The Juiciest Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe You’ll Love

A golden, crispy oven chicken cordon bleu that melts right through your defenses with its irresistible charm.

Layers of tender chicken, wrapped around delicate ham and creamy Swiss cheese, create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Breaking through that perfectly browned exterior to reveal a molten center bursting with rich, savory goodness.

Traditional comfort food gets a delightful upgrade with this simple yet elegant dish that looks like it belongs in a fancy restaurant.

Most home cooks think gourmet meals are complicated, but this recipe proves otherwise with just a few smart techniques.

Each bite promises a delightful surprise that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

You can absolutely nail this restaurant-quality meal without any professional cooking skills.

Why Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu Is A Cozy Classic

• Effortless Gourmet Creation: Transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal cooking skills, making you feel like a professional chef in your own kitchen.
• Flavor-Packed Texture Adventure: Experience the delightful contrast of crispy exterior and tender, juicy chicken interior, with melted cheese and savory ham creating a mouthwatering combination that surprises your taste buds.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution: Prepare this elegant meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families seeking a delicious dinner that looks impressive but requires minimal preparation and cleanup.
• Customizable Culinary Canvas: Easily swap cheeses or add herbs to personalize the dish, making it adaptable to different preferences and pantry ingredients while maintaining its classic, crowd-pleasing appeal.

What Goes Into Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Chicken Breast: Tender, lean meat that serves as the main protein and foundation of the dish. Best when fresh and of high quality.
• Ham, Cheese: Flavorful fillings that add richness and provide a classic cordon bleu taste. Swiss or Gruyère cheese recommended for authentic flavor.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken. Kosher or sea salt preferred for better taste.
• Garlic Powder, Paprika: Adds depth and a subtle warmth to the overall seasoning profile. Smoked paprika can provide an extra layer of complexity.

• Toothpicks: Helpful for securing the rolled chicken and maintaining its shape during cooking. Wood or bamboo toothpicks work best.
• Plastic Wrap: Used for pounding chicken to an even thickness, ensuring consistent cooking and tender meat.

How To Make Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu Easily

Step 1: Flatten Chicken Breasts

Carefully place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken until it reaches a uniform thickness, creating a perfect canvas for your culinary masterpiece.

Step 2: Boost Flavor with Spices

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

Massage the spices into the meat, ensuring every inch is covered with mouthwatering flavor.

Step 3: Layer Delicious Fillings

Arrange a slice of savory ham and creamy Swiss cheese in the center of each chicken breast. The ham will add a smoky touch, while the cheese promises a melty surprise.

Step 4: Create Elegant Rolls

Carefully fold the chicken over the ham and cheese, tucking in the sides. Roll the chicken tightly from one end to the other, transforming it into a beautiful cylinder. Use toothpicks to secure the roll if needed, preventing the filling from escaping during cooking.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the rolled chicken seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This positioning helps maintain the roll’s shape and prevents unraveling.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken turns a gorgeous golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The cheese should be beautifully melted, peeking out from the edges.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is incredibly tender and flavorful. Carefully remove toothpicks before slicing and serving.

Pro Tips For Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Flatten Perfectly: Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to evenly pound chicken breasts, ensuring uniform thickness for consistent cooking.
• Seal Strategically: Secure chicken rolls with toothpicks to prevent unraveling during baking, making sure they're placed symmetrically.
• Seasoning Secret: Create a flavor boost by mixing salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in advance, allowing spices to blend thoroughly.
• Cheese Selection Matters: Choose high-quality Swiss or Gruyère cheese that melts smoothly and complements the ham's salty profile.
• Baking Brilliance: Place chicken rolls seam-side down on a baking sheet to maintain their shape and prevent filling from leaking during cooking.

Store Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu And Keep It Crispy

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains fresh and flavor-packed.
• Reheat Oven: Warm slices at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Microwave Option: Heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to avoid overcooking and preserving juicy texture.
• Safety Check: Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F when reheating to guarantee food safety and delicious taste.

