Imagine sinking your teeth into a crispy, golden-brown exterior that gives way to tender chicken, oozing melted cheese and savory ham. Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu is not just a dish; it’s an experience that dances on your taste buds and creates a symphony of flavors in your mouth. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking, “What’s cooking?” and subtly nudging them closer, like moths to a delicious flame. For more inspiration, check out this other main dish recipes.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use different meats for Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu?
- What should I serve with my Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu?
- How do I ensure my cheese melts perfectly?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This dish has been my go-to for family gatherings, where I can always count on the chorus of “Mmm” and “Wow!” after the first bite. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a fancy occasion, Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu never fails to impress. Spoiler alert: You’re about to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more! For more inspiration, check out this dinner ideas recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu is simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough for any gathering
- With its melty cheese and savory ham filling, each bite bursts with flavor
- The golden crust adds visual appeal that makes it perfect for special occasions
- It’s versatile too; serve it alongside veggies or pasta for a complete meal!
Sharing this dish at my sister’s wedding was unforgettable; everyone raved about it and I felt like a culinary rock star.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for about 3-4 chicken breasts; adjust depending on how many guests are joining the feast.
- Ham Slices: Choose thinly sliced ham for easy rolling—smoked or honey ham works beautifully here.
- Swiss Cheese: Opt for good quality Swiss cheese that melts nicely and adds that ooey-gooey texture we crave.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These create an irresistible crunch; they’re lighter than regular breadcrumbs.
- Mustard: A touch of Dijon mustard adds zing and depth—don’t skip this!
- Eggs: Eggs help bind everything together; fresh eggs work best for consistency.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika elevate the flavors; don’t hold back on seasoning.
- Olive Oil or Butter: Use olive oil or melted butter to drizzle over the breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with nonstick spray.
Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Pound them gently with a meat mallet until they are about half an inch thick; this ensures even cooking and tenderness.
Add Filling Ingredients: Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard over each chicken breast. Layer with slices of ham followed by Swiss cheese. Roll tightly from one end to the other.
Coat Your Rolls: Dip each rolled chicken piece into beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Then roll them in panko breadcrumbs mixed with seasonings, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Place the coated chicken rolls seam-side down in your prepared baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter before popping them into the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Let It Rest and Serve!: Once baked, let the chicken rest for five minutes before slicing into rounds. This helps retain moisture and makes serving easier—trust me on this one!
Now you’ve got yourself an impressive plate of Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu ready to wow your family! Pair it with roasted veggies or buttery mashed potatoes for a meal that sings harmony on every plate!
You Must Know
- Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu combines crispy chicken with gooey cheese and savory ham
- Make sure to pound the chicken evenly for perfect cooking, and don’t skip the breadcrumbs for that delightful crunch
- This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While it heats, prepare the chicken by pounding it thin for even cooking. Assemble the ingredients and bake until golden brown, ensuring the cheese melts beautifully inside.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu by swapping out ham for turkey or adding spinach for a pop of color. Experiment with different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for added flavor that excites your taste buds!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, allowing that crispy exterior to regain its delightful crunch.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For tender meat, always pound the chicken evenly; this prevents dry spots during baking
- Use fresh herbs to enhance flavor—thyme or parsley works wonders
- Lastly, let the dish rest briefly before slicing; this keeps juices locked in
Cooking this dish always reminds me of family gatherings where everyone eagerly awaits dinner. The compliments I receive after serving it make all the effort worthwhile!
FAQ
Can I use different meats for Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Absolutely! Turkey, chicken breast, or even vegetarian options work well.
What should I serve with my Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Pair it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
How do I ensure my cheese melts perfectly?
Use thin slices of cheese and avoid overcooking to maintain its gooey texture.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu is a deliciously satisfying dish featuring tender chicken breasts wrapped around savory ham and gooey Swiss cheese, all coated in a crispy panko crust. Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, this recipe is simple yet impressive, turning any meal into a culinary celebration. With each bite, you’ll experience a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices thinly sliced ham
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish with parchment paper or nonstick spray.
- Place each chicken breast between plastic wrap and pound until about half an inch thick.
- Spread Dijon mustard on each breast, then layer with ham and Swiss cheese. Roll tightly from one end to the other.
- Dip each roll in beaten eggs, then coat in panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place seam-side down in the baking dish, drizzle with olive oil or melted butter, and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (150g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
