Ina Garten’s Signature Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe Made Simple

Chicken cordon bleu elevates weeknight dinners from mundane to magnificent with its ingenious flavor combinations.

This classic French-inspired dish transforms humble chicken into a culinary treasure chest of creamy cheese and smoky ham.

Tender chicken breasts become golden-crusted parcels bursting with luxurious fillings that dance across your palate.

Crispy breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch that shatters beautifully with each forkful.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike adore this seemingly complex yet surprisingly simple recipe.

Succulent meat, melted cheese, and a perfectly seasoned exterior merge into a mouthwatering experience that promises to dazzle dinner guests.

Let’s unleash restaurant-worthy magic right in your own kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 609 kcal

Servings: 4

Chicken Cordon Bleu Ingredients Garten

• Chicken Breasts: Select plump, evenly sized breasts for consistent cooking.
• Swiss Cheese: Choose creamy, smooth slices with mild nutty flavor.
• Ham: Opt for thinly sliced, high-quality deli ham for rich taste.

• All-Purpose Flour: Fresh and finely ground for smooth, even coating.
• Eggs: Farm-fresh eggs ensure better binding and golden color.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Super crispy Japanese-style crumbs for ultimate crunch.
• Dried Oregano: Fragrant herb adds Mediterranean zest to coating.
• Melted Butter: Helps breadcrumbs achieve golden, crispy texture.

• Butter: Creamy, unsalted butter provides rich, smooth base.
• Flour: Acts as thickening agent for silky sauce consistency.
• Milk: Whole milk creates luxurious, creamy texture.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds tangy, sharp flavor to sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Aged cheese delivers deep, nutty undertones.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhances overall flavor profile.

Tools You’ll Need for Ina’s Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Baking Sheet: Large, flat pan for even baking and easy cleanup.
• Parchment Paper: Non-stick surface to prevent sticking and simplify washing.
• Meat Mallet: Tool to pound chicken breasts thin and even.
• Toothpicks: Small wooden sticks to secure chicken rolls tightly.
• Mixing Bowls: Three separate containers for flour, eggs, and breadcrumb coating.
• Whisk: Handy utensil for beating eggs and blending sauce ingredients.
• Skillet: Shallow pan for creating creamy sauce with perfect consistency.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Precise tools for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Sharp Knife: For any necessary trimming or cutting during preparation.
• Spatula: Helpful for transferring and moving chicken rolls safely.

Cooking Step-by-Step with Ina’s Recipe

• Fire Up The Oven

Get your oven roaring hot at 400°F and lay down parchment paper on a baking sheet for a smooth cooking experience.

• Transform The Chicken

Flatten chicken breasts until they’re paper-thin. Layer with Swiss cheese and ham, then roll tightly and secure with toothpicks to lock in all the delicious goodness.

• Create A Magical Coating

Mix three flavor-packed stations: seasoned flour, egg wash, and crispy panko blended with melted butter and oregano for an irresistible crunch.

• Dress And Coat Each Chicken Roll

Give each chicken roll a flavor adventure by dredging through flour, bathing in eggs, and rolling in the buttery panko mixture until completely covered.

• Bake Until Golden

Pop the chicken rolls into the oven and let them dance and sizzle for about 30 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and cook completely through.

• Craft A Creamy Sauce

Whip up a dreamy sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour, pouring in milk and Dijon mustard, simmering until thick, and finishing with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

• Serve With Flair

Pull out the toothpicks, drench the chicken rolls in the velvety sauce, and get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering meal that’ll make taste buds sing.

