Okay, you’ve gotta try this one—Chicken Cordon Bleu.

It sounds super fancy, but I swear, it’s totally doable. Juicy chicken, melty cheese, and smoky ham all rolled up and baked or air-fried to crispy perfection.

This one always impresses, and I’ll walk you through it step-by-step. Let’s make it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy outside, juicy inside

• Melty cheese and smoky ham combo = pure joy

• Great for date night or casual dinner

• Can be baked or air-fried

• You’ll feel like a chef, even if you’re not one

Ingredients Needed

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 4 slices of Swiss cheese (or your fave melty cheese)

• 4 slices of deli ham

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (optional but good)

• 2 eggs

• 1/4 cup flour

• Salt and pepper

• Toothpicks (to hold it all together)

• Cooking spray or oil (for air fryer or baking)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Pound your chicken breasts flat. Use a rolling pin or meat mallet. You want them about 1/4 inch thick.

Step 2: Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Lay one slice of ham and one slice of cheese on top of each chicken piece. Roll it up tightly. Secure with toothpicks.

Step 4: Get three bowls. In one: flour. In the second, beaten eggs. In the third, breadcrumbs are mixed with Parmesan.

Step 5: Dip each chicken roll in flour, then egg, then breadcrumb mix. Make sure it’s well-coated.

Step 6 (Bake): Place the chicken on a lined baking sheet. Spray with cooking spray. Bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes or until golden and cooked through.

Step 6 (Air Fryer): Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Spray chicken with oil and cook for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Step 7: Let it rest a couple of minutes before slicing so everything stays inside.

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Use parchment paper to help roll the chicken

• Toothpicks are your friend—don’t skip them

• Panko gives you that extra crunch

• Chill the rolls before coating to help them hold their shape

Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

• Skipping the pounding step: the chicken won’t roll right

• Overstuffing: it’ll fall apart

• Not securing with toothpicks: the filling might ooze out

• Under-seasoning: remember to salt and pepper

Serving and Presentation Ideas

• Slice it into rounds for a fancy look

• Serve over mashed potatoes or buttered noodles

• Add steamed green beans or roasted veggies

• Drizzle with a light mustard cream sauce if you want to get extra

Variations and Recipe Swaps

• Swap Swiss for mozzarella, provolone, or Gouda

• Use turkey instead of ham

• Try spicy mustard inside for a kick

• Go keto: use almond flour and skip breadcrumbs

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days

• Reheat in air fryer for crispy texture (375°F for 5–7 mins)

• The microwave works, but it will soften the crust

What to Serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Garlic mashed potatoes

• Caesar salad

• Roasted asparagus

• Buttery dinner rolls

• Creamy mushroom sauce

FAQs

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Yep! Prep the rolls and keep them in the fridge for a day. Coat and cook when ready.

Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Totally. Freeze before or after cooking. Just thaw in the fridge overnight.

Q: What cheese works best?
A: Swiss is classic, but Gouda, mozzarella, or provolone also melt well.

Q: How do I keep the filling from leaking out?
A: Don’t overfill and secure tightly with toothpicks.

Q: Is air frying better than baking?
A: It’s faster and gives a crispier texture. Both work great, though.

Q: Can I skip the flour/egg/breadcrumb step?
A: You can, but the crunchy coating is kind of the best part.

Q: Do I have to use ham?
A: Nope! Try turkey, prosciutto, or skip it if you prefer.

Conclusion

You Might Also Want To Try

• Easy Lasagna Recipe
• Easy Banana Pudding
• Creamy Chicken Casserole

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Continue to Content

Chicken Cordon Bleu

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Juicy chicken rolled with smoky ham and melty cheese, then coated in crispy breadcrumbs and baked or air-fried to perfection. A fancy-feeling meal that's easier than you'd think.

Print

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 slices of Swiss cheese
• 4 slices of ham
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup flour
• Salt and pepper
• Toothpicks
• Cooking spray/oil

Instructions

1. Pound chicken thin.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Add ham and cheese. Roll up. Toothpick it.
4. Dredge: flour → egg → breadcrumb.
5. Bake at 400°F for 25–30 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 18–20 mins.
6. Let rest. Slice and serve

Notes

• Works great as leftovers.
• Make it low-carb with almond flour.
• Go extra: serve with creamy Dijon sauce.

Nutrition Information

Yield 4
Amount Per Serving Calories ~450 per serving

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