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Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu

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  • Prep 20 min
  • Total 50 min
  • Servings 4
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What is Chicken Cordon Bleu? Literally translated, “cordon bleu” means blue ribbon—meaning an award for excellence! The term also refers to thin, boneless pieces of chicken; topped with a slice of each of a variety of ham and cheese types. Traditionally, the stacks are rolled up and sauteed in a skillet.
Our recipe is just as yummy as the original, but is a lighter, easier version by using lean ham and lighter cheese and baking the rolls for less work. Already packed with flavor, these tasty rolls get even more from Dijon mustard, fresh chives and paprika—so yum together! Rolling up these rolls is as easy as rolling up a sleeping bag…except you get to devour your efforts!
The rolls get a dip in egg white and then rolled in corn flake crumbs, for a delightfully crunchy coating without all the bother of standing over a stove, sautéing them, where the rolls can easily fall apart. Only 20 minutes of prep before they get popped in the oven, making them easy enough to enjoy any day of the week or impress your guests for a special dinner (no need let on how easy they were to make)
By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Updated Feb 29, 2024
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How Do You Make Chicken Cordon Bleu?

What is cordon bleu? We’ll break down the simple steps here. It’s easy to learn how to make Chicken Cordon Bleu, with a few tips, directly from the Betty Crocker Test Kitchens! Follow the recipe for the details, but here’s the low-down on making the best Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe:

Pounding the Chicken: Most important to the success of this recipe, is pounding chicken breasts flat enough. Place them between sheets of plastic wrap to keep bits of raw chicken and juices from flying when you pound them. Use a meat mallet to pound the slices. Don’t have a meat mallet? Grab a heavy skillet or rolling pin! You might be tempted to stop before the breasts are 1/4-inch thick, but don’t. If they are thicker, they will be very difficult to roll up.

Layer Up the Flavor: Mustard is spread over the chicken breast and then chives get sprinkled on before thin slices of flavorful ham and cheese get placed on top. The mustard not only adds flavor, but also helps to anchor the other toppings on the chicken.

Roll Up and Coat: Roll up those Chicken Cordon Bleu ingredients and give them a quick dip into egg white (which will bind the coating to the chicken) and then roll in crushed corn flakes, for a crunchy, crispy topping that sets this chicken dish apart .

Bake and Enjoy: Bake the rolls in the oven and have fun slicing through the roll, to see and taste the scrumptious layers.

If you need a Gluten-Free Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe, we’ve got you covered!

What Do You Serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu?


The flavors of the Chicken Cordon Bleu ingredients mean you can either make a special meal with it for holidays or those important birthdays or anniversaries, or you can play it casual with simple sides. The flavors go with just about everything, but for the most appetizing look and eating experience, choose a side and veggie that offer a variety of textures and colors.

Try any of these chicken cordon bleu sides and vegetable sides We love the tradition of serving classic sides with it, such as scalloped potatoes and green bean casserole or candied sweet potatoes for a memorable Easter or Christmas meal. Or make it easy on yourself by serving it with potato nuggets and cooked broccoli! No matter what you serve with it, you can’t go wrong.

How to Store Chicken Cordon Bleu

If you’re lucky enough to have leftover homemade chicken cordon bleu or you’d like to get a jump on meal prep, check out these handy tips:

Storing/Reheating Leftovers: Tightly cover and refrigerate cooled chicken cordon bleu rolls for up to 3 to 4 days. Slice and enjoy cold in place of luncheon or deli meat in a sandwich or, place rolls on microwavable plate. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and microwave on Medium-High (70%) for 1 to 2 minutes or until 165°F. Do not freeze as the coating will become soggy. Oven baking leftovers is not recommended, as the chicken tends to get tough and dried out.

Prepping Ahead: Prepare as directed through Step 2. Wrap rolls with plastic wrap and place inside freezer food storage bag. Freeze up to 1 or 2 months. To thaw, place in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Continue as directed in Step 3, adding a few extra minutes of baking time for starting with cold chicken rolls.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breast (about 1 1/4 lb)
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 4 teaspoons chopped fresh chives
  • 4 very thin slices lean cooked ham (about 3/4 oz each)
  • 4 very thin slices reduced-fat Swiss cheese (about 3/4 oz each)
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1/3 cup finely crushed corn flakes or bran flakes cereal
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Steps

  • 1
    Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 8-inch square (2 quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Between sheets of plastic wrap or waxed paper, flatten each chicken breast to 1/4-inch thickness.
  • 2
    Spread each chicken breast with 1/2 teaspoon mustard; sprinkle with 1 teaspoon chives. Cut ham and cheese slices to fit chicken. Top each chicken breast with ham and cheese slice. Roll up, tucking ends inside.
  • 3
    In shallow bowl, combine egg white and water; beat slightly. Place cereal crumbs in shallow dish. Coat chicken rolls with egg white mixture; roll in crumbs. Place in baking dish; sprinkle with paprika.
  • 4
    Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink in center.

