Rating: 3.73
(168)

Cordon Bleu

December 2, 2024

Cordon Bleu is a classic dish that combines tender meat, rich cheese, and crispy breadcrumbs into one deliciously satisfying meal. Traditionally made with chicken, veal, or pork, the meat is pounded thin, filled with ham and Swiss cheese, then rolled, breaded, and pan-fried or baked until golden brown and perfectly melted inside.

Though many associate Cordon Bleu with French cuisine, its exact origins are debated. The name “Cordon Bleu,” which means “blue ribbon” in French, originally referred to an order of French knights known for their excellence—and later, became a symbol of culinary distinction. Over time, the term came to be associated with dishes that represent high standards of cooking.

While the dish may not have originated directly from a French kitchen, its preparation and presentation follow the precision and flair of traditional French techniques. From carefully layering the ingredients to sealing them tightly before breading, each step requires attention to detail, much like many authentic French recipes.

Cordon Bleu is also incredibly versatile. Some versions add Dijon mustard, a nod to its French flavor roots, or use Gruyère cheese for a deeper, nuttier taste. It’s often served with creamy sauces, such as Mornay or béchamel, both staples in classic French cooking.

Today, Cordon Bleu is enjoyed around the world, not just in fancy French restaurants but also as a comforting homemade dish. It’s a favorite for family dinners and special occasions alike, offering a hearty combination of flavors and textures that never fail to impress.

Whether you’re savoring a gourmet French meal or enjoying a weeknight dinner, Cordon Bleu stands out as a timeless recipe. Its French name, rich filling, and golden crust all come together to create a dish worthy of its blue – ribbon heritage.

This entrée is easy and delicious!

Tip: Try to use the largest chicken breasts you can find so you’ll be able to roll them more easily.

Cordon Bleu
Cordon Bleu
3.73 from 168 votes
Cordon Bleu is a dish of meat wrapped around cheese (or with cheese filling), then breaded and pan-fried or baked.
Servings 1 people
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces Chicken breast Boneless, skinless
  • 2 slices Ham Thinly sliced
  • 2 slices Swiss cheese Thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs Preferably Panko
  • 2 Egg Beaten
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • to taste Salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet.
  • Place a slice of ham and a slice of cheese on each chicken breast.
  • Roll up each chicken breast tightly and secure with toothpicks.
  • Dredge each rolled chicken breast in flour, followed by egg, and then coat in breadcrumbs.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken rolls until golden brown on all sides.
  • Transfer the seared chicken rolls to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
  • Once done, remove toothpicks, slice, and serve warm. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 45gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 190mgSodium: 780mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 15mg
Calories: 500kcal
Meal Type: Dinner
Cuisine: French
Keyword: cooking, meat dishes, recipe
Cooking Method: Baked
Time: 30-45 Min
Level: Easy
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  1. 3 stars
    Tried to make this but the chicken rolled apart in the oven. I think I might’ve overcooked it? Not sure what went wrong. Smelled good, tho.

  2. User avatar brian.graham94 says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is so delicious! I didn’t have Swiss cheese, so I used cheddar, and it turned out great! Will definitely make again.

  3. User avatar marion.predovic48 says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is so good! My family loved it.

    1. User avatar courtney.johnston18 says:

      5 stars
      I made this for dinner last night and it was a hit! Super easy to follow.

  4. 3 stars
    It’s okay, but 350°F feels a bit low to me—mine took longer than 25 minutes. Also I ran out of patience for the toothpicks and just cut carefully.

  5. User avatar dick.vonrueden80 says:

    5 stars
    So easy and delish 😋! I used cheddar instead of Swiss because that’s what I had. Still good! Thanks!

    1. User avatar Devon Ortiz says:

      5 stars
      Cheddar sounds like a great idea! I might try that next time. Thanks for sharing! 😊

    2. 3 stars
      I don’t know… Swiss is supposed to be part of the recipe. Isn’t that kinda important? 🤔

  6. User avatar venus.ebert1979 says:

    3 stars
    It turned out okay, but I found the chicken a bit dry. Maybe I cooked it too long? Not sure if I’ll try it again.

