Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu

Golden-brown and crispy breadcrumb coating, tender and juicy chicken breast, and a warm, melted cheese and savory filling, Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic dish reimagined for effortless home cooking, offering a sophisticated and comforting meal without the fuss of traditional frying. This is not just a simple chicken dish; it’s an elegant and flavourful creation, featuring chicken breasts stuffed with savory fillings, coated in crispy breadcrumbs, and baked to golden perfection, creating a dish that is both impressive and surprisingly easy to prepare, perfectly balancing the crispy exterior with the tender chicken and rich, melted cheese and savory centre. Imagine the satisfying crunch as you cut through the golden breadcrumb crust, the tender and juicy chicken revealing a molten core of cheese and savory filling, and the aroma of baked chicken and herbs filling your kitchen, promising a dining experience that is both comforting and utterly delightful to share. This recipe is your secret to weeknight elegance, bringing the sophisticated taste of Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu to your table, ready to impress with its effortless deliciousness and impressive presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Classic Cordon Bleu Flavors, Baked Not Fried Healthier Indulgence

Appreciate the lighter approach to a classic with Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu. This recipe delivers all the beloved flavours of traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu – tender chicken, savory filling, and crispy coating – but baked instead of fried, offering a healthier indulgence without sacrificing any of the satisfying taste or textural appeal, making it a guilt-free way to enjoy a classic dish. Skip the deep frying and enjoy a lighter, yet equally delicious, version of Chicken Cordon Bleu, perfect for those seeking a healthier take on comfort food. Experience the classic flavours without the added oil, making it a more wholesome and enjoyable meal.

Simple and Impressive

Indulge in the surprising simplicity of Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu. This recipe is remarkably easy to prepare, requiring minimal hands-on time and straightforward steps, making it a perfect choice for weeknight dinners when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, proving that elegant meals can be achievable even on busy weeknights. The straightforward baking method simplifies the traditional cordon bleu preparation, making it accessible to home cooks of all skill levels. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating an impressive and flavourful dish with minimal fuss, making it a perfect choice for effortless weeknight elegance and stress-free cooking.

Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing Guaranteed Success

Discover the universal appeal of Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu, a dish that is guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike, offering a familiar and comforting flavour profile that pleases even picky eaters while still feeling special enough for company, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser for family dinners or gatherings. The combination of chicken, cheese, and crispy breadcrumbs is a classic crowd-pleaser, and this recipe elevates it with cordon bleu-inspired flavours that are sure to be a hit. Enjoy a meal that brings smiles to everyone around the table, making it a perfect choice for family dinners and entertaining guests.

Customizable Filling Versatile Flavor Combinations

Embrace the adaptable nature of Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu, a recipe that welcomes customization with your favorite fillings and cheese variations, allowing you to personalize it to your exact taste preferences and create endless flavour combinations, ensuring there’s a perfect cordon bleu for everyone. Experiment with different cheeses, savory fillings, and herbs to create your own signature cordon bleu. Enjoy the freedom to adapt this recipe to your liking, offering a truly versatile and endlessly customizable culinary experience.

Crispy Coating and Juicy Chicken Perfect Texture Contrast

Savour the delightful textural contrast of Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu, a dish that boasts a perfectly crispy breadcrumb coating that encases tender and juicy chicken breasts with a molten cheese and savory filling in the center, creating a satisfying textural symphony in every bite, offering a truly pleasurable eating experience. The crispy exterior provides a satisfying crunch, while the tender chicken and melted cheese create a soft and flavourful interior. Enjoy the textural balance that makes this dish so enjoyable, offering a truly satisfying and multi-sensory culinary experience.

