Transform simple ingredients into an impressive French-inspired dish with this homemade Chicken Cordon Bleu! The combination of tender chicken breasts filled with premium ham and melty Swiss cheese is an absolute delight. Each piece is coated in crispy breadcrumbs and baked to a golden finish, resulting in a dish everyone will rave about!

And let’s not forget about the velvet cream sauce that takes this dish over the top! This recipe is easy enough for weeknights yet fancy enough for dinner parties. I love pairing it with a fresh green salad and a crisp glass of white wine — truly a meal to remember!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cordon Bleu

Elegant Simplicity: Despite its fancy French name and restaurant-worthy presentation, this recipe uses everyday ingredients. It’s so easy to prepare!

Fantastic Flavor: The combination of savory chicken, salty ham, tangy sauce, and gooey Swiss cheese creates a flavor explosion in every bite.

Dinner Party Star: The impressive spiral presentation and delicious golden crust make this dish a standout at any gathering.

Versatile: It pairs beautifully with various sides, whether you prefer simple steamed vegetables or something heartier like risotto or roasted potatoes.

Ingredients

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast Halves: The main protein that’s easily rollable when pounded thin.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing the chicken’s natural flavor.
• Swiss Cheese: Melts beautifully, adding a creamy texture; Gruyère can be used for a stronger flavor.
• Deli Ham: Thin-sliced, fully cooked ham provides the signature salty, smoky flavor.
• Seasoned Breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy coating when baked to perfection.
• Egg: Helps the breadcrumb coating stick and keeps the chicken rolls sealed.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps achieve a beautiful golden crust.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Forms the base of the creamy sauce, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Sour Cream: Gives the sauce a smooth, creamy texture and a delightful tanginess.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the sauce with a touch of acidity, balancing its richness.

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu

You’ll be amazed at how straightforward this casserole is to prepare — even with its delicious results!

1. Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.

2. Prepare the Chicken

Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet to pound them gently until they’re about ¼-inch thick. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

3. Assemble the Rolls

Dunk each chicken breast in the beaten egg, making sure it’s fully coated. Lay one slice of ham and one slice of Swiss cheese on each chicken breast. Tightly roll the chicken, tucking in the sides as you go, and secure it with toothpicks.

4. Bread and Butter the Chicken

Spread the breadcrumbs on a plate. Gently roll each bundled chicken in the breadcrumbs, pressing down slightly to ensure a nice coating. Place the rolled chicken in the prepared baking dish and top each piece with a small pat of butter.

5. Bake

Bake in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.

6. Top with Cheese and Finish Baking

Once done, remove the dish from the oven. Top each roll with an additional half-slice of Swiss cheese and return the dish to the oven for an extra 3 to 5 minutes, just until the cheese melts.

7. Make the Sauce

While the chicken bakes, prepare the accompanying sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and lemon juice. Heat until warm and smooth, then reduce the heat to low to keep it warm.

8. Serve

Remove the toothpicks from the chicken rolls and serve immediately. Drizzle that creamy sauce over the top or serve it on the side — enjoy!

Tips for the Best Chicken Cordon Bleu

This casserole is hard to mess up, but these tips will take it from great to sensational!

• Choose the Best Cheese: While traditional Swiss cheese is perfect, Gruyère adds a complex, nutty flavor.
• Keep Things Even: Use gentle pressure when pounding chicken for uniform thickness, facilitating even cooking.
• Positioning is Key: Keep ham and cheese slightly away from the edges to avoid leakage during cooking.
• Try Toothpicks or Twine: Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the chicken rolls and prevent them from unrolling while baking.
• Choose Your Consistency: If the sauce is too thick for your liking, thin it with a splash of chicken broth or milk.
• Get a Step Ahead: You can assemble and coat the rolls a day in advance, refrigerating them until you’re ready to bake.
• Make It a Meal: Serve alongside sides like mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus, roasted green beans, or a garden salad to balance the richness of the dish.
• Have Fun with Variations: Don’t hesitate to play with fillings! Prosciutto instead of ham, Havarti, or mozzarella for a milder cheese, or even sautéed spinach or roasted peppers for an extra burst of flavor.

How to Store

To keep your delicious leftover casserole fresh, follow these steps:

To Store:

Keep cooked chicken cordon bleu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can store the sauce separately in another airtight container for 4-5 days.

To Freeze:

For freezing, place the cooked and cooled rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 2 hours. After that, transfer them to a freezer bag, where they will keep for up to 4 months. If you want to freeze uncooked rolls, do so after breading, keeping them in an airtight container for up to 3-4 months.

To Reheat:

Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, you can use an air fryer set at 360°F (182°C) for about 8 minutes for a crispier finish.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of cheese in Chicken Cordon Bleu?

Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is traditional, feel free to experiment with Gruyère, mozzarella, or cheddar for different flavor profiles.

2. Is it possible to prepare Chicken Cordon Bleu in advance?

Yes, you can assemble and bread the rolls a day ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator. This is a fantastic way to save time on dinner night!

3. What side dishes complement Chicken Cordon Bleu?

Pair it with sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal that enhances the richness of the chicken.

4. How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?

Pound the chicken evenly and avoid overcooking it during baking. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.

5. Can I freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu before cooking it?

Yes, you can freeze uncooked rolls after they’ve been breaded. Store them in an airtight container for up to 3-4 months. Just bake them directly from the freezer, adjusting the cooking time as needed.