  7. User avatar catharine.prohaska1968 says:

    2 stars
    2 pieces chicken breast, 2 slices ham, 2 slices cheese—seems too little for how thick I made my rolls. I ended up using extra ham/cheese.

  8. User avatar minda.braun82 says:

    2 stars
    I find this hard to believe. Can chicken really be that delicious? I’ve never seen it done before like this.

    1. 5 stars
      OMG, yes! Cordon Bleu is SO good! You gotta try it! Chicken can be super yummy when done right!

  9. 3 stars
    Not sure about the 350°F—felt too low for the crisp. I got color, but I wanted more browning. Still good flavor.

  10. 3 stars
    Ok but who exactly measures ‘to taste’ salt and pepper? 😂 I winged it and it was fine, just sayin’.

    1. 5 stars
      Haha fair point 😂 I usually do a pinch, then another, then stop when it “tastes right.” “To taste” is basically code for “season until you’re happy.”

  11. User avatar coretta.cassin1962 says:

    2 stars
    Not the best recipe. I accidentally burnt mine because I didn’t know how to sear properly. Maybe video tutorials would help?

    1. 4 stars
      I totally get what you mean! Video tutorials can really help visualize the steps. Maybe try turning the heat down next time to avoid burning?

  12. 2 stars
    I tried it and my breadcrumb coating slid off on the skillet, idk what I did wrong. Still tasted good though—maybe my eggs were too thin?

  13. User avatar quinton.bartell47 says:

    2 stars
    Y’all, I messed up and forgot the egg! Still turned out fine but I’m missing the crunch. Will follow the recipe next time, lol.

  14. User avatar Alia Atreides says:

    5 stars
    So much cheese, love it! Could eat it every day!

  15. 3 stars
    The instructions are clear, but I think 1 cup breadcrumbs is a lot—mine got way too dry on the outside. I added a splash of oil to the mix.

  16. User avatar melvin.hessel28 says:

    4 stars
    Cordon bleu? Sounds fancy but tastes like chicken nuggets lol!

  17. User avatar shanae.hodkiewicz76 says:

    5 stars
    This looks amazing! Can’t wait to try it 😍

    1. 5 stars
      Thanks! I’m so excited too! Have you tried making it before?

  18. User avatar ramonita.dubuque1973 says:

    1 star
    I don’t get why this is so popular, it’s chicken and ham with cheese. Who doesn’t know that? 😒

  19. User avatar jodie.schuppe says:

    4 stars
    I’m a bad cook but this was really simple to follow. Taste was good! Will try again. 👍🏻⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  20. User avatar Mr. Marine Abbott says:

    3 stars
    Can you use any cheese? I don’t like Swiss.

  21. User avatar guillermo.little50 says:

    2 stars
    Idk why but my breadcrumb coating got soggy in the oven. Maybe I didn’t sear long enough or my oven runs humid? Any tips?

  22. User avatar nicolas.kunze says:

    2 stars
    I messed it up. The chicken was dry. Maybe I cooked it too long?

  23. 4 stars
    My buddy said to add spices to the flour mix. Gonna try that next time!

    1. User avatar rosia.rice3 says:

      5 stars
      Spices sound great! Makes it more flavorful. Let us know how it turns out!

  24. User avatar lemuel.hackett94 says:

    4 stars
    Cordon what? I always thought it was just a fancy name for chicken nugget. Not bad tho, my husband liked it, I guess it’s a win.

  25. User avatar Gene E. Yuss says:

    5 stars
    Made this tonight and it came out super crispy! The panko really helps. I baked it closer to 25 min and it was perfectly cooked.

  26. 2 stars
    I don’t get how this is a French dish. It’s just chicken with ham and cheese!

