Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu: A French-Inspired Dinner Masterpiece

Elegant Homemade Chicken Cordon Bleu with Creamy White Wine Sauce

Creating the perfect chicken cordon bleu at home is easier than you might think! This French-inspired classic combines tender chicken breasts stuffed with savory ham and melted Swiss cheese, all wrapped in a golden, crispy coating and topped with a velvety white wine sauce. It’s an impressive main dish that’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to elevate your weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

There’s something magical about cutting into a perfectly cooked chicken breast to reveal layers of premium ham and melted Swiss cheese. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between elegant dining and comfort food, creating a dish that’s impressive enough for company yet approachable enough for family dinner.

Perfect for special occasions: Whether it’s an anniversary, birthday, or holiday gathering, this chicken dish elevates any celebration.

The History Behind Chicken Cordon Bleu

While many assume chicken cordon bleu originated in France (the name certainly suggests it!), this elegant rolled chicken dish is actually a Swiss creation inspired by French cooking techniques. “Cordon bleu” translates to “blue ribbon,” signifying excellence in cooking. This dish certainly lives up to its prestigious name!

Ingredients for Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu

• 6 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 6 slices Swiss cheese
• 6 slices ham (I recommend Black Forest or honey ham)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 6 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Meat mallet or rolling pin
• Plastic wrap
• Toothpicks
• Large oven-safe skillet
• Small saucepan
• Shallow bowls for breading station
• Instant-read thermometer

How to Make the Best Chicken Cordon Bleu

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to about ¼-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Work from the center outward for even thickness.
3. Season each flattened chicken breast with salt and pepper on both sides.
4. Place a slice of Swiss cheese and a slice of ham on each chicken breast.
5. Roll up each chicken breast tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. Secure with toothpicks.
6. Set up your breading station: Mix the flour and paprika in one shallow bowl, beaten eggs in another, and breadcrumbs in a third.
7. Dredge each rolled chicken breast first in the flour mixture, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
8. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
9. Sear the rolled chicken breasts until golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
10. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
11. While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce: Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
12. Add the white wine and chicken bouillon to the saucepan, stirring to combine.
13. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth.
14. Gradually whisk the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan, stirring constantly until the sauce begins to thicken.
15. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while continuing to stir. Reduce heat to low and simmer until the sauce reaches your desired consistency, about 5-7 minutes.
16. Remove the chicken from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Carefully remove toothpicks before serving.
17. Plate the chicken cordon bleu and drizzle generously with the creamy wine sauce.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Pound chicken evenly: The key to easy rolling is uniform thickness. Take your time with this step.
• Secure properly: Use enough toothpicks to keep the roll closed during cooking, but remember to remove them before serving!
• Don’t skip the searing: Browning the chicken before baking creates a delicious crust and seals in juices.
• Rest before serving: Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking allows juices to redistribute, resulting in moister chicken.
• Sauce consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a little more cream or chicken broth.

Common Questions About Making Chicken Cordon Bleu

Can I make chicken cordon bleu ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and roll the chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Keep it covered in the refrigerator, then bread and cook when you’re ready to serve.

What sides pair well with chicken cordon bleu?

This elegant dish pairs wonderfully with roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, buttered green beans, or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.

Can I use different cheese?

While Swiss is traditional, Gruyère or provolone make excellent substitutions that still complement the ham and chicken flavors.

How do I know when chicken cordon bleu is done?

The most reliable method is using an instant-read thermometer – the chicken should register 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. If you don’t have a thermometer, ensure the juices run clear and the chicken is no longer pink inside.

Nutrition Information

Variations on Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu

For a lighter version, try air frying your chicken cordon bleu at 375°F for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll get all the crispy exterior with less oil.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

For a family-style approach, layer diced chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese in a baking dish, pour the cream sauce over top, and finish with breadcrumbs before baking.

Prosciutto and Fontina Chicken Cordon Bleu

Elevate the flavors by substituting prosciutto for ham and fontina for Swiss cheese for a gourmet twist on this classic dish.

Why Homemade Chicken Cordon Bleu Beats Store-Bought

While pre-made frozen options exist, nothing compares to freshly prepared chicken cordon bleu made in your own kitchen. The crispy exterior, juicy chicken, and perfectly melted cheese create a symphony of flavors and textures that simply can’t be matched by processed versions. Plus, you control the quality of ingredients and can adjust seasonings to your preference.

This classic chicken cordon bleu recipe delivers restaurant-quality results without the restaurant prices. Master this impressive dish, and you’ll have a go-to recipe for special occasions that’s sure to impress your family and guests alike!

Recipe inspired by Allrecipes Chicken Cordon Bleu II