Easy Oven-Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu: A Simple & Delicious Recipe

Chicken Cordon Bleu, a classic dish of chicken breasts stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, is often perceived as complex and time-consuming to prepare. However, this recipe simplifies the process, allowing you to create a delectable oven-baked version that’s both easy and incredibly satisfying. Forget the deep-frying and complicated steps – this method delivers all the flavor without the fuss. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this surprisingly simple Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe streamlines the traditional method, making it accessible for even beginner cooks.
* **Oven-Baked:** Healthier than the traditional fried version, this recipe still delivers a crispy and golden-brown crust.
* **Delicious Flavor:** The combination of tender chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese is simply irresistible.
* **Impressive Presentation:** Chicken Cordon Bleu looks elegant, making it perfect for special occasions or dinner parties.
* **Versatile:** Serve it with a variety of sides for a complete and satisfying meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
* 4 slices of cooked ham
* 4 slices of Swiss cheese
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 2 large eggs, beaten
* 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Optional: Dijon mustard, for spreading

Equipment You’ll Need

* Baking sheet
* Parchment paper or non-stick cooking spray
* Shallow dishes or plates for breading
* Meat mallet or rolling pin (optional, for tenderizing)
* Toothpicks (optional, to secure the chicken)

Step-by-Step Instructions

**Preparation (15 minutes):**

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray.
2. **Prepare Chicken:** If your chicken breasts are thick, you can either butterfly them or pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. To butterfly, slice each chicken breast horizontally, almost all the way through, and then open it like a book. To pound, place the chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound it to the desired thickness. This ensures even cooking and makes it easier to roll.
3. **Season Flour:** In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well.
4. **Prepare Egg Wash:** In another shallow dish, beat the eggs well.
5. **Prepare Breadcrumb Mixture:** In a third shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.

**Assembly (15 minutes):**

1. **Optional: Spread Mustard:** If desired, lightly spread Dijon mustard on one side of each chicken breast. This adds a tangy flavor.
2. **Layer Ingredients:** Place a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on top of each chicken breast, covering about half of the surface.
3. **Roll and Secure:** Carefully roll up the chicken breast, starting from the end with the ham and cheese. Tuck in the sides as you roll to keep the filling inside. If needed, secure the roll with toothpicks.
4. **Breading:** Dredge each chicken roll in the seasoned flour, making sure to coat all sides. Then, dip it in the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat it thoroughly in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the breadcrumbs adhere.

**Baking (25-30 minutes):**

1. **Arrange on Baking Sheet:** Place the breaded chicken rolls on the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down.
2. **Drizzle with Olive Oil:** Drizzle the chicken rolls with olive oil. This will help them brown nicely and get crispy.
3. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The breadcrumbs should be golden brown and crispy.
4. **Rest:** Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
5. **Remove Toothpicks:** If you used toothpicks, carefully remove them before serving.

Tips for Success

* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of the dish. Use good quality ham and Swiss cheese for the best results.
* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
* **Pound the Chicken Evenly:** Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures that it cooks evenly. If some parts are thicker than others, they will take longer to cook, potentially leading to some areas being overcooked while others are still undercooked.
* **Don’t Skip the Resting Time:** Letting the chicken rest after baking is crucial for retaining its juiciness.
* **Get Creative with Fillings:** While ham and Swiss cheese are the classic combination, you can experiment with other fillings. Try using different types of cheese, such as Gruyere or Provolone, or adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the chicken rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great option for busy weeknights.
* **Freeze for Later:** Baked chicken cordon bleu can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
* **Crispy Breadcrumbs:** For extra crispy breadcrumbs, try lightly toasting the panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet before using them.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Roasted Vegetables:** Asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots are all excellent choices.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing.
* **Rice Pilaf:** A flavorful rice pilaf adds a touch of elegance.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad or a Caesar salad provides a refreshing contrast.
* **Pasta:** Buttered noodles or a light pasta salad are also good options.
* **Sauces:** While Chicken Cordon Bleu is delicious on its own, you can also serve it with a sauce. Some popular choices include Dijon mustard sauce, honey mustard sauce, or a creamy mushroom sauce. A simple pan sauce made with white wine, butter, and herbs would also be delicious.

Variations

* **Chicken Cordon Bleu with Mushrooms:** Sauté sliced mushrooms and add them to the filling for an earthy flavor.
* **Chicken Cordon Bleu with Spinach:** Add sautéed spinach to the filling for a boost of nutrients.
* **Chicken Cordon Bleu with Provolone Cheese:** Substitute Swiss cheese with Provolone cheese for a slightly different flavor.
* **Chicken Cordon Bleu with Gruyere Cheese:** Gruyere cheese adds a nutty and complex flavor to the dish.
* **Chicken Cordon Bleu with Different Ham:** Try using prosciutto or Black Forest ham for a different flavor profile.
* **Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu:** This recipe can also be adapted for the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the chicken rolls with cooking spray and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.

Nutrition Information (per serving, approximate)

* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 40-50g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 15-25g

*Note: Nutrition information can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

Recipe Card

**Easy Oven-Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu**

A simple and delicious recipe for Chicken Cordon Bleu, made easier with an oven-baked method. Tender chicken breasts stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, coated in crispy panko breadcrumbs.

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 25-30 minutes
**Total Time:** 40-45 minutes
**Servings:** 4

**Ingredients:**

* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
* 4 slices of cooked ham
* 4 slices of Swiss cheese
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 2 large eggs, beaten
* 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Optional: Dijon mustard, for spreading

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare chicken: Butterfly or pound chicken breasts to 1/2 inch thickness.
3. Season flour: Combine flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder in a shallow dish.
4. Prepare egg wash: Beat eggs in a separate shallow dish.
5. Prepare breadcrumb mixture: Combine panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in another shallow dish.
6. Optional: Spread Dijon mustard on one side of each chicken breast.
7. Layer ingredients: Place ham and Swiss cheese on top of each chicken breast.
8. Roll and secure: Roll up chicken breasts and secure with toothpicks if needed.
9. Breading: Dredge each chicken roll in seasoned flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat in panko breadcrumb mixture.
10. Arrange on baking sheet: Place chicken rolls on the prepared baking sheet, seam-side down.
11. Drizzle with olive oil: Drizzle chicken rolls with olive oil.
12. Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C) and breadcrumbs are golden brown.
13. Rest: Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Remove toothpicks.

**Enjoy your delicious and easy oven-baked Chicken Cordon Bleu!**