  27. User avatar wellRespected says:

    5 stars
    Five stars. Also, Swiss cheese never melts right for me but this time it did! lol

  28. User avatar porter.heidenreich says:

    3 stars
    I followed it exactly and the breadcrumbs stayed a bit soft. Next time I’ll sear a minute longer and maybe broil at the end for extra crunch.

  29. User avatar katina.stamm says:

    3 stars
    I don’t understand how you can make this without seasoning. Just salt and pepper? That’s kinda boring.

    1. User avatar otha.mohr84 says:

      5 stars
      Salt and pepper are all you need! This is how classic recipes are made! Don’t overcomplicate it!

    2. User avatar marshall.wilkinson says:

      4 stars
      I kind of agree with you! It’s like they forgot the garlic or something. But maybe the ham and cheese adds enough flavor?

  30. 3 stars
    I don’t have Swiss cheese, can I use cheddar? 🤔

  31. User avatar benjamin.reynolds6 says:

    2 stars
    Did you really use 1 cup of breadcrumbs? Mine were like, dry as a desert. 😅

    1. 4 stars
      I had the same issue! I think the type of breadcrumbs makes a huge difference. Panko is supposed to be light and crispy, but maybe mine were old? 🤔

    2. User avatar mikel.vandervort92 says:

      3 stars
      1 cup is a lot! I usually only use half a cup, and mine turned out fine. Maybe the dry ones were just your breadcrumbs? 🤷‍♂️

  32. 3 stars
    I scratched that and made a veggie version with tofu… still good!

  33. User avatar else.douglas2001 says:

    5 stars
    OMG!!! This was amazing! So crunchy and tasty. My kids loved it! 🌟

  34. User avatar ed.bogisich87 says:

    3 stars
    The instructions were great, but my ham was thick and it didn’t roll well. What a fiasco! 😩

  35. User avatar jettie.schiller1959 says:

    3 stars
    Do I have to use Panko breadcrumbs? Can I just use regular ones? 🤔

    1. User avatar scottie.wolff49 says:

      5 stars
      You can totally use regular breadcrumbs! They won’t be as crispy as Panko but it’ll still taste great! 😋

    2. 4 stars
      I think they should work fine, but I’ve heard Panko makes it crunchier. Idk, maybe trying a mix could be cool too?

  36. User avatar yolanda.johnson42 says:

    5 stars
    Easiest recipe ever! Doing it again next week.

  37. User avatar dorian.mohr says:

    4 stars
    Only 20-25 minutes?? That’s like a little too short for me. Chicken can be tricky. Still, the flavors are solid.

  38. User avatar keila.murray says:

    5 stars
    Love that you sear first then bake. I did 2 minutes longer in the oven and it came out perfect. Toothpick removal was scary lol but fine.

    1. User avatar leopoldo.greenholt53 says:

      5 stars
      Yes!! I do the same—those extra couple minutes usually make it *just* right. Also the toothpicks… I thought I was gonna launch one across the kitchen 😅 but slicing after is so much easier.

  39. User avatar NAFO.SUPREMACY says:

    3 stars
    Not sure if I like this. My husband said it was too salty.

  40. User avatar Bowerick Wowbagger says:

    4 stars
    I didn’t have panko, so I used regular breadcrumbs. Texture was okay, but it wasn’t as crunchy. Flavor still hit.

  41. User avatar evelina.collier says:

    2 stars
    Maybe I did something wrong, but the filling leaked a little when slicing. Could be my ham was too thick or I didn’t seal well.

  42. User avatar neil.gleichner75 says:

    4 stars
    Cordon what? Never heard of it before! But now I’m hooked!

    1. 5 stars
      Cordon Bleu is a classic! You’re gonna love it! 😍

  43. User avatar kieth.mayert says:

    3 stars
    Love cordon bleu but I’m skeptical about the toothpicks—mine slid out and the filling tried to escape 😅. Next time I’ll tie them or use less roll pressure.

    1. 4 stars
      Ugh yes, toothpicks are the make-or-break part 😅. I started using 2 toothpicks per roll and it helped a lot. Also don’t overstuff—cheese really wants to escape!

