This Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe for Crispy Perfection comes together in about 30 minutes! It’s a jaw-dropping, crowd-pleasing gem that uses the oven to create a beautiful, crispy finish that your family will absolutely adore. You can even switch up the ham or cheese to suit your personal taste or to use up what you have lying around in the fridge, it’s the perfect quick weeknight meal!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These are your juicy base! They keep everything nice and tender inside.
4 slices Swiss cheese: Adds a nutty flavor and melts beautifully. Honestly, it’s essential for that ooey-gooey inside!
4-6 slices ham: Feel free to use your favorite type. It adds depth and savoriness to every bite, yum!
For the Crunchy Coating:
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs: They’re gold for that iconic crunchy texture we all crave in our chicken cordon bleu. So good!
1 large egg: This is like the superhero of binding agents in our recipe, helping everything stick together.
2 tsp flour: Just a sprinkle to keep those breadcrumbs glued on.
For the Creamy Sauce:
1.5 tbsp butter: Because butter makes everything better! It adds that richness we love.
1.5 tbsp flour: This thickens the sauce to creamy perfection, trust me on this.
1.25 cups milk: Forms the creamy base for your sauce, making it ultra-satisfying.
2 tbsp Dijon mustard: This is where the magic happens. It introduces a zesty kick that elevates the dish!
3 tbsp grated Parmesan: Optional but oh-so-yummy, it adds depth and a creamy texture to round out the sauce.
Let’s Get Cooking!
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients lined up, let’s dive into the steps on how to whip this beauty together. Get ready for a delightful cooking experience!
Step 1: Prepping the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). You want it cozy and warm for our chicken. Butterfly the chicken breasts using a sharp knife, slicing them lengthwise but not completely through, think of it like opening a book. This lets you stuff them and keeps the deliciousness trapped inside. Give each side a couple pinches of salt and pepper.
Step 2: Assemble!
Now, layer 2 slices of Swiss cheese and 2-3 slices of ham inside each chicken breast. Honestly, it’s like you’re building a little cozy blanket for your chicken. Fold them back up, securing each chicken breast closed with toothpicks. It’s fine if they don’t look perfect; they’ll be amazing in the end!
Step 3: The Coating Game
In a shallow bowl, crack that egg. Give it a little beat with a fork until it looks nice and mixed. In another dish, combine the Panko breadcrumbs and 2 tsp of flour. Now dip each stuffed chicken breast into the egg, letting the excess drip off, and then coat it generously in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to press it on there so you get a hearty crunch when it bakes.
Step 4: Sizzling Time
In a large oven-safe skillet, melt 1.5 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Once it’s foamy and fragrant (the smell, ugh… heavenly!), carefully place your breaded chicken in the skillet. Sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown. This helps lock in all that juicy goodness!
Step 5: Bake, Baby, Bake!
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You want to check if they’re cooked through, using a meat thermometer, they should hit 165°F (75°C) inside.
Step 6: Sauce It Up
In a separate saucepan, melt your remaining 1.5 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add 1.5 tbsp of flour and stir continuously until it starts to bubble up, this is called creating a roux. Gradually pour in the 1.25 cups of milk, whisking like a pro until it’s smooth and thickened (about 5 minutes).
Throw in the 2 tbsp of Dijon mustard and 3 tbsp of Parmesan, stirring occasionally, until it’s super creamy and delicious. Ah, the smell is to die for!
Step 7: Let’s Serve!
When your chicken is finished baking, remove it from the oven, and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Then, drizzle that luscious sauce over your gorgeous chicken cordon bleu. Serve this beauty with a side of steamed veggies or a fresh salad, so good!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This comforting meal comes together in under 30 minutes. Seriously, you’ll be serving dinner before you know it! It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something incredible without spending ages in the kitchen.
Crowd-Pleaser
The whole family will love it! My kids can’t get enough of that melty cheese and crunchy coating. Plus, it just looks impressive, so you feel like a rock star serving it up.
Customizable
This recipe is super versatile! Switch up the ingredients to use whatever you’ve got in the fridge. Maybe swap out the ham for turkey or try a different cheese like Gouda or Havarti. Get creative!
Comfort Food
You really can’t beat the crispy exterior and the warm, cheesy center. It’s definitely a go-to recipe in my household, bringing a bit of joy to our dinner table.
Make-Ahead Friendly
You CAN prepare the chicken the night before! Just assemble and keep it in the fridge, then cook it up fresh for the next day. Easy peasy!
Serving Suggestions
So, what should you serve with this amazing Chicken Cordon Bleu? Here are some delicious ideas:
Steamed green beans or broccoli: Adds a fresh element to the plate!
Garlic mashed potatoes: Come on, you can never go wrong with comfort food!
Side salad: A crisp salad balances everything out beautifully.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storing: Leftovers (if there are any!) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.
Reheating: For the best texture, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15 minutes, this helps keep that crispy coating intact.
Freezer Friendly: Yes! You can freeze the unbaked chicken cordon bleu for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before baking!
Personal Connection
This Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe is my ultimate go-to when I want to impress my family without spending hours in the kitchen. I remember the first time I made it, my kids were so impressed they thought I should open a restaurant! I’m a real sucker for that crispy coating and cheesy inside; it’s truly comfort food at its finest. And the best part is, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand, it’s like a little pantry miracle!
If you loved this hearty dinner, be sure to check out my Gordon Ramsay Lasagna, my Gordon Ramsay Marsala Chicken, or my Gordon Ramsay’s Scotch Eggs!
Cooking is so much more than just following a recipe; it’s about creating moments and sharing them with loved ones. I hope you enjoy whipping this up as much as I do. Whether it’s a cozy date night at home or a weekday dinner after a long day, this French-inspired dish will bring warmth and happiness to your table. Happy cooking! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.
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Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A mouthwateringly delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe that combines juicy chicken breasts, Swiss cheese, and ham for a crispy, flavorful finish. Perfect for weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4–6 slices ham
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tsp flour
- 1.5 tbsp butter
- 1.5 tbsp flour
- 1.25 cups milk
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 3 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Butterfly the chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper.
- Layer 2 slices of Swiss cheese and 2-3 slices of ham inside each chicken breast, then fold and secure with toothpicks.
- Beat the egg in a bowl. In another dish, combine the breadcrumbs and 2 tsp of flour. Dip each chicken breast into the egg and coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Melt 1.5 tbsp of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the breaded chicken for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- In a separate saucepan, melt 1.5 tbsp of butter. Add 1.5 tbsp of flour and whisk until bubbly. Gradually add the milk, whisking until thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in the Dijon mustard and Parmesan until creamy. Serve the chicken with the sauce drizzled over the top.
Notes
This recipe is versatile; you can swap the ham or cheese to suit your taste. Make ahead by preparing the chicken the night before and baking fresh the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