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Ingredients

For the Tender and Flavorful Chicken Breast

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 6-8 ounces each chicken breasts. Chicken breasts are the star ingredient, providing a lean protein base that is tender and juicy when baked. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are convenient and readily available.
• 4 slices halal turkey breast, or halal beef slices, or halal chicken slices. Halal turkey breast, beef slices, or chicken slices are used as a savory filling, adding flavour and complementing the cheese. Halal turkey breast offers a leaner option.
• 4 slices halal cheese, provolone cheese, or mozzarella cheese, or cheddar cheese. Halal cheese slices, provolone, mozzarella, or cheddar cheese are used as a melty filling, adding cheesy richness and flavour. Provolone cheese is a classic choice for cordon bleu. Ensure to use halal certified cheese.
• ½ teaspoon salt, kosher salt or sea salt. Salt is essential for seasoning the chicken breasts, enhancing their flavour and preventing a bland taste. Kosher salt or sea salt are preferred for their pure flavour and even seasoning. Adjust to taste.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground black pepper. Black pepper adds a touch of subtle spice and complexity, complementing the other seasonings and enhancing the overall flavour profile. Freshly ground black pepper is preferred for its more robust flavour.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, extra virgin olive oil. Olive oil is used to lightly coat the chicken breasts before baking, adding moisture and promoting browning. Extra virgin olive oil provides a richer flavour.

For the Crispy and Golden Breadcrumb Coating

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, or regular breadcrumbs, or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs create a light and crispy coating when baked, providing a satisfying textural contrast to the tender chicken. Panko breadcrumbs are preferred for their extra crispness. Regular or gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used as substitutes.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, or Pecorino Romano cheese. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty and savory cheese flavour to the breadcrumb coating, enhancing the overall flavour profile and promoting browning. Pecorino Romano cheese provides a sharper and saltier option. Ensure to use halal certified cheese.
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley, dried parsley flakes. Dried parsley adds a subtle herbaceous note to the breadcrumb coating, complementing the other seasonings and adding flavour complexity. Dried parsley flakes are convenient and readily available.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder, garlic powder. Garlic powder adds a savory and aromatic note to the breadcrumb coating, enhancing the overall flavour profile and complementing the chicken and cheese. Garlic powder provides a concentrated garlic flavour.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder, onion powder. Onion powder adds a subtle savory and aromatic note to the breadcrumb coating, complementing the garlic and other seasonings and adding depth of flavour. Onion powder provides a concentrated onion flavour.
• ¼ teaspoon paprika, paprika, or smoked paprika. Paprika adds a subtle smoky and slightly sweet flavour to the breadcrumb coating, enhancing the colour and adding complexity. Smoked paprika provides a more pronounced smoky flavour.
• ¼ teaspoon salt, kosher salt or sea salt (for breadcrumbs). Salt is used to season the breadcrumb coating, enhancing all the flavours and preventing a bland taste. Kosher salt or sea salt are preferred for their pure flavour and even seasoning. Adjust to taste.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground black pepper (for breadcrumbs). Black pepper adds a touch of subtle spice and complexity to the breadcrumb coating, complementing the other seasonings and enhancing the overall flavour profile. Freshly ground black pepper is preferred for its more robust flavour.
• 2 large eggs, large eggs, beaten eggs. Beaten eggs are used to create an egg wash, helping the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken breasts and creating a golden-brown crust. Large eggs are standard for breading recipes.
• ¼ cup milk, whole milk or reduced-fat milk. Milk is added to the beaten eggs to create the egg wash, thinning it slightly and enhancing the breadcrumb adhesion. Whole or reduced-fat milk works equally well.

How to Make Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu ?

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheat oven to the specified temperature to ensure even baking of the chicken cordon bleu.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Place chicken breasts on a cutting board. Place chicken breasts on a clean cutting board.

Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket horizontally into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket horizontally into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through, creating a pocket for the filling. Pocket should be large enough to hold filling but not too deep to prevent leakage.

Season chicken breasts inside and out with salt (for chicken) and black pepper (for chicken). Season chicken breasts inside and out with salt (for chicken) and black pepper (for chicken), ensuring even seasoning for flavour.

Step 2: Fill and Coat the Chicken Cordon Bleu

Stuff each chicken breast pocket with 1 slice of halal turkey breast and 1 slice of halal cheese. Stuff each chicken breast pocket with 1 slice of halal turkey breast and 1 slice of halal cheese, layering filling inside the pocket. Ensure filling is tucked securely inside.

In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs and milk (for egg wash). In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs and milk (for egg wash) to create the egg wash for breading.