  44. User avatar lauren.heller2022 says:

    2 stars
    Can I use cheddar instead of Swiss? Never heard of this dish before, sounds kinda weird. ⭐⭐

  45. User avatar Eccentrica Gallumbits says:

    5 stars
    Yummy!! Quick and easy. I added some garlic powder and it made a big difference!

  46. User avatar Mr. Prosser says:

    3 stars
    Umm, I have a question… Why do we need to pound the chicken? Can’t we just roll it? 🤔

    1. User avatar rolando.dubuque88 says:

      5 stars
      Pounding the chicken helps it cook evenly and makes it tender. Rolling it might not get the same result. 😋

  47. User avatar eldon.murphy1999 says:

    4 stars
    Yum! The crunch from the breadcrumbs was amazing.

    1. User avatar Duncan Idaho says:

      5 stars
      Totally! The breadcrumbs make it so crunchy! I always use Panko too for that extra crunch.

    2. User avatar Margot Fenring says:

      2 stars
      I followed the recipe but mine turned out soggy. Maybe I used too much oil? Not crunchy at all. 🙁

  48. 2 stars
    Cordon Bleu? Isn’t that French? I thought it was Italian. 😅

  49. User avatar ayanna.harber says:

    5 stars
    Five stars! My kids ate it and asked for more. Also, the smell while searing was unreal—like restaurant vibes.

    1. User avatar Glossu "Beast" Rabban says:

      3 stars
      I don’t know… mine came out kinda dry after baking. I think I might’ve overbaked it. Any tips for keeping the inside juicy? Still tastes good though.

    2. User avatar lavinia.sporer says:

      5 stars
      Five stars for real! My kids devoured it too—asked for seconds immediately. The searing smell is seriously next-level like you said. Will definitely make again.

  50. User avatar joey.treutel says:

    2 stars
    Too many steps! Who has time for all this? Just cook chicken and add cheese on top!

  51. User avatar kory.kovacek2017 says:

    4 stars
    I ain’t never heard of this dish. Thought it was a cooking term or somethin’. Still it looked tasty.

  52. User avatar javier.mclaughlin55 says:

    2 stars
    It didn’t turn out too good. The chicken was dry. I think I overcooked it.

    1. User avatar Denis Nitzsche says:

      4 stars
      Sorry to hear that! Maybe try checking the internal temp next time? 165°F is usually good for chicken.

  53. User avatar frida.anderson says:

    5 stars
    Just made this for dinner, and it was a hit! It’s kinda like chicken sushi 😆. Will try for holidays fo’ sure!

  54. 5 stars
    So tasty! My kids loved it. Will be making this again for sure!

  55. User avatar Gwyneth Gerlach V says:

    4 stars
    Easy to follow and delicious! I made it for my dinner party and everyone was impressed.

    1. User avatar gisele.hane40 says:

      5 stars
      So glad to hear it was a hit! I’ve made it too and everyone loved it!

  56. 3 stars
    Looks fancy but really just chicken, ham and cheese. Not impressed. ⭐⭐⭐

  57. User avatar Lunkwill and Fook says:

    4 stars
    Looks great but I doubt I can make it as good as you. I’m not a great cook.

  58. User avatar dallas.heaney91 says:

    5 stars
    This is an amazing recipe! My family loved it, especially my kids. I added some garlic powder to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor. Will definitely make again!

  59. 5 stars
    This turned out way better than I expected. The breadcrumb crust stayed nice and crisp, and the Swiss+ham combo is classic for a reason!

    1. 5 stars
      Totally agree—cordon bleu is one of those combos that just works. Love that you kept the crumb crust crisp.

  60. User avatar Cody Pendant says:

    2 stars
    Cordon bleu… with toothpicks?? I mean, I guess it works, but wouldn’t it be safer to just use kitchen string? Mine kinda fell apart lol.

  61. User avatar Paula Nancy Millstone Jennings says:

    2 stars
    Did I miss something? Why do you roll it up? Seems like extra work.

