Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu

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Golden and crispy on the outside, juicy and cheesy on the inside — this Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu is the ultimate comfort dinner made with everyday ingredients and big flavor. Imagine tender chicken breasts wrapped around layers of smoky ham and gooey Swiss cheese, then baked until crisp and melty. It’s an easy twist on a classic that delivers restaurant-style satisfaction right from your oven.

Perfect for weeknight meals or impressing guests, this version skips the deep frying while still giving you that irresistible crunch thanks to a well-seasoned breadcrumb coating. Serve it with a light salad or creamy mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser on your hands.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Getting everything in place before you begin will make preparing your Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu seamless. Here’s what you’ll need and why each tool matters:

• Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: For cleanly butterflying and trimming your chicken breasts. A sharp knife ensures you don’t shred the meat.
• Plastic Wrap or Parchment Paper + Meat Mallet: Use these to pound the chicken evenly. This ensures even cooking and a uniform roll.
• Mixing Bowls: For your breading station — one each for flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
• Toothpicks or Kitchen Twine: To secure the rolled chicken and prevent the filling from leaking out.
• Baking Sheet with Wire Rack: Elevates the chicken while baking so heat circulates evenly, giving you that crisp crust without flipping.
• Meat Thermometer: Not a must, but highly recommended to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F without drying out.

These tools make the difference between a soggy, uneven bake and a beautifully golden, well-stuffed cordon bleu.

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Ingredients for the Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Chicken Breasts: The base of this dish, boneless and skinless, ready to be pounded thin and rolled.
• Deli Ham: Adds savory depth and a salty contrast to the creamy cheese.
• Swiss Cheese: Melts perfectly inside the roll for a rich, gooey center.
• All-Purpose Flour: Used for the first dredge layer to help the egg stick.
• Eggs: Act as the binder for the breadcrumb coating.
• Breadcrumbs (preferably Panko): Give that golden, crisp texture you crave.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Dried Parsley: These seasonings enhance the breadcrumbs without overpowering the filling.
• Salt & Pepper: Brings balance and essential flavor.
• Olive Oil or Cooking Spray: Helps the coating crisp up beautifully in the oven.

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How To Make the Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu

Step 1: Butterfly and Flatten

Lay each chicken breast on a cutting board and slice horizontally to butterfly. Place between parchment and pound with a mallet until about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 2: Layer the Filling

Place slices of ham and cheese on top of the flattened chicken. Tightly roll from one end, securing with toothpicks.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Set up a dredging station with flour, beaten eggs, and seasoned breadcrumbs. Roll each chicken bundle first in flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs, pressing to adhere.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the rolled chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Lightly spray with oil and bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes or until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and the cheese stay intact.

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Serving and Storing Your Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu

Serve this dish hot, paired with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. The crispy coating and melty interior make it hearty enough to stand alone too.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F to maintain the crisp exterior.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the chicken rolls and store them (unbaked) in the fridge up to 24 hours in advance. Bake just before serving.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Swiss cheese is traditional, but Gruyère or provolone work great too for different flavor twists.

Can I freeze Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu?

Absolutely. Freeze rolled and breaded (unbaked) for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 40-45 minutes.

What if I don’t have a wire rack?

You can bake directly on a parchment-lined sheet, flipping halfway for even crispiness.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Chicken breasts work best for rolling, but you can try boneless thighs if they’re large and even in thickness.

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Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

• Longhorn Parmesan Chicken with buttery garlic sauce.
• Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot for a set-it-and-forget-it dinner.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini if you love pasta pairings.
• Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet when you want that steakhouse vibe.
• Smothered Chicken and Rice for cozy, one-dish comfort.

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Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Follow me on Pinterest.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use Swiss, or go bold with Gruyère? Try a spicy twist? I love seeing how others customize these classics.

Questions are always welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter and tastier!

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