Introduction
I still remember the first time I made Chicken Cordon Bleu in my tiny kitchen, just trying to impress a few friends. It was one of those days when I wanted to serve something that looked fancy but didn’t require a culinary degree to pull off. I had no clue it would become a favorite in my home. There’s just something about cutting into that golden, crispy roll and watching the creamy cheese slowly melt out that feels luxurious—even if the ingredients are simple and budget-friendly.
Since then, I’ve made this recipe countless times. I’ve tested different cheese combinations, played around with fillings, and perfected the creamy Swiss cheese sauce that takes it over the top. This version, with tender chicken, savory chicken ham, melted Swiss, and a velvety cheese sauce, checks all the boxes for a comforting yet elegant dinner.
It’s a great dish to prepare ahead of time too, which makes it ideal for hosting dinner guests or for family meals during the week. You can prep everything, pop it in the fridge, and bake it just before dinner. It’s one of those recipes that seems like it came from a restaurant—but it’s made right in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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Versatile
You can easily swap the cheese, use different types of deli meat, or even make it bite-sized for appetizers. It works great for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. -
Budget-friendly
Despite its elegant appearance, this dish uses everyday ingredients. Chicken breasts, chicken ham, Swiss cheese, and pantry staples come together in a surprisingly affordable way.
Ingredients for the Recipe
For the chicken rolls:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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4 slices of chicken ham
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4 slices of Swiss cheese
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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2 eggs
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1 tablespoon milk
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1½ cups breadcrumbs
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2 tablespoons olive oil (for pan-frying or drizzling if baking)
For the creamy Swiss cheese sauce:
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1½ cups milk
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1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
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½ teaspoon mustard powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make This Recipe
Making Chicken Cordon Bleu might seem like a fancy restaurant-level challenge, but it’s actually quite simple when you break it down. With a little preparation and a few key steps, you’ll end up with a dish that’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and absolutely bursting with flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the chicken breasts
Start by laying the chicken breasts flat on a clean cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice each one horizontally, creating a pocket without cutting all the way through. This technique helps the filling stay secure inside. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Then, using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness—about ¼ inch. This helps with even cooking.
Step 2: Season and fill
Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Lay one slice of chicken ham and one slice of Swiss cheese onto each pounded chicken breast. If the cheese slices are large, fold them to fit. Roll each chicken breast tightly, like a burrito, keeping the filling inside. Secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine if needed.
Step 3: Coat the chicken
Set up three shallow bowls. In the first, place the flour. In the second, beat the eggs with one tablespoon of milk. In the third, add the breadcrumbs. Dip each rolled chicken breast first in flour, then in the egg mixture, and finally in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the coating sticks.
Step 4: Cook the chicken
You have two options: pan-fry or bake. If you prefer to pan-fry, heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken rolls and cook until golden brown on all sides—about 2–3 minutes per side. Then transfer to a baking dish and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes.
If you prefer to bake only, place the breaded chicken rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top to help them crisp up, then bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30–35 minutes, or until cooked through and golden.
Step 5: Make the creamy Swiss cheese sauce
While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens—this takes about 4–5 minutes. Add the shredded Swiss cheese and mustard powder. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve
Once the chicken is done, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Remove the toothpicks or twine. Spoon the creamy Swiss cheese sauce generously over each serving. Serve with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Quick and Easy
This recipe may sound elaborate, but it actually comes together faster than you’d expect. The steps are straightforward, and once you’ve assembled the chicken rolls, the oven takes care of the rest. You can even prep the rolls the night before and refrigerate them until ready to bake.
Customizable
There are plenty of ways to customize this recipe based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences. Prefer mozzarella over Swiss? Go for it. Want to add some spinach inside the roll? That works too. You could even experiment with different breadcrumb flavors—panko for extra crunch, or Italian-seasoned for added herbs.
If you’re avoiding dairy, try using a dairy-free cheese alternative and plant-based milk for the sauce. The flavors will still blend beautifully. You can also skip the sauce entirely for a simpler, lighter meal.
Perfect for Guests
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a showstopper. When you slice into one of the golden rolls and see the melted cheese and chicken ham spiraling inside, it looks impressive. Pair it with some roasted vegetables and a glass of sparkling water with lemon, and your guests will feel like they’re dining in a bistro.
Best of all, because you can prepare everything in advance, you won’t be stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is enjoying appetizers. Just pop the tray into the oven 30 minutes before dinner, and the creamy sauce takes only a few minutes on the stovetop.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I prepare Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely. You can assemble the chicken rolls up to a day in advance. Just cover them tightly and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. For best results, let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes. After breading the chicken rolls, place them on a tray and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to cook, bake from frozen at 180°C (350°F) for about 45–50 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden.
What’s the best substitute for Swiss cheese?
If you don’t have Swiss cheese, you can use mild provolone, mozzarella, or gouda. All melt well and still give a creamy texture without overpowering the dish.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or a gluten-free blend. Make sure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.
Is it possible to air fry this recipe?
Yes. Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F), spray the chicken rolls lightly with oil, and cook for 18–20 minutes, flipping once halfway through.