  62. User avatar Ilene Dover says:

    4 stars
    Followed it pretty much exactly—though I didn’t have toothpicks and used little skewers. Still turned out great. Next time I’ll add a little mustard flavor though.

  63. User avatar krystal.goldner2026 says:

    4 stars
    Followed the steps pretty much exactly. My chicken was tender, but I think I should’ve pounded it a bit thinner—still delicious though.

  64. User avatar jose.upton91 says:

    3 stars
    Never heard of this before but it sounds fancy! Might try it on a special occasion. 😅

  65. User avatar cythia.windler says:

    4 stars
    Cordon Bleu is my favorite! I used turkey instead of chicken and it was still delish.

  66. User avatar Carmelia D'Amore says:

    1 star
    I tried it, but the chicken was still raw inside. Might need a meat thermometer next time. 😒⭐

  67. User avatar Prostetnic Vogon Kwaltz says:

    5 stars
    OMG so good! I’m making again tomorrow 😄

  68. User avatar mike.kuhlman83 says:

    3 stars
    350°F seems low for how long it cooks. I thought it would be more browner, but the flavor was solid. Next time I’ll sear longer.

  69. User avatar jamaal.orn says:

    1 star
    Chicken breast is too dry after baking. Fry it instead! Way better!

  70. User avatar alphonse.cremin46 says:

    4 stars
    Delicious! I used less oil and it was still crunchy. Thanks for sharing!

  71. User avatar emmanuel.bauch7 says:

    4 stars
    Sounds fancy, but it’s actually pretty straightforward. My breading stayed on better after I let the coated rolls rest 5 minutes before searing.

  72. User avatar henrietta.mann says:

    3 stars
    What’s with the toothpicks? I just used string! It worked fine.

  73. User avatar jordan.beer1979 says:

    3 stars
    Okay, but why do we pound chicken? Isn’t that kinda mean to the chicken? 🤔

  74. 5 stars
    This is way closer to the classic vibe than I expected. The breadcrumb crust came out super crisp after baking—nice job keeping the steps simple.

  75. User avatar Grady Schamberger says:

    5 stars
    This was super easy to make and so delicious! My kids loved it!

  76. User avatar garret.ullrich2009 says:

    4 stars
    I only had pre-sliced cheese and thicker ham. It was messier to roll but tasted great. Sauce/side ideas would help though.

  77. User avatar jeffry.bartoletti says:

    5 stars
    This is the best recipe ever! My family loves it! 😍

    1. 3 stars
      Looks good, but isn’t it a bit too dry sometimes? I had trouble once with that.

    2. 5 stars
      I totally agree! This recipe is a hit at our dinner table too! 🍽️

  78. User avatar rich.landlord says:

    1 star
    Cordon blue? What’s that? Sounds fancy haha!

    1. User avatar boyd.herzog1972 says:

      2 stars
      Never heard of it, but sounds complicated. Can’t you just fry the chicken?

    2. User avatar shery.frami27 says:

      5 stars
      It’s actually really delicious! You should definitely try making it! 😋

  79. User avatar aaron.steuber says:

    3 stars
    I followed the steps exactly and mine still came out kinda dry. I think my chicken breasts were larger than expected. Would marinate next time.

  80. 5 stars
    This recipe changed my life! So easy and delicious. My kids loved it! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  81. User avatar gordon.tromp9 says:

    2 stars
    Cordon bleu? More like cordon boo! I couldn’t get the rolling right and ended up with a mess. Not easy!

    1. User avatar jocelyn.langworth47 says:

      5 stars
      Don’t be too hard on yourself! Rolling can be tricky. Maybe try using a cling film next time to help with the shape? It gets easier! 👍

  82. 5 stars
    This is the best Cordon Bleu recipe ever! So easy and delicious! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  83. User avatar cassidy.volkman says:

    4 stars
    Never thought to roll chicken like that! Pretty neat idea! 👍

  84. User avatar Brighton Early says:

    4 stars
    Super easy! I used mozzarella instead of Swiss, and it worked great. Will definitely make again!