Flavor and Stuffing Tips for Cordon Bleu

• Elevate Your Chicken Cordon Bleu Experience
• Master unique techniques to transform this classic dish into a culinary masterpiece.
• Customize Your Coating Adventure
• Replace panko with crushed cornflakes or seasoned breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Add grated Parmesan or herbs like thyme to the breadcrumb mixture for enhanced flavor depth.
• Smart Cheese and Ham Swaps
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like provolone, gruyère, or gouda. Try prosciutto or turkey bacon instead of traditional ham for a personal twist on the classic recipe.
• Make-Ahead Magic
• Prepare chicken rolls up to 24 hours in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply coat and bake. This technique helps develop richer flavors and saves precious cooking time on busy evenings.
• Sauce Rescue Techniques
• If your sauce breaks or becomes too thick, whisk in a little warm chicken broth or milk to restore its smooth, creamy consistency. Keep stirring constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a silky-smooth sauce.

Plating Chicken Cordon Bleu with Flair

• Elegant Dinner Party Centerpiece: Arrange these golden-brown chicken rolls on a large platter, garnished with fresh parsley sprigs and lemon wedges for an impressive main course.
• Comfort Meal Companion: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or buttery roasted vegetables to create a hearty and satisfying meal that'll warm everyone's heart.
• Perfect Lunch Presentation: Slice the chicken rolls diagonally and place atop a bed of mixed green salad, drizzling extra sauce for added flavor and visual appeal.
• Family-Style Gathering Trick: Set out the chicken rolls with extra sauce in a separate bowl, allowing guests to customize their plate and enjoy interactive dining.

Keeping Chicken Stuffed and Juicy in Storage

• Preserve Freshness: Store leftover chicken cordon bleu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The crispy coating might soften slightly, but the flavors remain delicious.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen chicken cordon bleu keeps well for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make the coating soggy and tough. Drizzle a little extra sauce to keep the chicken moist.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the chicken rolls ahead of time and store unbaked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply coat and bake. This makes entertaining or weeknight dinners a breeze.

Elegant Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Ina Garten’s chicken cordon bleu delivers a classic French-inspired dish with crispy breadcrumb coating and melted cheese center. Diners savor each delectable bite of this elegant yet comforting entrée that emerges golden brown from the oven and satisfies you completely.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken breasts
• 8 slices Swiss cheese
• 8 slices deli ham
• 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour (standard and American)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups (200 g) panko bread crumbs
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) Dijon mustard
• 4 tbsps (56 g) melted butter
• 4 tbsps (56 g) butter
• ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour (standard and American)
• 2 cups (480 ml) milk
• ¼ cup (25 g) freshly grated Parmesan
• kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating an ideal cooking environment.
2. Chicken Preparation: Using a meat mallet, flatten chicken breasts to uniform ¼-inch thickness, ensuring even cooking and easy rolling.
3. Filling Assembly: Layer cheese and ham across the entire surface of each flattened chicken breast, distributing ingredients evenly.
4. Rolling Technique: Tightly roll the chicken, encapsulating the filling, and secure with toothpicks to maintain structural integrity during cooking.
5. Coating Process: Establish three coating stations – seasoned flour, whisked eggs, and panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and dried oregano – for a crispy, flavorful exterior.
6. Breading Method: Dredge each chicken roll through flour, egg wash, and herbed panko mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
7. Baking Preparation: Arrange coated chicken rolls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them to promote uniform browning and crisp texture.
8. Cooking Process: Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, guaranteeing safe and delicious results.
9. Sauce Creation: In a skillet, develop a rich sauce by creating a roux, gradually incorporating milk and Dijon mustard, then simmering until thickened.
10. Finishing Touches: Stir Parmesan cheese into the sauce, season to taste, remove toothpicks from chicken rolls, and serve immediately with the warm, creamy sauce drizzled on top.

Notes

• Prevent Cheese Leakage: Freeze cheese slices briefly before assembling to minimize melting and oozing during cooking.
• Master Even Coating: Use one hand for dry ingredients and another for wet to keep breading process clean and consistent.
• Ensure Perfect Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exactly 165°F for food safety without overcooking.
• Crispy Technique Tip: Let chicken rolls rest on a wire rack after breading to help coating adhere better and create crunchier exterior.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 609
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1030 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg