Chicken Cordon Bleu: Easy, Elegant Dinner for Busy Weeknights

Chicken cordon bleu might sound fancy, but this classic dish is one of the most approachable gourmet meals you can make at home.

After a long day of meetings, carpools, or endless to-do lists, creating something impressive and delicious can seem overwhelming.

I remember staring into my refrigerator one Wednesday evening, wondering how to transform simple ingredients into something special. That’s when I rediscovered this gem of a recipe.

This foolproof chicken cordon bleu brings restaurant quality to your table with surprisingly little effort, perfect for those evenings when you want to elevate dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Time-saving preparation with two easy methods, one requiring just mayo and mustard!
• Perfectly crispy exterior without messy deep-frying, making cleanup a breeze
• Impressive presentation that looks like you spent hours (when it takes just minutes of active work)
• Versatile enough to please picky eaters while still feeling sophisticated
• The Dijon cream sauce transforms this baked chicken cordon bleu into a restaurant-worthy meal

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 small chicken breasts (around 6-7oz/180-210g each)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 slices Swiss cheese (or any melting cheese)
• 4 to 6 slices of ham (about 2.5oz/75g)

For the Breadcrumbs:

• 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs (for Super Easy method) or 1 cup (for Quick Dredge method)
• Oil spray

For Super Easy Crumbing:

• 3 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard

For Quick Dredge Crumbing:

• 1 egg
• 2 tsp plain flour

For the Dijon Cream Sauce:

• 1 1/2 tbsp butter
• 1 1/2 tbsp flour
• 1 1/4 cups milk (preferably full-fat)
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 3 tbsp parmesan cheese, finely grated

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Breadcrumbs

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/390°F (standard) or 180°C/350°F (fan).
2. Spread Panko breadcrumbs on a baking tray, spray with oil, and bake for 3 minutes or until light golden.
3. Remove and set aside.

Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut a pocket into each chicken breast, careful not to cut all the way through.
2. Fold the Swiss cheese in half and place 2 pieces inside each pocket, followed by the ham slices.
3. Seal with toothpicks and season with salt and pepper.

Choose Your Breading Method

Super Easy Method:

1. In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
2. Spread the mixture on the top and sides of the chicken (not underneath).
3. Sprinkle Panko breadcrumbs over the chicken, pressing lightly with your hand.
4. Spray with oil.

Quick Dredge Method:

1. Whisk together egg and flour.
2. Dip chicken into the mixture, then coat with Panko breadcrumbs.
3. Transfer to the tray and spray with oil.

Bake the Chicken

1. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
2. Remove toothpicks before serving.

Make the Dijon Cream Sauce

1. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add flour and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add half the milk, whisking until the mixture blends.
4. Add the rest of the milk, mustard, and cheese, whisking constantly for 3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper.

Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu

1. The Perfect Pocket – When cutting the pocket in your chicken, use a sharp knife and place your hand on the chicken to feel how deep you’re cutting. Think of it as creating a little envelope you want enough space for the fillings but not so much that everything falls out!
2. Cheese Options – While Swiss is traditional, don’t be afraid to experiment! Gruyère adds a nutty flavor, mozzarella gives that Instagram-worthy cheese pull, and provolone offers a smoky note. Check your cheese drawer—that forgotten block might be perfect for creamy chicken pasta dishes like this one.
3. Make-Ahead Magic: Prep your chicken cordon bleu the night before and keep it refrigerated, ready to pop in the oven when you get home from work. If baking from cold, just add 3-5 minutes to the cooking time.
4. The Toothpick Trick: Use toothpicks to seal your chicken pockets, but count how many you use! There’s nothing worse than biting into a surprise toothpick. I always use three per chicken breast and place them in the same pattern.
5. Sauce Savior—If your Dijon cream sauce seems too thick, just add a splash more milk. Too thin? Let it simmer a minute longer. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon. Run your finger through it, and if the line holds, you’re good to go!

A Personal Kitchen Victory

I’ll never forget serving this baked chicken cordon bleu at my first dinner party as a new homeowner. Between unpacked boxes and misplaced utensils, I needed something that seemed impressive but wouldn’t leave me stressed. This dish saved the day! My guests thought I’d spent hours in the kitchen, while in reality, I had prepared everything before they arrived and popped it in the oven while we enjoyed appetizers. One friend was so impressed that she requested the recipe and now regularly makes it for her family. Sometimes the simplest dishes create the longest-lasting impressions!

What to Serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu

This elegant chicken dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:

• Roasted vegetables: Asparagus, green beans, or a medley of colorful veggies
• Starchy sides: Mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or buttered egg noodles
• Light options: A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette
• Bread: Crusty French bread for soaking up that incredible Dijon cream sauce

The versatility of Chicken in this recipe means you can pair it with nearly any side dish you prefer, making it adaptable to what you already have in your pantry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the traditional ingredients in chicken cordon bleu?

Traditional chicken cordon bleu consists of chicken breast pounded thin, layered with ham and Swiss cheese, rolled up, breaded, and fried or baked. The name “cordon bleu” (blue ribbon) comes from a high honor in French cooking, suggesting this dish is worthy of awards! Our version simplifies the rolling process by creating a pocket instead, making it much easier to prepare.

What makes a good sauce for chicken cordon bleu?

The classic sauce for chicken cordon bleu is Dijon cream sauce, as featured in this recipe. The tangy mustard balances the richness of the cheese and complements the savory ham. Other popular options include white wine sauce, mushroom sauce, or even a simple lemon butter sauce. The best chicken cordon bleu sauce should complement without overwhelming the flavors of the chicken, ham, and cheese.

What side dishes are traditionally served with chicken cordon bleu?

Traditionally, chicken cordon bleu is served with starchy sides like mashed potatoes or rice, and green vegetables such as asparagus, green beans, or broccoli. In French cuisine, it might be accompanied by a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. For a complete meal, consider adding a light soup as a starter and a fruit-based dessert to finish.

Can I make chicken cordon bleu ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken (stuffed and breaded) up to 24 hours before and refrigerate it. You can freeze the prepared (uncooked) chicken for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator if it is frozen, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What kinds of cheese work best in chicken cordon bleu?

While Swiss cheese is traditional, other good melting cheeses work wonderfully too. Try Gruyère for a more pronounced flavor, mozzarella for extra stretchiness, provolone for a slight smokiness, or even a combination of cheeses. The key is choosing a cheese that melts well and complements the ham and chicken without overpowering them.

Elevate Your Weeknight Dinner

Chicken cordon bleu needn’t be reserved for special occasions or restaurant visits. This simplified approach lets you bring this classic dish into your regular dinner rotation. The combination of crispy exterior, juicy chicken, savory ham, and melty cheese creates a meal that satisfies both comfort food cravings and the desire for something a little special.

Remember this recipe the next time you’re staring at chicken breasts, wondering how to make them exciting. Whether you opt for the super easy mayo method or the quick dredge approach, you’ll create something worthy of a blue ribbon without the stress or mess of traditional methods.

What other classic dishes would you like to simplify for busy weeknights? Perhaps this chicken cordon bleu will become your signature dish with personal touches that make your family smile. After all, the best recipes are the ones that create memories around your table.

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