  85. User avatar Gail Andrews says:

    2 stars
    Honestly I’m not convinced this is “cordon bleu” without making a sauce. It’s still tasty though—just calling it something else might be more accurate.

  86. User avatar sofia.heidenreich66 says:

    3 stars
    350°F for 20-25 minutes seems short for chicken breast? Mine was barely done after 20, so I added another 8 minutes. Use a thermometer, folks.

  87. User avatar claris.cummerata2024 says:

    4 stars
    Took me a while to make, but worth it! The kids loved it! 🥰

    1. User avatar chantay.mohr65 says:

      5 stars
      I’m glad to hear the kids loved it! I’m definitely going to try making this. 🤗

    2. User avatar marylin.reinger says:

      2 stars
      Took you a while? It’s just chicken and ham, how hard can it be? 🤔

  88. User avatar dulcie.will says:

    5 stars
    Tastes amazing! I added garlic powder to the breadcrumbs, 10/10 would recommend!

  89. User avatar shoshana.sauer1 says:

    5 stars
    Yum! I made this for dinner and my family loved it. Gonna try with different cheeses next time.

  90. 4 stars
    I didn’t have Swiss cheese, so I used Cheddar. Still turned out great! 😋

  91. User avatar jene.barton says:

    5 stars
    Yum, this was fantastic with some marinara on top! 5 stars!

  92. User avatar trey.kulas2010 says:

    4 stars
    I’ve never been good at pounding chicken evenly, but I still followed the steps and the roll-up worked. Next time I’ll tie it more securely so it doesn’t shift while breading.

    1. 5 stars
      Nice! I’ve also struggled with even pounding, but your note about tying it tighter makes total sense—mine usually shifts during breading if I don’t secure it well.

    2. User avatar tyrone.satterfield59 says:

      3 stars
      I tried something like this before… my breading fell off hard 😅 maybe because I didn’t let the seared rolls rest? also 350°F seems low? could’ve been 450?? not sure but it was still tasty.

  93. User avatar ellis.connelly says:

    1 star
    2 slices? Seriously? That seems like way too little for an adult meal. I need more meat!

    1. 3 stars
      Honestly, 2 slices is normal for fancy restaurants. Maybe you can have a side dish with it? Like veggies?

    2. User avatar karyl.klocko29 says:

      5 stars
      I totally get you! I always add an extra chicken breast when I make this. More meat means more yum! 🍗

  94. User avatar Miss Janyce Mertz says:

    2 stars
    This recipe seems simple, but it’s really just chicken wrapped in ham. Is that something special?

  95. User avatar shirley.schimmel1965 says:

    4 stars
    Not gonna lie, the toothpick part stresses me out 😂 But it worked. I did run out of panko so used regular breadcrumbs and it was still good.

  96. User avatar marcia.mann says:

    4 stars
    I swapped the Swiss for mozzarella, not the same but still good!

    1. User avatar fredericka.aufderhar94 says:

      3 stars
      Mozzarella? Really? I can’t imagine it tasting the same. But hey, if you liked it, that’s what matters!

  97. User avatar Pasta Fasta says:

    2 stars
    My coating fell off a bit when I seared it. Maybe the chicken wasn’t dry enough after pounding? Flavor was still good.

    1. 4 stars
      Totally makes sense—if the chicken was even a little wet, the egg/breading can’t really grip after the sear. Next time, try patting it REALLY dry after pounding, and also let the breaded rolls sit 3–5 minutes before going into the pan.

  98. User avatar hyo.kshlerin says:

    3 stars
    I tried this but it didn’t turn out as good as expected. My chicken was too dry. Maybe I cooked it too long?

  99. User avatar ginny.sporer3 says:

    3 stars
    I don’t know about the ham, seems a bit odd on chicken. Is this really traditional?

  100. User avatar celestina.rath2020 says:

    5 stars
    OMG, this is like my favorite dish! Crunchy on the outside, melty on the inside 😍. Will make again for sure!

3.73 from 168 votes
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