This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe is a classic recipe that is easy to prepare. It is baked with all the flavors with easy ingredients. A quick weeknight meal that your family will love.

Close up image of chicken cordon bleu on a white plate with a side salad.

Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe:

This Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe is a family favorite. The process begins by stuffing Chicken with slices of ham and cheese. Then coated with a crunchy breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese to make it so flavorful.

Traditionally, chicken cordon bleu is coated and deep fried. We wanted to make it just as flavorful but without frying it. Baking this chicken recipe, makes it so much better for you and it is easier to prepare.

This recipe might seem hard to prepare, but really it is not. With these easy step by step instructions, your family will be so impressed.

We also love making chicken cordon bleu in the crock pot. So if you don’t want to use your oven, you can always use your slower cooker instead.

What is Chicken Cordon Bleu?

The reason that we call Chicken Cordon Bleu because Cordon bleu translate to Blue Ribbon Chicken. We couldn’t agree more. This baked chicken is so tender and come out so flavorful and juicy.

We love that this chicken can be made into your own recipe. It is traditionally made with slice of ham and swiss cheese, but we have gotten creative with this recipe and used different cheeses and seasoning.

What is the Bleu in Chicken Cordon Bleu?

The Bleu in Chicken Cordon Bleu originates from Blue Ribbon Chicken. Means that chicken, pork or veal is pounded thin. This meat is then wrapped with slices of ham and cheese and then fried.

The process of making this recipe seems difficult, but with these simple ingredients and baking the chicken instead frying makes this recipe so much easier.

Ingredients:

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
Slices of Ham
Swiss cheese
Salt
Pepper
Bread crumbs
Panko Breadcrumbs
Grated Parmesan Cheese
Eggs

How to make Chicken Cordon Bleu:

Prepare Oven and Baking Dish – Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and spray a 9X13 baking pan or large baking sheet with a non stick cooking spray.
Pound the Chicken – Gently pound the chicken breast until it’s 1/4-1/2” thick. I place a piece of plastic wrap on top of the chicken and beat with a wooden meat mallet or rolling pin. Be careful not to over beat as the chicken will tear.
Season Chicken – Then lay the chicken on a work surface and season it with salt and pepper.
Top with ham and cheese – Top each chicken with a slice of the ham and a slice of the cheese. Roll the chicken and sit them aside seam down.
Whisk Eggs – Then place the eggs in a shallow bowl and whisk them.

The process of rolling the chicken and placing in the breadcrumbs.

Mix together breadcrumbs and cheese – Then stir together the breadcrumbs and Parmesan Cheese together in a separate shallow bowl.
Coat Chicken – Dip each piece of chicken into the eggs to coat. Then dip the chicken into the breadcrumbs mixture to fully coat it. Pat the breadcrumbs into the chicken to make sure that it sticks to all the sides of the chicken.
Place Chicken in Baking Dish – Then place the chicken in the baking pan.
Top with Cookie Spray – Spray the tops of the breaded chicken in the baking pan with a non-stick cooking spray. You can also brush with melted butter.
Bake Chicken – Bake the chicken for 25 – 30 minutes in medium heat until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160 degrees F. Make sure to only check the chicken layer when checking for the doneness of the chicken.
Let chicken rest – Then let the chicken rest for 5 minutes (the chicken will continue to cook as it sits) and then it’s ready to enjoy!

A close up image of chicken cordon bleu in a baking dish with a serving on a spatula.

Use a Meat Thermometer:

When checking to see if you chicken is done, make sure you use a meat thermometer. The thermometer should have a reading of 160 degrees. I use a meat thermometer anytime I am cooking meat to ensure the meat is cooked thoroughly.

Make you are only checking the chicken temperature and not the ham or cheese. You could get a wrong reading.

Variation Ideas:

Change the Meat – Instead of Ham use prosciutto in this recipe. You can also use black forest ham or smoked ham. We have used smoked bacon as alternative.
Chicken – We usually filet our chicken to make thinner, evenly pieces. But they also have thin slices of chicken that you can get at the store. This might save you time from pounding your chicken thin.
Use other cheeses – Use provolone cheese instead of swiss cheese. We have also used sliced of cheddar cheese or grated cheese. The slice cheese provides a thicker layer but the grated cheese melts into the chicken.
Breadcrumb Options – We like mixing breadcrumbs with panko breadcrumbs so it gives it that crunchy flavor. Instead of breadcrumbs, use a season blend of oregano, garlic powder and onion powder. Try crushed cornflakes or rice cereal instead. We usually use what we have.
Add a Sauce – Some recipes call for a sauce to top with the chicken cordon bleu. This is optional but it would be great for dipping. Dijon Mustard mixed with mayonnaise makes a great sauce.

What to serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu?

This chicken cordon bleu recipe is a hearty, rich recipe that is perfectly served with a light side. These are are favorite sides that we have served with this recipe.

Steamed Broccoli
A Garden Green Salad
Instant Pot Brown Rice
See more Chicken Cordon Bleu Sides for more easy ideas.

How to make ahead?

This is a great meal to prepare ahead of time. Simply stuff chicken as directed by rolling chicken in the ham and cheese. Then roll in the breadcrumbs. If you need to, you can secure chicken with a toothpick.

Place in the refrigerator covered until you are ready to bake. Store chicken cordon bleu up to one and then bake.

How to Freeze?

This recipe is great to prepare and freeze. Prepare chicken by placing the ham and cheese and rolling into breadcrumbs. Then place chicken in a freezer bag or air tight container. You can freeze chicken up to 3 months.

Then once you are ready to prepare, thaw chicken in the refrigerator overnight. Then bake the next day.

Print Recipe here for Chicken Cordon Bleu:

Review Pin Print