Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic and elegant dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser. This delicious recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts stuffed with savory slices of meat and Swiss cheese, breaded, and baked to golden perfection. Whether for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this recipe will elevate any meal.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 slices of your preferred meat (ham or prosciutto work great)
4 slices of Swiss cheese
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon olive oil
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to about ½ inch thickness using a meat mallet.
Lay a slice of meat and a slice of Swiss cheese on each chicken breast, then roll them up tightly and secure with toothpicks.
In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Dredge each chicken roll in the flour, dip it in the beaten eggs, and then coat it with the seasoned breadcrumbs.
Heat the olive oil and melted butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Brown the chicken rolls in the skillet, turning them to ensure they are evenly browned on all sides (about 4-5 minutes).
Transfer the browned chicken rolls to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Remove the toothpicks before serving.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Variations
Cheese Variations: While Swiss cheese is traditional, I sometimes switch it up with Gruyère or provolone for a slightly different flavor profile.
Meat Options: I typically use ham, but prosciutto or turkey work just as well.
Stuffing Additions: If I want to get fancy, I add some sautéed spinach or mushrooms into the stuffing for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, I place the chicken rolls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. I sometimes cover them with foil to keep them from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs would work well for a more tender and juicy result. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked.
Can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the chicken rolls and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to cover them tightly to prevent the breading from getting soggy.
Can I fry the chicken instead of baking it?
Yes, if you prefer to fry the chicken, heat oil in a pan and fry the chicken rolls on medium heat for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown, then finish by baking them for an additional 10-15 minutes to ensure they’re fully cooked inside.
What can I serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu?
I love serving it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. A side of garlic bread also goes wonderfully.
Can I freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Yes, I can freeze the unbaked chicken rolls. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, no need to thaw—just bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Conclusion
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a comforting and sophisticated dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether I’m cooking for a family dinner or a special gathering, this recipe never fails to impress. The crispy, golden exterior gives way to a warm and gooey center that’s sure to satisfy. It’s the ultimate combination of flavors and textures, and I know it will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen as well!
Recipe:

Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic and elegant dish featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with savory slices of meat and Swiss cheese, breaded, and baked to golden perfection. It's perfect for any occasion, from a weeknight dinner to a special celebration.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 slices of ham or prosciutto
4 slices of Swiss cheese
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to about ½ inch thickness using a meat mallet.
- Lay a slice of meat and a slice of Swiss cheese on each chicken breast, then roll them up tightly and secure with toothpicks.
- In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each chicken roll in the flour, dip it in the beaten eggs, and then coat it with the seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Heat the olive oil and melted butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Brown the chicken rolls in the skillet, turning them to ensure they are evenly browned on all sides (about 4-5 minutes).
- Transfer the browned chicken rolls to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Remove the toothpicks before serving.
Notes
Cheese Variations: Try Gruyère or provolone for a different flavor profile.
Meat Options: Prosciutto or turkey can also be used instead of ham.
Stuffing Additions: Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Freezing: You can freeze unbaked chicken rolls for later use. Bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking, Pan-searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken roll
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg