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Home Chicken

Chicken Cordon Bleu

By:Nagi
Published:19 Jan '19Updated:8 Jun '21
683 Comments
Recipe v Video v Dozer v

An easy Chicken Cordon Bleu which is quick to prepare, and baked rather than fried. All the flavour, all the crunch, a beautiful golden crumb, and it’s better for you!

This retro classic is here to stay – always!

Close up of Dijon Cream Sauce being poured over Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu

Chicken Cordon Bleu

Chicken stuffed with ham and cheese, coated with crunchy golden breadcrumbs. You’d swear it’s fried – but it’s baked.

The classic way to make Chicken Cordon Bleu involves breast pounded until thin, layered with ham and cheese, rolled into a log, chilled, dredged in flour then egg then breadcrumbs then deep fried (and you need a lot of oil to deep fry them). It’s not dissimilar to Chicken Kiev in this respect.

But phew! I got tired just typing that out!! And it’s certainly not something that I’m making tonight. 🙂

BUT – you can definitely make my Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu tonight. Because it’s just that – EASY.

How to make Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu

I stuff my Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu simply by cutting a pocket into chicken breast, then stuffing it with cheese rolled up inside ham (helps stop the cheese melting out, terrific reader tip!) . Secure with toothpicks – and that’s it! The stuffing is done!

Preparation steps for Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu

Choose your own adventure: Crumbing

Next up is the breadcrumb. I’ve got 2 methods to choose from:

Method 1: Super Easy – Smear mayo and mustard on the chicken, then sprinkle over breadcrumbs. The mayo-mustard mixture acts as glue / flavouring and oil to help make the breadcrumb toasty gold; OR

Method 2: Quick Dredge – Dunk chicken in egg flour mixture (combined in same bowl), then in breadcrumbs.

After coating the chicken with breadcrumbs, just give them a quick spray and voila! Ready for baking!

Preparation steps for Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu

Super Easy vs Quick Dredge

Here’s a comparison of the 2 methods. There’s no denying the Quick Dredge comes out better looking, and it’s the option I’d use for company. Plus, full coating of crunch.

But the Super Easy version is just so darn quick and easy, and really, the main thing is just the absence of crunch on the underside of the chicken. Small compromise for the convenience, in my humble opinion!

Preparation steps for Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu

Secret Tip: Oven Toasting Breadcrumbs

If you’ve ever baked something crumbed and been disappointed by how it came out pale and splotchy and/or not as crunchy as you hoped, I think you’re going to love this cheeky tip.

Just spread the breadcrumbs out on a tray, spray with oil, then bake for 3 minutes. This oven toasting gives the breadcrumbs a head start on the colour / crunch factor.

Outcome: Baked crumbed / breaded chicken that is beautifully golden all over and truly crunchy, like it was deep fried! Optional extra step, but truly worth it in my view.

PS Some recipes do this in a skillet – oven is easier. 🙂

Toasted Breadcrumbs

And here’s a comparison of the Chicken Cordon Bleu with and without toasting the breadcrumbs. See how splotchy it is without the toasted breadcrumbs compared to the toasted breadcrumbs??

Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu

Whichever method you choose, you’ll be greeted with the same glorious sight of molten cheese oozing out of the warm ham stuffing inside the juicy chicken breast, and all that golden crunchy crumb….

And to top it all off, that MUSTARD CREAM SAUCE!!!!

I think you need to change this weeks’ meal plan. Immediately. 😂 – Nagi x


More crunchy crumbed chicken 

  • Crunchy Baked Chicken Tenders and also the Parmesan version

  • Oven Fried “KFC” Chicken Tenders (11 secret herbs & spices!)

  • Crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken Breast – LOW CARB marvel!

  • Shortcut Healthy Crunchy Chicken Schnitzel

And more baked crunchy crumbed things

  • Baked McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish

  • Baked Parmesan Crusted Salmon

  • Healthy Garlic Parmesan Crunchy Baked Fish

Dijon Cream Sauce being poured over Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu

Chicken Cordon Bleu
Watch how to make it

In the video, I demonstrate how to make one breast using each crumbing method: Super Easy and Quick Dredge. The recipe makes 2 chicken breasts using one of these methods.

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Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu - You are going to be amazed how easy it is to make this chicken stuffed with cheese and ham, coated in crunchy breadcrumbs and served with a gorgeous cheese sauce! recipetineats.com

Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu

Author: Nagi | RecipeTin Eats
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 30 mins
Total: 45 mins
Chicken, Dinner
French(ish)
4.96 from 196 votes
Servings2
Tap or hover to scale
Print
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Recipe video above. My midweek version of Chicken Cordon Bleu. All the flavour, all the crunch, much faster to make, and it's better for you because it's baked! Choose your method for crumbing the chicken - Super Easy or Quick Dredge (see photos for difference). Super Easy coats the top and sides of the chicken, but is faster than the Dredging Method. Served with a gorgeous traditional Dijon Cream Sauce! 

Ingredients

Breadcrumbs

  • Panko breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup for Super Easy or 1 cup for Quick Dredge
  • Oil spray

Chicken

  • 2 small chicken breasts, around 6-7oz/180-210g each
  • Salt and pepper
  • 4 slices swiss cheese (Note 1)
  • 4 to 6 slices of ham, about 2.5oz/75g (Note 2)

Method 1: Super Easy

  • 3 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard

Method 2: Quick Dredge

  • 1 egg
  • 2 tsp plain flour

Dijon Cream Sauce (makes 1 cup)

  • 1 1/2 tbsp butter
  • 1 1/2 tbsp flour
  • 1 1/4 cups milk (Note 3)
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 3 tbsp parmesan cheese, finely grated

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 200C/390F (standard) or 180C/350F (fan).
  • Spread panko breadcrumbs on a baking tray and spray with oil. Bake for 3 minutes or until light golden. Remove and scrape into bowl straight away.
  • Cut a pocket into each chicken breast, as per the photo below.
  • Fold the cheese in half and place 2 pieces inside each pocket. Do the same with the ham. Close the pocket, seal with 2 toothpicks. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Super Easy Method

  • Mix the mayonnaise, mustard, salt and pepper in a bowl. Spread onto the top and sides of the chicken (not underside).
  • Sprinkle panko over the chicken, using your other hand to press the breadcrumbs onto the side of the chicken. Spray with oil.

Quick Dredge Method

  • Whisk egg and flour. Dip chicken into egg mixture, then into the panko breadcrumbs. Transfer to tray, spray with oil.

Baking

  • Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown and just cooked through. Remove toothpicks, serve with the Dijon Cream Sauce.

Dijon Cream Sauce

  • Melt butter over medium heat in a small saucepan. Add flour and cook for 1 minute.
  • Add half the milk and whisk until the flour mixture is blended in.
  • Add remaining milk, mustard and cheese. Cook for 3 minutes, whisking constantly, until thickened. It will thicken as it cools.
  • Remove from heat,  add salt and pepper to taste. Serve with chicken.

Recipe Notes:

1. Swiss cheese (or masdaam sold at supermarket delis in Australia) is best for this recipe because it melts but holds it's shape quite well. If you substitute with gruyere, cheddar, mozzarella or any other melting cheese, more cheese will ooze out. But if you seal with extra toothpicks, you can use any cheese you want!
2. I used small ham rounds so I needed 2 for each to cover the surface inside the chicken.
3. Preferably full fat milk but low fat is also ok.
4. Make Ahead: Use the Dredge Method and then refrigerate for up to 24 hours (probably ok longer, I just haven't tried) or freeze uncooked. Keep leftover breadcrumbs and touch up if required before baking. Thaw then cook per recipe. 
5. Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Calories per serving (180g/6oz chicken), assuming around 1/3 cup of sauce is used between the 2 servings.
Nutrition Facts
Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu
Amount Per Serving (300 g)
Calories 590 Calories from Fat 217
% Daily Value*
Fat 24.1g37%
Saturated Fat 8.8g55%
Polyunsaturated Fat 15.3g
Cholesterol 207mg69%
Sodium 996mg43%
Carbohydrates 19.4g6%
Fiber 1.5g6%
Sugar 3.2g4%
Protein 72.3g145%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Originally published October 2015, updated with new photos, better step by step instructions and a recipe video.

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 300gCalories: 590cal (30%)Carbohydrates: 19.4g (6%)Protein: 72.3g (145%)Fat: 24.1g (37%)Saturated Fat: 8.8g (55%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 15.3gCholesterol: 207mg (69%)Sodium: 996mg (43%)Fiber: 1.5g (6%)Sugar: 3.2g (4%)
Keywords: Chicken Cordon Bleu
Did you make this recipe?I love hearing how you went with my recipes! Tag me on Instagram at @RecipeTinEats.

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683 Comments

  1. Karen says

    March 19, 2023 at 10:16 am

    Hi Nagi,
    First time making Chicken Cordon Bleu ever and it was AMAZING! The mustard sauce is a must! I will be making this again! Thank you

    Reply
  2. kathleen says

    February 16, 2023 at 4:09 pm

    5 stars
    I’ve had this recipe in my arsenal for a few years now, and when hubs and i were thinking about valentine’s day, we wanted something that was more elegant than everyday fare, but not too complicated since it fell on a tuesday. this was PERFECT! so tasty and easy to fix on a weeknight. i roasted some veggies and had creme brulee which i made the night before and voila! a lovely celebratory dinner for my valentine!

