cream Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut a pocket into each chicken breast. Roll the cheese inside ham slices and stuff into the pocket. Secure with toothpicks.
- Choose Your Coating Method:
- Super Easy: Spread a mix of mayo and Dijon mustard over the chicken, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Quick Dredge: Dip the chicken in flour, then egg, and finally coat with panko.
- Toast Breadcrumbs (Optional): Spread breadcrumbs on a baking sheet, spray with oil, and bake for 3 minutes at 350°F to enhance crunch.
- Bake the Chicken: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place coated chicken on a baking tray, lightly spray with oil, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Use a meat thermometer—165°F is the perfect internal temp.
- Make the Mustard Cream Sauce (Optional): Melt butter in a pan, sauté garlic, then whisk in Dijon mustard and heavy cream. Simmer until thickened.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove toothpicks, slice the chicken, and drizzle with mustard cream sauce. Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Pre-toast breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.
- Rolling cheese inside ham prevents it from oozing out.
- Air fryer alternative: Cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes.
- For a casserole version, use shredded chicken, layer ham and cheese, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
- No deep frying = healthier, less mess.
- Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor in every bite.
- Easier than you think—perfect for beginners!
Need another crispy chicken fix? Try this Air Fryer Chicken Breast!
