Golden, crispy, and filled with layers of smoky ham and melty Swiss cheese, this Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic comfort food made even easier with an oven-baked twist. Say goodbye to messy frying — this recipe keeps things lighter without sacrificing any of the indulgent flavor. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or impressing guests without stress.
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Wrapped tightly, breaded to perfection, and finished with buttery chicken broth, this dish is everything you love about traditional chicken cordon bleu — with none of the hassle. Add it to your list of easy dinner recipes, cheesy baked chicken ideas, and family-friendly meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside
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Baked, not fried — no messy oil or splatter
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Cheesy and satisfying with a savory ham center
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Great for family dinners or special occasions
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Freezer-friendly — perfect for prepping ahead
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Restaurant-quality results at home
Ingredient Breakdown
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Chicken Breasts: Flattened to even thickness, they roll easily and cook evenly.
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Deli Ham: Adds a savory, smoky contrast to the creamy cheese.
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Swiss Cheese: Melts beautifully and gives that classic cordon bleu taste.
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Flour: Helps the egg stick and creates the first layer of crispiness.
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Eggs: Bind the breadcrumbs to the chicken rolls.
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Breadcrumbs: Provide a crispy, golden coating. Use panko for extra crunch.
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Salt, Pepper & Garlic Powder: Simple seasoning that enhances the overall flavor.
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Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps brown the coating during baking.
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Chicken Broth: Keeps the chicken juicy and adds moisture during the final bake.
Pro Tips
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Pound chicken evenly to avoid overcooked edges and undercooked centers.
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Secure rolls tightly with toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold shape while baking.
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Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch and golden color.
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Add more cheese if you want it super gooey — just don’t overstuff.
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Let the rolls rest before slicing to lock in juices.
Ingredient Swaps or Variations
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Try mozzarella or provolone instead of Swiss for a different cheesy flavor.
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Use prosciutto or smoked turkey instead of deli ham for a gourmet twist.
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Add Dijon mustard to the inside layer for extra flavor.
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Swap chicken for turkey cutlets for a leaner option.
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Make it gluten-free with almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with buttery mashed potatoes or roasted garlic green beans.
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Pair with a crisp green salad and vinaigrette for a lighter option.
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Drizzle with a quick Dijon cream sauce or a simple white gravy.
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Serve with warm dinner rolls or garlic bread on the side.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
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Make Ahead: Assemble chicken rolls and refrigerate (uncooked) for up to 1 day.
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes or use an air fryer to re-crisp the coating.
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Freeze: Freeze uncooked rolls on a sheet pan, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen at 375°F for 40–45 minutes, adding broth in the last 10 minutes.
Cultural or Historical Notes
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a French-inspired dish that gained popularity in American households in the mid-20th century. The name translates to “blue ribbon,” indicating a dish of high quality. While the original versions are often pan-fried or deep-fried, this baked version captures the same classic flavor with a modern, lighter approach.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the chicken rolls a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Do I have to use Swiss cheese?
Swiss is traditional, but any good melting cheese works — try gouda, mozzarella, or provolone.
Why is chicken broth added at the end?
It keeps the chicken moist during the final bake and adds flavor to the base.
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Can I make it without toothpicks?
Toothpicks help hold the rolls together, but you can use kitchen twine or place the seam side down and pack tightly in the dish.
How do I know when it’s done?
Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
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Easy Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe (Cheesy & Crispy)
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu – Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, coated in crispy breadcrumbs, and baked to golden perfection. A comforting yet elegant meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions!
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 1.5 lbs / 680g)
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8 slices deli ham (approx. 4 oz / 115g)
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8 slices Swiss cheese (approx. 4 oz / 115g)
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½ cup all-purpose flour (60g)
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2 large eggs, beaten
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1½ cups breadcrumbs (180g)
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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¼ teaspoon garlic powder
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¼ cup melted butter (60ml)
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½ cup chicken broth (120ml)
Instructions
1. Flatten the Chicken
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Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap.
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Pound to about ¼-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
2. Layer the Filling
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Lay out 1 slice of ham and 1 slice of Swiss cheese for each breast.
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Place the chicken breast on top, then add another slice of ham and cheese.
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Roll the chicken tightly, tucking in edges if needed. Secure with toothpicks.
3. Coat the Chicken
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Dredge #1: Dip each roll into the seasoned flour mixture.
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Dredge #2: Coat in beaten eggs.
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Dredge #3: Roll in breadcrumbs until fully covered.
4. Bake to Perfection
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Place coated rolls in a greased baking dish.
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Drizzle melted butter over the top.
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Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes until golden and cooked through.
5. Add Moisture
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In the final 10 minutes of baking, pour chicken broth around the rolls in the dish.
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Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
This Crispy Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu is a restaurant-worthy dish you can pull off any night of the week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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