    Reply
  3. AMF says

    October 20, 2022 at 11:34 am

    5 stars
    I previously commented on this recipe back in June of 2021, but wanted to add another comment. Instead of using one breast and cutting a pocket, I use 2 thin cutlets. For me that’s easier and I find the thickness of the cutlets to be perfect. I simply put a cutlet down, then the ham and cheese which is rolled/folded like in the video, then another cutlet, and covered with the Mayo/mustard mixure and panko (super easy method which I prefer). I then used 4 inch cocktail toothpicks on each side, but honestly probably didn’t even need them. They came out perfect at 30 minutes in the oven.

    Reply
  4. Jase the Ace says

    September 7, 2022 at 7:37 pm

    5 stars
    Thank you so much yet again Nagi, you are a legend!
    Your mustard sauce was lovely too, mild enough for the bride who also enjoyed it.
    Keep up the awesome work with everything you do, many thanks.

    Reply
  5. Eric says

    September 7, 2022 at 2:09 am

    5 stars
    Made this last night and my family LOVED IT! Easy and very good. I recently retired and am now taking care of the cooking…a new roll from me. My cooking experience is a little above beginner…

    Reply
  6. Ruth says

    August 12, 2022 at 8:13 am

    Do you bake the chicken at the same temp as the bread crumbs?

    Reply
  7. Dave G says

    August 6, 2022 at 10:58 pm

    5 stars
    Excellent recipe, instructions, and video. Made for my folks and the raved about it. What a super tip to toast the bread crumbs!

    I left enough of the toothpick out that I could grasp with my thumb and forefinger, twisted and it pulled out cleanly and easily.

    This was my first time finding you.

    Thank you from your newest fan from The Great State of Texas!

    Reply
  8. Cherie says

    July 23, 2022 at 10:30 am

    The Chicken Cordon Bleu looks wonderful! Can’t wait to try it! I’m wondering if it could be made in an air fryer? Thanks for sharing your recipe!

    Reply
  9. Sue says

    July 16, 2022 at 12:42 am

    5 stars
    Made this last night using the quick dredge method, of course! All I can say is, WOW! So good! My husband said he felt like we were at a restaurant and couldn’t get enough of the sauce. As always, your recipes never disappoint.

    Reply
  10. Monikka Baker Davis says

    July 6, 2022 at 2:14 am

    I wonder if this can be grilled or smoked. I used used recipe for regular chicken breast and it was wonderful (method 2). I’m planning party, and for big events I am for smoking whatever I can in bulk.

    Reply
  11. Mary says

    July 5, 2022 at 11:50 pm

    5 stars
    Printed recipe doesn’t mention the ham wrapped around the cheese before being tucked into the chicken. But I read the whole article so I didn’t miss anything. But it’s just so you know. Anyway, thank you for the recipe and the easy suggestions. I used port salut cheese and made the breadcrumbs and oil on the skillet.

    Reply
  12. Carmen says

    June 29, 2022 at 5:26 am

    On the super easy method why can’t you coat both sides of chicken and flip in the bread crumbs?

    Reply
  13. Tamie says

    June 13, 2022 at 7:30 am

    Can you replace the mayo with greet yogurt or sour cream for the quick method
    ?

    Reply
    • Ethan says

      August 8, 2022 at 4:09 pm

      You’ll want something that’ll cook the crumbs into the chicken. Though, I’m sure there are vegan alternatives to egg based batter.

      Reply
  14. Kytn says

    June 9, 2022 at 9:11 pm

    5 stars
    I made this last night and it was fast, easy and amazingly delicious. I had 4 breaststroke so I doubled most of the recipe. The Dijon sauce looked so good we made 3 cups of that. The conversion was easy and definitely made more than enough for us.
    I think the hardest part was getting the toothpicks out after. I had read the comments and made sure that the toothpicks were out enough to grab. The extra chicken were let cool down and then I just pushed the toothpicks into the cutting board and that pushed them outwards and released it from the chicken and panko and slid out easily for me.
    Thank you much for the recipe and video. I’ll definitely be making this again

    Reply
    • Kytn says

      June 9, 2022 at 9:13 pm

      *chicken breasts not breaststroke lol (new phone and auto correct hasn’t gotten to know me yet lol)

      Reply
  15. Blitzo says

    June 7, 2022 at 12:52 pm

    I love this blog very easy to understand the recipes.

    Reply
  16. Bka says

    June 5, 2022 at 1:57 am

    I have made this before and it was delicious. I’m thinking of making for a dinner party for 10. When I change the serving size it has the sauce 5 cups of milk. This seems a lot. Is it correct. Thank you!

    Reply
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