Chicken cordon bleu hits that rare sweet spot between nostalgic comfort and dinner party polish. Crisp breaded chicken gives way to savory ham and melted cheese, creating a deeply satisfying dish that feels special without requiring much effort. This streamlined version skips the usual fuss—no rolling, tying, frying, or extra sauces—so you get all the payoff with fewer steps.
Instead, thin chicken breasts are folded around the filling, quickly breaded and seared for color and crunch, then finished in the oven until juicy and melty. The result is a classic chicken cordon bleu recipe at its most efficient. With its golden crust and rich, gooey center, this weeknight-ready dish is especially good when paired with a sharply dressed salad or simple vegetable side.
Tips & FAQs for chicken cordon bleu
- How thin should chicken be for cordon bleu?
About ¼” thick is ideal for quick, even cooking and neat folding. To achieve this, place the breasts, one at a time, in a resealable plastic bag or between two sheets of parchment, and gently pound them with a meat mallet, rolling pin, or potato masher until evenly flattened. - How do you keep the filling from leaking out?
Leave a small border around the edges when filling; before breading, press the edges firmly to seal. For extra protection, pin the chicken parcel closed with a toothpick (just be sure to remove the toothpick before serving!). - Can chicken cordon bleu be made ahead?
Yes. Bread the chicken up to 8 hours in advance, then refrigerate, uncovered. Leftover chicken can be reheated in an oven set to 350°; bake until warmed through (about 10 minutes). - What cheese works best?
Gruyère melts smoothly and adds rich, classic cordon bleu flavor, but Swiss cheese is a reliable, budget-friendly option. - Why sear before baking?
Searing creates the crisp, golden crust; baking cooks the chicken evenly through without drying it out.
This recipe is adapted from ‘Joy of Cooking’ by John Becker and Megan Scott. Copyright ©️ 2019. Reprinted by permission of Scribner, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, Inc. Buy the full book on Amazon or Bookshop.
