Description

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a delightful and elegant dish that combines tender chicken breasts, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese, all wrapped in a golden, crispy breadcrumb coating. This classic recipe is known for its rich flavors and pleasing textures, making it a favorite for special occasions or an impressive dinner at home. The dish is elevated by a creamy Dijon sauce, which adds a tangy, luxurious finish to each bite. Whether you choose to fry or bake it, Chicken Cordon Bleu is a timeless recipe that is sure to impress your family and guests.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
16 slices Swiss cheese
½ lb ham, thinly sliced
Peanut oil or vegetable oil, for frying
1 cup all-purpose flour (125 g)
4 eggs, beaten
2 cups panko bread crumbs (100 g)
Creamy Dijon Sauce
3 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk (480 mL)
¼ cup Dijon mustard (60 g)
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (100 g)
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste

Instructions

Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, tossing to coat evenly.
On a cutting board, place a chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound until about ½ inch (1 cm) thick with a meat mallet, rolling pin, or heavy pan.
Remove the plastic wrap and place 2 slices of Swiss cheese, then 2 slices of ham, then another layer of Swiss cheese, and another layer of ham. Evenly roll the chicken and place onto a new sheet of plastic wrap.
Wrap the chicken in the plastic wrap tightly and use the excess plastic on the sides to twist, firming up the roll of chicken cordon bleu as you work. Tie the excess plastic. Repeat with the remaining ingredients, then chill the rolls in the fridge to set for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat a tall-sided pan with 2 inches (5 cm) of oil to 325°F (170°C).
After the rolls are set, prepare 3 separate large, wide dishes with the flour, beaten egg, and bread crumbs. Dredge the chicken first in the flour, then the egg, and then bread crumbs.
Place the breaded chicken cordon bleu in the oil and cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until the outside is an even golden brown. If a good color is achieved and the chicken’s center is still not 165°F (75°C), place the chicken cordon bleu on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and finish the chicken in the oven at 325°F (170°C) until that temperature is reached.
Meanwhile, in a 1 ½-quart saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and cook the garlic until soft. Add the flour and whisk for 1 minute. Add the milk and whisk until fully combined with the roux and no lumps remain. Continue whisking until the mixture comes to a simmer and has thickened. Add the mustard, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper and whisk to combine. Remove the pan from the heat.
Slice the chicken and serve drizzled with Dijon sauce.

Notes

This recipe can be customized to suit various tastes and dietary needs. You can substitute turkey for chicken, try different cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella, or opt for a healthier version by baking the chicken instead of frying. To make preparation easier, you can assemble the chicken rolls a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you’re new to making Chicken Cordon Bleu, take your time with the rolling and breading steps to ensure a neat and secure roll. This dish pairs beautifully with fresh vegetables, a green salad, or a side of mashed potatoes. Enjoy your culinary creation!