Tasty Pairings For Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: The buttery, oak-aged white wine complements the rich, creamy cheese inside the chicken, balancing the dish's decadent flavors with its bright, refreshing notes.
• Serve with Roasted Asparagus: The tender green vegetable adds a light, earthy contrast to the hearty chicken, providing a fresh and nutritious side that cuts through the dish's richness.
• Match with Dijon Mustard Sauce: A tangy, zesty sauce drizzled on top elevates the chicken's flavors, adding a sharp kick that enhances the ham and cheese's subtle saltiness.
• Accompany with Herb-Roasted Potatoes: Golden, crispy potatoes seasoned with rosemary and thyme create a perfect textural companion, soaking up the chicken's delicious juices and adding a comforting element to the meal.

Creative Twists On Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Swiss Symphony: Swap Swiss cheese with nutty gruyère and add fresh thyme leaves for an herbal depth that elevates the classic flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Melody: Replace ham with prosciutto and use crumbled feta cheese, then coat the exterior with crushed oregano-seasoned breadcrumbs for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Southern Spark: Incorporate pepper jack cheese instead of traditional Swiss, wrap with smoky bacon, and dust with cayenne pepper for a bold, zesty kick that brings Southern heat to the dish.
• Mushroom Forest Fusion: Layer thinly sliced cremini mushrooms alongside the ham and cheese, creating an earthy undertone that complements the rich, tender chicken.

Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu FAQs Made Easy

The term originates from French cuisine and literally means “blue ribbon,” traditionally referring to a high-quality dish. In this recipe, it describes chicken rolled with ham and cheese.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is classic, you can substitute with provolone, mozzarella, or mild cheddar for different flavor profiles.

• How do I prevent the chicken from unrolling during baking?

Use toothpicks to secure the rolled chicken, ensuring they’re inserted carefully to hold the ham and cheese inside. Make sure to remove toothpicks before serving.

• Is this recipe considered a healthy option?

Chicken cordon bleu can be a moderate protein option. To make it healthier, use lean ham, low-fat cheese, and consider baking instead of frying for reduced calories.

Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy golden chicken cordon bleu brings Swiss and French culinary magic to dinner tables across America. Melted cheese and savory ham tucked inside perfectly breaded chicken create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 slices Swiss cheese (or provolone)
• 4 slices ham (thinly sliced)

Breading and Seasoning:

• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) black pepper
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) paprika (optional, for color)
• ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg, beaten
• ¾ cup (90 g) panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
• ¼ cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese, grated

Sauce and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil or melted butter (for extra crispiness)
• 1 tablespoon (15 g) butter
• 1 tablespoon (8 g) flour
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) salt
• ¼ cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese, grated

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Instructions

1. Carefully unfold each chicken breast and position between two sheets of heavy-duty plastic wrap.
2. Using a meat mallet, gently flatten the chicken to an even, thin profile, ensuring uniform thickness throughout.
3. Sprinkle a harmonious blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika across both surfaces of the chicken, massaging the seasonings into the meat.
4. Lay a pristine slice of ham flat on the interior side of each chicken breast, creating a smooth base layer.
5. Position a single slice of cheese atop the ham, aligning it precisely to cover the meat’s surface.
6. Delicately roll the chicken from one end to the other, creating a compact cylindrical shape that encases the ham and cheese completely.
7. If necessary, secure the rolled chicken with toothpicks to prevent unraveling during cooking, inserting them strategically to maintain the roll’s integrity.
8. Ensure the seam of the roll faces downward when transferring to the cooking surface to help maintain its structural composition.

Notes

• Pound chicken breasts gently to ensure even thickness, preventing uneven cooking and promoting tender, juicy meat.
• Choose high-quality deli ham and Swiss cheese for rich, authentic flavor that melts beautifully inside the chicken.
• Secure rolls tightly with toothpicks, positioning them crosswise to keep the filling from leaking during baking and maintaining an attractive presentation.
• For a gluten-free version, use crushed almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to coat the chicken, creating a crispy exterior without wheat ingredients.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg