Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

This Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe is a crispy and cheesy chicken dish, which uses ham and Swiss cheese wrapped inside tender chicken breasts. It’s a no-fuss take on the French classic, perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining, ready in about 45 minutes.

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Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 slices good-quality ham (Black Forest or similar)
• 4 slices Swiss cheese or Gruyère
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• Cooking spray or olive oil, for greasing

How To Make Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

1. Preheat and prepare: Set oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Flatten chicken breasts: Place each breast between plastic wrap and pound to ¼-inch thickness with a meat mallet or rolling pin.
3. Add filling: Season chicken with salt and pepper. Lay one slice of ham and one slice of cheese on each. Optionally spread Dijon mustard inside.
4. Roll and secure: Roll chicken tightly, tucking sides in. Secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
5. Bread the chicken: Prepare bowls for flour, beaten eggs, and panko mixed with melted butter. Dredge rolls in flour, dip in eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs.
6. Bake until golden: Place seam-side down in baking dish. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes or until golden and chicken reaches 165°F internally.
7. Rest and serve: Remove toothpicks, rest for 5 minutes, slice, and serve with your favorite sauce or sides.

Recipe Tips

• Can I prep Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time? Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 12 hours before baking.
• Best cheese substitute: Gruyère adds a richer flavor, but Swiss works well too.
• How to prevent unrolling: Secure with toothpicks and place seam-side down before baking.
• Make it extra crispy: Lightly spray breadcrumb coating with oil before baking.
• Serve with sauce: Classic pairings include Dijon cream sauce or béchamel.

What To Serve With Chicken Cordon Bleu

This dish pairs beautifully with fresh and light sides:

• Roasted asparagus or green beans
• Garlic mashed potatoes or rice pilaf
• Simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Lemon butter pasta or orzo

How To Store Chicken Cordon Bleu

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to maintain crispness.

Freeze: Assemble (uncooked) and freeze tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to cook time.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~400 per serving
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 720mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, but they may need extra pounding to ensure even thickness.

How do I know when the chicken is done?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F and juices run clear.

Can I fry instead of bake?
Yes, pan-fry in oil until golden, then finish in the oven for even cooking.

What’s the best sauce for Chicken Cordon Bleu?
A creamy Dijon sauce or hollandaise pairs beautifully with this dish.

Try More Recipes:

• Barefoot Contessa Oyster Stew Recipe
• Barefoot Contessa Beef Braciole Recipe
• Ina Garten Shrimp Risotto Recipe