Tips from the Betty Crocker Kitchens

  • tip 1
    For the classic chicken cordon bleu, the stuffed chicken breasts are browned in oil in a skillet before being transferred to the oven while this version is only baked.
  • tip 2
    Arrange individual chives (with the flowers attached, if available) in a decorative pattern atop each serving. Chive flowers, like the flowers of most other herbs, are edible; they taste like chives. The stalks of chives that have gone to flower, however, are tough and fibrous.
  • tip 3
    Rice pilaf and steamed asparagus spears round out this meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are variations to this chicken cordon bleu recipe?

Your family will go nuts with all the ways they can enjoy the flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu! Whether you want to use what you have on hand, or shake things up with a flavor twist, try any of these delicious options:

Change the Flavor: Change out the ham for honey-baked ham, a slice of prosciutto or a few slices of cooked bacon. Try a different kind of cheese, such as pepper Jack or cheddar. Use your favorite mustard, like honey mustard, hot mustard, or whole grain mustard.

Swap the Coating: Looking for cordon bleu with a bread crumb topping? Try this delicious recipe made with Progresso™ panko crispy breadcrumbs.

Sauce it Up: Top the homemade chicken cordon bleu with a tasty sauce! Check out these sauces for inspiration.

Savor the Flavor in a New Way: Take the flavors you love to new ways of enjoying them. Try cordon bleu sandwiches, chicken cordon bleu casserole or chicken cordon bleu pizza next.

What Are the Best Sauces That Go with Chicken Cordon Bleu?

If you are a sauce lover, spoon one of these tasty and unexpected choices over the Chicken Cordon Bleu rolls.

Sweet/Tangy Sauces: Drizzle with your favorite barbecue sauce or try our amazing Sweet and Sour Sauce.

Vegetable/Herb Sauces: Top with your favorite salsa or salsa verde, or Classic Pesto, Green Herb Sauce would look and taste tremendous.

Hot/Sweet Sauces: Sprinkle with a shake or two of sriracha or make the easy and delicious Hot Honey sauce from this recipe (you may wish to double it). Or shake things up with Spicy Cranberry Salsa on the side.

How long to do I cook Chicken Cordon Bleu?

It is important to cut into the thickest roll—all the way to the center, to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked. Set your oven to the minimum time. Use a paring knife to cut to the center of the roll and open the cut area slightly, using a fork as well, if necessary. Check to be sure that no pink color remains in the chicken. If the thickest one is done, you can be sure the other rolls are done, too. If it is not done, add another minute or two before checking again. Go into the same cut spot to keep the rolls looking pretty and ensure they stay moist.

Can you make Chicken Cordon Bleu in the Air Fryer?

We have not yet tested Chicken Cordon Bleu in the air fryer. If you give it a try, let us know how you like the results!

How to stuff chicken breasts for cordon bleu?

Stuffing the chicken for Cordon Bleu is easy. It’s rolling several ingredients together, which is a lot easier to do than actually stuffing the breasts (and you can get more of the good stuff in this way)! Start with dry chicken breasts: If they are juicy, blot them off on both sides with paper towels. Pound them to the right thickness: Get out your ruler on this one—they really need to be 1/4-inch thick and not any thicker, for them to roll easily. Stick to the fillings as called for: If you use more mustard or chives, thicker ham and/or cheese, it is going to be difficult to roll the chicken. Stick to the game plan, and they will be easy to roll.

Nutrition

150 Calories, 4g Total Fat, 25g Protein, 2g Total Carbohydrate, 1g Sugars

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Serving
Calories
150
Calories from Fat
40
Total Fat
4g
6%
Saturated Fat
1 1/2g
7%
Trans Fat
0g
Cholesterol
60mg
20%
Sodium
440mg
19%
Potassium
230mg
6%
Total Carbohydrate
2g
1%
Dietary Fiber
0g
0%
Sugars
1g
Protein
25g
% Daily Value*:
Vitamin A
4%
4%
Vitamin C
0%
0%
Calcium
10%
10%
Iron
8%
8%
Exchanges:
0 Starch; 0 Fruit; 0 Other Carbohydrate; 0 Skim Milk; 0 Low-Fat Milk; 0 Milk; 0 Vegetable; 0 Very Lean Meat; 3 Lean Meat; 0 High-Fat Meat; 0 Fat;
Carbohydrate Choice
0
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

More About This Recipe

  • This elegant-yet-easy dinner is a classic European dish that never fails to impress, both with its presentation and its indulgent combination of flavors. Our oven baked version of the classic recipe ensures success every time, as once you make the rolls they go into the oven. No standing over a hot stove, trying to sauté them without having them fall apart! Start to finish, you will be enjoying this dish in less than an hour—making it great for last-minute dinner guests or any weeknight meal. If your family loves chicken but is tired of boring chicken breasts or chicken tenders on the plate, you’ll love these savory chicken spirals, filled with yummy ham and cheese, all rolled up in a crunchy coating. For even more chicken dinner inspiration, check out other creative and delicious chicken recipes.
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