In a separate shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt (for breadcrumbs), and black pepper (for breadcrumbs). In a separate shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt (for breadcrumbs), and black pepper (for breadcrumbs) for the breadcrumb coating.

Dip each stuffed chicken breast in the egg wash, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere breadcrumbs. Dip each stuffed chicken breast in the egg wash, ensuring it is fully coated, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere breadcrumbs evenly and create a crispy coating. Breading process creates crispy exterior.

Place breaded chicken breasts on prepared baking sheet. Place breaded chicken breasts on prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.

Drizzle chicken breasts with olive oil. Drizzle breaded chicken breasts lightly with olive oil to promote browning and crisping during baking.

Step 3: Bake and Serve

Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy and cheese is melted and bubbly. Baking time may vary slightly depending on chicken breast thickness and oven. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked.

Let Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu rest for a few minutes before serving. Let Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu rest for a few minutes before serving, allowing juices to redistribute and chicken to become more tender.

Serve Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu hot. Serve Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu hot for best flavour and enjoyment.

Enjoy each crispy, cheesy, and savory bite.

Tips for Variations

Cheese Variety Swiss, Monterey Jack, or Smoked Gouda

Use different cheeses like Swiss cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or smoked Gouda cheese instead of provolone or mozzarella for alternative cheese flavours. Swiss, Monterey Jack, or smoked Gouda cheese offer different melting properties and flavour profiles. Ensure to use halal certified cheese.

Savory Filling Spinach, Mushrooms, or Roasted Red Peppers

Add cooked spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted red peppers to the cheese and turkey filling for added flavour and vegetables. Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers add vegetables and flavour complexity to the filling.

Herb Infusion Thyme, Rosemary, or Sage Aromatic Depth

Add ½ teaspoon dried thyme, rosemary, or sage to the breadcrumb mixture for a more herbaceous and aromatic coating. Thyme, rosemary, or sage add different aromatic herb notes to the coating.

Dijon Mustard Kick Tangy Flavor Boost

Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard inside the chicken breast pocket before adding the turkey and cheese for a tangy flavour boost. Dijon mustard adds a subtle tangy and savory note.

Lemon Zest Bright Citrus Note

Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the breadcrumb mixture for a bright and citrusy flavour note that complements the chicken and cheese. Lemon zest adds a refreshing citrus note to the coating.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Mashed Potatoes Classic Comfort Side

Serve Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu with creamy mashed potatoes for a classic and comforting side dish pairing, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish for chicken cordon bleu.

Roasted Asparagus or Green Beans Vegetable Balance

Serve Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu with roasted asparagus or green beans for a fresh and vibrant vegetable side dish, providing a balanced and lighter element to the meal. Roasted asparagus or green beans add a healthy and colourful vegetable side.

Lemon Butter Sauce Rich and Tangy Drizzle

Drizzle lemon butter sauce over Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu for an extra layer of richness and tangy flavour, enhancing the overall taste and adding moisture. Lemon butter sauce adds a rich and flavourful sauce element.

Rice Pilaf Fluffy and Flavorful Grain Side

Serve Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu with rice pilaf for a fluffy and flavourful grain side dish, complementing the richness of the chicken and cheese. Rice pilaf provides a light and flavourful grain side.

Side Salad Light and Refreshing Contrast

Serve Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu with a side salad, such as a simple green salad or Caesar salad, for a fresh and light contrast to the rich and hearty main dish. Side salad provides a refreshing and balanced element.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will require slightly longer baking time. Chicken thighs offer a richer and more flavourful option but may require adjusted baking time.

How do I store leftover Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu?

Store leftover Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure chicken is cooled completely before refrigerating. Proper refrigeration ensures food safety and maintains quality.

Can I freeze Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu?

Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen, cooked, for up to 1-2 months. Freeze cooked and cooled chicken in airtight containers or freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven or microwave. Freezing may slightly alter texture of breadcrumbs.

How do I prevent my Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu from drying out?

Do not overbake Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu. Bake until chicken is just cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Overbaking can lead to dry chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate cooking and prevent overbaking.

Can I prepare Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time up to the breading step. Assemble and bread chicken breasts, then refrigerate for up to 4-6 hours before baking. Bake just before serving. Make-ahead preparation simplifies mealtime cooking.

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