Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu with a Crispy Panko Crust

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever get a hankering for something fancy but comfy? then this chicken cordon bleu recipe is for you. it takes classic flavours and makes them, well, delicious! it is really a baked chicken cordon bleu experience.

Brief Overview

The chicken cordon bleu , rumored to have swiss origins, is fancy. it's chicken, ham and swiss cheese, rolled up.

This homemade chicken cordon bleu isn't too tricky. it takes about an hour and makes 4 servings.

Main Benefits

It's packed with protein. Chicken cordon bleu is also great for a special dinner. What makes this stuffed chicken breast recipe unique is the crispy panko crust.

Craving the Perfect Bite?

Let's talk about this chicken cordon bleu recipe . it is so much more than just chicken. it's an experience. honestly, the first time i made this, i felt like a michelin-star chef.

Easy chicken cordon bleu ? Is it possible?

Yes! The secret is chilling the breaded chicken. This stops the panko breadcrumbs from falling off. Plus, you get that amazing crispy texture. The ham and swiss cheese combo is a winner.

Imagine biting into that crispy, golden-brown crust. Then, you hit the juicy chicken, smoky ham, and melty swiss cheese . My gosh, it's heaven. We use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.

This baked version is healthier than frying, too. That is why i love this chicken cordon bleu with ham . It's a showstopper that's surprisingly easy to make. Ready to get started?

Alright, lets dive into what you'll need to nail this chicken cordon bleu recipe . It's not scary, I promise! Think of it like painting by numbers.

Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu with a Crispy Panko Crust Recipe Card

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Preparation time:50 Mins

Cooking time:30 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces/170-225g each)
• 4 slices (about 4 ounces/115g total) cooked ham, thinly sliced
• 4 slices (about 4 ounces/115g total) Swiss cheese, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour, seasoned with salt and pepper to taste
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 1/2 cups (approx. 100g) Panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil, for cooking
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, for cooking
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)

Instructions:

• Butterfly the chicken breasts and pound them to an even thickness (about 1/4 inch). Season with salt and pepper.
• Spread each chicken breast with a thin layer of Dijon mustard (optional). Layer with a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese.
• Roll the chicken breast tightly around the filling, tucking in the sides. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
• Prepare three shallow dishes: one with seasoned flour, one with beaten eggs and milk, and one with Panko breadcrumbs.
• Dredge each rolled chicken breast in the flour, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally coat thoroughly with Panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
• Place the breaded chicken breasts on a plate or baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps the breading adhere during cooking.
• Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts on all sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
• Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Remove the chicken from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before removing the toothpicks (if used), and slice before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450-550

Fat:20-30g

Fiber:0g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Swiss

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Chicken Cordon Bleu Masterpiece

It is time to gather your arsenal. Honestly, nothing too crazy is needed for this chicken cordon bleu .

Main Ingredients: Let's Get Specific

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces / 170-225g each). Look for breasts that are fairly uniform in size. I once used ones that were all over the place and it cooked so unevenly!
• 4 slices (about 4 ounces / 115g total) cooked ham , thinly sliced. Quality matters here.
• 4 slices (about 4 ounces / 115g total) Swiss cheese , thinly sliced. I prefer proper Swiss, you know? Adds that authentic flavour that makes a great chicken cordon bleu .
• 1/2 cup ( 60g ) all-purpose flour. Season it well!
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten.
• 1 1/2 cups (approx. 100g ) Panko breadcrumbs . Panko is a MUST. They are what makes the chicken cordon bleu so crispy. Regular breadcrumbs just don't cut it.
• 1/4 cup ( 60ml ) milk
• 1/4 cup ( 60ml ) vegetable oil, for cooking
• 2 tablespoons ( 30g ) unsalted butter, for cooking
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard for some tang if you want.

Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce (Well, Spices)

Don't be shy with your salt and pepper! season that flour. garlic powder is also a good addition to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra kick.

If you don't have dijon mustard, a little bit of yellow mustard in the homemade chicken cordon bleu can work in a pinch, but the flavor won't be quite the same.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

• Meat mallet or rolling pin. This is a must . You need to get those chicken breasts thin.
• Shallow dishes (3) for the breading station.
• Large skillet. One that is oven-safe is ideal, but not a must.
• Instant-read thermometer. Absolutely essential! Get that chicken up to 165° F ( 74° C) , no exceptions.

If you don't have a meat mallet, a rolling pin works okay.

Getting this easy chicken cordon bleu recipe all ready before we start can save a lot of hassle. Now you're all set to make some magic in the kitchen with this chicken cordon bleu with ham !

