What is the secret to good cordon bleu?

The secret to a perfect chicken cordon bleu recipe is in the prep. Pound the chicken evenly, roll tightly to keep the filling in, and chill before cooking to help the coating stick. This ensures a crisp crust and a melty, flavorful center.

Should chicken cordon bleu be fried or baked?

Both work well. Frying creates an unbeatable golden crunch, while baking is lighter and less hands-on. For the best of both worlds, pan-fry briefly, then finish in the oven. This hybrid method gives a crispy crust without overcooking the chicken.

What ingredients for chicken cordon bleu?

A classic chicken cordon bleu recipe calls for boneless chicken breasts, ham, Swiss or Gruyère cheese, flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. Dijon mustard is optional for a tangy twist, and you can customize the filling with herbs or other cheeses.

What is cordon bleu sauce made of?

The traditional sauce is a creamy Dijon blend. It typically includes butter, flour, milk, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan cheese. This sauce is rich yet balanced, complementing the savory ham and gooey cheese inside the chicken.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe – 5 Secrets for Crispy Perfection

Name: Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each); 4 slices thin deli ham; 4 slices Swiss or Gruyère cheese; 2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional); ½ cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch); 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp paprika (optional); 3 tbsp olive oil or butter for frying

Description

Crispy golden breadcrumb coating with tender chicken, ham, and melted cheese — this chicken cordon bleu recipe is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)

4 slices thin deli ham

4 slices Swiss or Gruyère cheese

2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)

½ cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)

1 tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

½ tsp paprika (optional)

3 tbsp olive oil or butter for frying

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Instructions

1. Place chicken breasts between parchment paper or plastic wrap and pound to ¼-inch thickness.

2. Spread Dijon mustard (optional) over each chicken breast.

3. Layer 1 slice of ham and 1 slice of cheese on each breast.

4. Roll the chicken tightly, starting from the shorter side, and secure with toothpicks.

5. Mix flour, salt, pepper, and paprika. Dredge each roll in flour, dip in eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.

6. Refrigerate rolls for 20 minutes to set the coating.

7. Pan-fry in olive oil or butter over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side until golden.

8. Transfer to a 375°F oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

9. Remove toothpicks, slice, and serve with creamy Dijon sauce.

Notes

For a lighter version, bake entirely at 375°F for 25–28 minutes.

Try the air fryer: 375°F for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway.

Secure rolls well to prevent cheese from leaking.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baked, Fried
Cuisine: French

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken roll
Calories: 520
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 980mg
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 45g
Cholesterol: 165mg