Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu

A golden, crunchy exterior with a gooey cheese and ham center—elegant enough for dinner parties but easy enough for weeknights!

Ingredients (Serves 4)

✅ 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to ½-inch thickness)
✅ 4 slices Swiss cheese (or Gruyère for extra meltiness)
✅ 4 slices ham (Black Forest or honey ham work well)
✅ 1 cup flour
✅ 2 eggs, beaten
✅ 1 cup breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)
✅ 1 tsp paprika
✅ 1 tsp garlic powder
✅ Salt & pepper to taste
✅ 2 tbsp butter (for extra crispiness)
✅ 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

Optional:

• Dijon mustard (spread inside before rolling)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the Chicken

1. Pound chicken breasts between plastic wrap or in a ziplock bag until ½-inch thick.
2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.

2️⃣ Layer Cheese & Ham

1. Place 1 slice of ham on each chicken breast, followed by 1 slice of cheese.
2. (Optional) Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard for tangy flavor.

3️⃣ Roll & Secure

1. Tightly roll up each breast, tucking in the sides.
2. Secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.

4️⃣ Bread the Chicken

1. Dredge each roll in flour (shake off excess).
2. Dip in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs + garlic powder.
3. Chill 15 mins (helps coating stick better).

5️⃣ Cook to Perfection

Stovetop + Oven Method (Best for Crispiness):

1. Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Heat olive oil + butter in an oven-safe pan.
3. Sear rolls on all sides until golden brown (2-3 mins per side).
4. Transfer pan to oven, bake 15-20 mins until internal temp reaches 75°C (165°F).

Deep-Fry Method (Extra Crispy):

1. Heat oil to 175°C (350°F).
2. Fry rolls 4-5 mins until golden and cooked through.

6️⃣ Rest & Serve

1. Let rest 5 mins (melts cheese further).
2. Remove toothpicks, slice diagonally, and garnish with parsley.

🔥 Pro Tips

• Cheese leak-proof: Freeze rolled chicken 10 mins before breading.
• Juicy chicken: Don’t overbake—use a meat thermometer!
• Sauce pairing: Serve with creamy Dijon sauce or mushroom gravy.

Why You’ll Love It

✨ Restaurant-quality at home
✨ Ooey-gooey cheese pull in every bite
✨ Meal-prep friendly—assemble ahead, cook when needed!

Pair with:  mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad. 🥗