Chicken Cordon Bleu is one of those dishes that feels fancy and restaurant-worthy, yet is surprisingly simple to make at home. Tender chicken breasts are rolled around savory ham and melty Swiss cheese, lightly breaded, and baked until golden and juicy. The result is rich, comforting, and impressive perfect for a special dinner without complicated steps.
This oven-baked version skips frying, making it lighter and easier while still delivering all the classic flavors. With just a few ingredients and about 45 minutes, you can serve a dish that looks and tastes like a “blue ribbon” winner.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 chicken rolls
Why This Chicken Cordon Bleu Works
- Baked, not fried: Less mess, lighter texture
- Large chicken breasts: Easier rolling and even cooking
- Simple ingredients: Classic flavors shine
- Crowd-pleasing: Perfect for family dinners or guests
Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 6 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 slices cooked ham
- ½ cup seasoned bread crumbs
Read Also : Baked Teriyaki Chicken
Step by Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 7×11-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Flatten the Chicken
Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or inside resealable bags. Pound gently with a meat mallet until each piece is about ¼-inch thick. This ensures even cooking and easy rolling.
Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
3. Assemble the Rolls
Place 1 slice of Swiss cheese and 1 slice of ham on each chicken breast. If needed, trim slightly so they fit inside the chicken.
Starting from the narrow end, roll the chicken tightly, enclosing the filling. Secure each roll with toothpicks.
4. Bread the Chicken
Arrange the chicken rolls seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the tops evenly with seasoned bread crumbs.
5. Bake
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Finish with Cheese
Remove the dish from the oven and place ½ slice of Swiss cheese on top of each roll. Return to the oven for 3–5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and lightly bubbly.
Remove toothpicks before serving.
Optional Sauce Idea
While this recipe is delicious on its own, you can elevate it further with a simple sauce:
- Cream sauce with a touch of Dijon mustard
- Alfredo sauce with Parmesan
- Light mustard cream sauce
Serve sauce on the side to keep the breading crisp.
What to Serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Mashed or roasted potatoes
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Caesar or garden salad
- Mushroom risotto
- Buttered egg noodles
Storage & Freezing
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to maintain texture.
Freezer:
Freeze fully cooled rolls for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 419
- Fat: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Protein: 46g
This Chicken Cordon Bleu proves that elegant dinners don’t need complicated techniques. With juicy chicken, savory ham, and gooey Swiss cheese in every bite, it’s a timeless classic you’ll want to make again and again.
Chicken Cordon Bleu
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F and coat a baking dish with cooking spray.
- Pound chicken to ¼-inch thickness and season with salt and pepper.
- Top with Swiss cheese and ham, roll tightly, and secure with toothpicks.
- Place in baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and bake 30–35 minutes.
- Top with remaining cheese and bake until melted.
