Chicken Cordon Bleu
Ingredients
Chicken
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6–7 oz each)
4 slices Swiss or Gruyère cheese
4 slices deli ham (Black Forest or honey)
1/2 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp Dijon mustard (for brushing, optional)
Toothpicks
Breading
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten with 1 tbsp water
1 1/4 cups panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (or use all panko)
1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan
2 tbsp melted butter (for mixing with crumbs)
Cooking spray or 2–3 tbsp neutral oil (for pan-fry option)
Creamy Dijon Sauce
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp flour
1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
3/4 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
1–2 tbsp Dijon mustard (to taste)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Pinch garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1–2 tsp lemon juice (to brighten)
1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
Prep the chicken
Butterfly each breast: slice horizontally almost through, open like a book. Place between plastic wrap and gently pound to an even 1/4–1/3 inch thickness.
Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Lightly brush the top side with a thin smear of Dijon (optional but tasty).
Fill and roll
Lay 1 slice ham and 1 slice Swiss on each breast (trim to fit). Roll up tightly from the short end, tucking in sides as you go. Secure with 2–3 toothpicks across the seam.
Bread
Set up three bowls: flour; eggs; crumbs mixed with Parmesan and melted butter (rub the butter into crumbs so they toast beautifully).
Dredge each roll in flour (shake excess), dip in egg, then pack with the buttery crumb mix, coating evenly. Transfer to a rack and chill 10 minutes to set.
Bake (crisp and easy)
Heat oven to 400°F (204°C). Place breaded rolls on a wire rack set over a sheet pan. Mist lightly with oil spray.
Bake 22–28 minutes, until golden and the thickest part reaches 165°F/74°C. For deeper color, broil 1–2 minutes at end (watch closely).
Pan-fry + finish (extra crisp, optional)
Brown rolls in 2–3 tbsp oil over medium heat, 1–2 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to a 375°F oven 12–15 minutes to finish to 165°F.
Make the creamy Dijon sauce
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour; cook 1 minute.
Slowly whisk in broth, then cream. Simmer 2–3 minutes until lightly thickened.
Stir in Dijon, Worcestershire, garlic powder, a pinch of salt and pepper. Simmer 1 minute more. Off heat, add lemon juice to taste and parsley.
Serve
Rest chicken 5 minutes. Remove toothpicks. Slice into rounds to show the spiral and place on plate. Spoon warm Dijon cream sauce over the top.
Tips and swaps
Cheese: Swiss, Gruyère, or provolone all melt well.
Crumb flavor boosters: add 1 tsp paprika or dried thyme to crumbs.
Make ahead: breaded rolls can be assembled and refrigerated up to 12 hours; bake from cold, adding 2–3 minutes.
Air fryer: 375°F for 14–18 minutes, flipping halfway, to 165°F.
Sauce lighter option: replace half the cream with milk; simmer a bit longer.
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