Chicken Breast Cordon Bleu
Crunchy, savory chicken breasts filled with Swiss cheese and ham, then breaded and pan-fried to golden perfection—ideal for a comforting, elegant meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix flour with salt and pepper.
- Match pairs of chicken slices so they are equal size and shape.
- Layer each of 4 chicken slices with 1 slice of Swiss cheese and 1 slice of cooked ham.
- Top with the matching chicken slices, pressing edges to seal.
- Dip each assembled chicken breast in beaten egg, then coat with bread crumbs.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes per side.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or Italian herbs to the flour mixture. If Swiss cheese isn’t available, Gruyère or mozzarella can be great substitutes. Consider using panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. To ensure even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness before assembling, which helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Breast Cordon Bleu with a side of garlic mashed potatoes or a refreshing Chicken Stack-Up Salad for a balanced meal. A light drizzle of lemon juice can enhance the flavors. Pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete dinner. This dish also goes well with a creamy sauce or a side of Puree Of Pumpkin Soup for a cozy touch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Chicken Breast Cordon Bleu can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through, or use a microwave for quicker reheating, though it may not retain crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Breast Cordon Bleu contains roughly 1641 calories, with 30g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 130g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (59% of the Daily Value) and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2184mg per serving (95% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken breasts up to the point of frying and then refrigerate them for up to a day. When ready to cook, simply dip in the egg and coat with breadcrumbs before frying. This can save time on busy weeknights.
What should I do if the chicken is not cooking through?
If the chicken is browning too quickly while remaining raw inside, lower the heat and cover the skillet to allow it to cook more evenly. Alternatively, you can finish cooking it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes.
Can I freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled, un-cooked Chicken Cordon Bleu. Wrap each breast tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. To cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then proceed with the frying instructions.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).