Okay, mate, let's dive into this classic chicken cordon bleu recipe ! honestly, i used to think it was some fancy, restaurant-only kinda thing.

But trust me, it's dead easy to make at home. plus, you get to show off a bit, yeah? think of it as your bake off showstopper.

Prep Like a Pro for Chicken Cordon Bleu

First things first: mise en place . sounds poncy, right? it just means get everything ready. bash out your chicken breasts to about 1/4 inch thick.

This makes sure they cook evenly. then, get your ham and swiss cheese sliced and ready to go. i like using thinly sliced ham.

Oh, and remember to have your panko breadcrumbs , flour, and eggs sorted.

Time-saving tip: prep the breading station while the chicken chills. speaking of chilling, that's next! it helps the breadcrumbs stick.

Safety reminder: wash your hands after handling raw chicken. obvious, but worth saying, innit?

Cracking on with Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu : A Step-by-Step

Here's the nitty-gritty. It is a stuffed chicken breast recipe , after all.

1. Flatten the Chicken: Bash those chicken breasts until they're about 1/4 inch thick. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Load it Up: Lay a slice of swiss cheese and a slice of ham on each chicken breast. You can add a smidge of Dijon mustard if you're feeling fancy.
3. Roll it Tight: Roll the chicken up tightly around the filling. Toothpicks are your friend here, don't be afraid to use them.
4. Breading Time: Flour, then egg wash (with a splash of milk), then panko breadcrumbs . Make sure you coat it properly. I use panko breadcrumbs because they get super crispy.
5. Chill Out: Pop the breaded chicken into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This is crucial.
6. Sear it Good: Heat some oil and butter in a pan. Sear the chicken on all sides until golden brown. Don't overcrowd the pan!
7. Oven Time: Into a 375° F ( 190° C) oven for 20- 25 minutes . The internal temperature needs to hit 165° F ( 74° C) .
8. Rest & Serve: Let it rest for a bit before slicing. This keeps it juicy.

Pro Tips for Your Homemade Chicken Cordon Bleu

Want to take your chicken cordon bleu with ham to the next level? try these. first, chilling the chicken for longer than 30 minutes? even better.

It really helps the breadcrumbs stay put.

Common mistake? Overcooking it. No one wants dry chicken. Make-ahead option: You can prep these earlier in the day and keep them in the fridge until you're ready to cook them.

Honestly, baked chicken cordon bleu is simpler than it sounds. Give it a go! You'll be well chuffed, I reckon.

Recipe Notes for Your Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe Adventure!

So, you're thinking of making this chicken cordon bleu ? brilliant! i've made this easy chicken cordon bleu more times than i can count, and i've definitely picked up some tricks along the way.

Think of these as my little cheat sheet to help you nail this dish. this stuffed chicken breast recipe will become a family favourite!

Plating Like a Pro and Perfect Pairings

Presentation is key, right? seriously, arrange a few slices of that gorgeous chicken cordon bleu with ham on a plate, maybe fanned out a bit.

A sprig of parsley adds a touch of class. honestly, it's all about the vibes . for sides, creamy mashed potatoes are a winner.

A simple green salad balances out the richness. a light pinot grigio goes down a treat! the ham and swiss cheese inside this tasty recipe just can't be beat.

Storing Your Homemade Chicken Cordon Bleu

Leftovers? if you even have any, that is! pop them in an airtight container. they'll be good in the fridge for up to 3 days .

For longer storage, freezing is an option. wrap each piece individually in cling film, then foil. they’ll be happy in the freezer for up to a month.

To reheat, oven’s best. 350° f ( 175° c) for about 15- 20 minutes , or until heated through. a microwave can work in a pinch, but you may lose the crispness of the panko breadcrumbs .

I love the crunch baked chicken cordon bleu gives you!

Remixing This Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu

Want to jazz things up? for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs . easy peasy! if you're feeling adventurous, try swapping out the swiss cheese for gruyere or even a smoked cheddar.

In the summer, use fresh garden herbs in the breadcrumb mix for a summery vibe.

Chicken Cordon Bleu : Nutrition Snippets

Each serving of this chicken cordon bleu recipe is estimated at 450-550 calories, depending on how generous you are with the cheese.

It's packed with protein (45-55g), which is great for muscle building! the chicken cordon bleu also provides essential nutrients. it's comfort food that’s not too bad for you!

So, there you have it! my notes to help you create a knockout chicken cordon bleu. don't be scared to experiment and have fun with it.

It's much easier than it looks, honestly! get in that kitchen and nail this!