Chicken Cordon Bleu
If you’ve always thought Chicken Cordon Bleu was reserved for fancy restaurants, think again! This easy, homemade version is perfect for Sunday dinner, any night of the week, or a special occasion meal. This classic recipe delivers restaurant quality results from your kitchen.
Pin Chicken Cordon Bleu to make it later
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, as well as a member of other various affiliate programs, I earn a nominal commission if products are purchased through links at no additional charge to you.
The origins of this schnitzel recipe date back to the 1940s, and it was first mentioned in a cookbook in 1949. The earliest reference to chicken cordon bleu in America is in the 1960s.
Comfort food is subjective, though in my mind this recipe is a dose of vintage comfort food, as is this recipe for hamburger steak with onions and brown gravy. Everyone’s idea of comfort food is different.
Some reach for ice cream, some fried foods, and for others, it’s sweets in the form of cake, cookies, or pie. When my kids need comfort food, they often ask for my chicken cordon bleu. Its cheesy center will make anyone happy.
Just a few ingredients
This recipe came about because there used to be a meat market in town that sold a variety of stuffed chicken breasts. Our supermarket sells them too, but the ones at the specialty store are the ones my husband recalls.
When I was shopping there one day, I noticed they were $7.99 and thought to myself that I could make them, especially when I can buy a package of boneless skinless chicken breasts for around $3.99 a pound, so that’s exactly what I did!
The first time I made them, my husband asked me if I broke down and splurged. I told him no, I made them. He did not believe me until I told him to watch out for the toothpicks.
Yes, I left them in the first time I made them. Probably the second time too. Now, since I’ve made them so often, I feel comfortable removing them before serving. They won’t unroll and spill out the filling.
Why this Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe Works
- Melty Swiss cheeses with savory ham create a delicious flavor combination.
- Much easier to make than it looks.
- Can be prepped ahead and baked later.
- It’s great for family dinners and entertaining guests.
- Classic comfort food that’s always impressive.
- Easy to make. Just layer the chicken, ham, and cheese, and roll.
All recipes are tested in my Florida kitchen exclusively by me.
Tips and Substitutions
Pound the chicken thinly enough with a meat mallet to roll it up but not too thin that it falls apart. I like it to be about half an inch thick, no thinner, so it rolls easily with the ham and cheese on top of it, too.
Once you get the hang of making a stuffed chicken breast, you’ll no doubt want to try other combinations. In this recipe, the traditional cheese to use is Swiss. On a rare occasion, if I don’t have Swiss cheese on hand, I’ll substitute provolone.
Do not overstuff before you roll it up. It will make keeping it together more difficult. Your goal is a delightful swirl of ham and cheese inside the chicken breast. Use toothpicks to keep the chicken rolled tightly. Remove before serving.
I don’t use panko breadcrumbs because they are too coarse for me. I like the finer bread crumbs.
If you want to take this chicken cordon bleu recipe to the next level, substitute prosciutto for the honey ham. The cost per serving will increase because prosciutto is more expensive than pre-packaged ham.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving so the cheese stays inside when slicing.
Sides to go with Chicken Cordon Bleu
My family’s favorite sides are either a baked potato or my make-ahead mashed potatoes. For a green vegetable, I like to serve zucchini pancakes when zucchini is in season, or maple bacon green beans.
Why is the cheese leaking out of my chicken cordon blue?
There are two reasons for cheese leaking out. Either it wasn’t rolled up tightly, or the chicken was overstuffed. Use more toothpicks to secure the
Do I need a sauce?
No, the chicken is flavorful on its own. If you feel it needs a sauce, a creamy Dijon mustard sauce would be delicious.
Can I make chicken cordon bleu ahead?
Yes. You can make the chicken roll-ups in advance, place them in the baking dish, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Alternatively, you can freeze them before baking. Thaw in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
Did you make this recipe? If so, please leave a comment and 5-star review on the recipe card below. If you really love this recipe, please share it on your social media!
Chicken Cordon Bleu
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
- 4 slices Swiss cheese thin slices
- 8 slices deli ham I use pre-packaged honey ham variety
- 1 egg beaten
- 6 tablespoons butter melted
- 1 1/2 cups Italian breadcrumbs
- Toothpicks
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a small baking dish place egg and beat lightly. In a separate bowl, gently mix melted butter with breadcrumbs until breadcrumbs are moist.
- On a plastic cutting board or parchment, assemble chicken. Lay chicken breast flat and top with one slice of cheese and two slices of ham on top. Roll chicken from top to bottom and secure with toothpicks. You should need no more than 3 or 4.
- Gently dip the chicken roll into beaten egg and then into the breadcrumb mixture, coating generously. Place into ungreased baking dish. Repeat until all are completed.
- Bake for 45 – 50 minutes or until juices run clear.
- Remove toothpicks before serving.
Originally published January 18, 2018; Updated October 25, 2020 and again on July 29, 2026.
One of my absolute fave dishes. The chicken, cheese, and ham wrapped in that crispy crust. Yum! Making my mouth water just looking at it.
I grew up eating chicken cordon bleu – it’s sooo good and total comfort food to me!
This is some delicious cold-weather comfort food! It looks great for a winter time family dinner.
Yumm!! I haven’t made chicken cordon bleu in forever, but I love that dish!
Spirals of goodness! I’ll be trying this one soon. Anything with cheese is a sure fire winner in my house.
I didn’t know the correlation to schnitzel, but now that you say it I can definitely see it.
I have never made Chicken Cordon Bleu. This recipe sounds very doable and delicious.
This is truly comfort food and your recipe is so much better than any store made chicken.
I could definitely go for one of those. They look delicious!
One of my husband’s favorites too! I have to put this on the menu soon.
Oh yum! I’ve never made chicken cordon bleu, but I sure want to now!
I haven’t had this in so long, but definitely a comfort food dish.
This is a favorite recipe I need to revisit again! Perfect for me since the recipe is so easily scaled down (just two of us now).
Your recipe sounds delicious! Thank you for sharing!
Love chicken cordon bleu and yours looks luscious, Ellen. Thanks for hosting.
Your husband has great taste! These were always a favorite of mine too!
I haven’t made Chicken Cordon Bleu in a long time. Love your version!