How Long to Cook Chicken Cordon Bleu

Updated on December 22nd, 2023

Wondering how long to cook chicken cordon bleu? Read on to find out.

Chicken cordon bleu consists of tender chicken breasts stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, then breaded, and cooked to perfection. It’s a classic and elegant dish.

If you’ve ever eaten chicken cordon bleu, you could probably guess how the basic preparation goes. Layer ham and cheese over a pounded chicken breast, then roll it up. Dunk it in some milk or melted butter, then in Panko, and you’re ready to go.

The next part, though — cooking the dish — isn’t quite as intuitive. It’s hard to know intuitively how long to cook chicken cordon bleu, especially if you plan to use a non-conventional cooking method. But don’t worry. You’re in the right place. Below are four ways to cook chicken cordon bleu, with cook times and processes for each.  

How long to bake chicken cordon bleu

Baking is one of the most popular methods for cooking chicken cordon bleu. It is a healthier option vs. frying and results in a moist, tender chicken with a crisp, golden crust. Here are the steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place the breaded and stuffed chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you don’t have parchment paper, grease the sheet lightly.
3. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.

How long to pan fry chicken cordon bleu

Pan-frying is another option. Do it right and you’ll get a crispy crust and juicy interior. This method is slightly less healthy than baking due to the use of oil for frying.

1. Pour oil or butter in a pan to a depth of ¼ inch. Heat it to medium.  
2. Carefully add the breaded chicken breasts to the hot oil and brown for 4-5 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). (It may take longer if your chicken is on the thicker side.)
3. Drain the cooked chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil before serving.

How long to deep fry chicken cordon bleu

Deep-frying offers the crispiest crust, but it is the least healthy cooking method due to the high oil content.

1. Preheat the oil in a deep fryer or a deep, heavy-bottomed pan to 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully lower the breaded chicken breasts into the hot oil using a slotted spoon or tongs.
3. Fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

How long to air fry chicken cordon bleu

Air frying is a modern and healthier alternative to deep-frying. It uses significantly less oil but still produces a crispy, golden crust.

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly spray the breaded chicken breasts with cooking spray, and place them in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them.
3. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Flip the chicken halfway through.

How long to cook chicken cordon bleu in a smoker

Wait, in a smoker? Yes! For something different, skip the breading and wrap your stuffed, rolled chicken breasts in bacon. Place them in the smoker at 240°F (115°C) for 2 ½ hours. Verify the temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) and serve.

Different takes on chicken cordon bleu

If you want to try a different spin on the chicken, ham, and Swiss combo, try these recipes below.

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Yield: 4 servings

Chicken Cordon Bleu

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Here's a simple chicken cordon bleu recipe that delivers those fab flavors of chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breast halves
• 4 slices ham
• 4 slices of Swiss cheese
• 1 1/2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
• 1 1/2 cups finely shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 3/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• Black pepper
• Salt

Instructions

1. Gently pound the chicken breasts with a mallet until it is 1/4-inch thick. Roll up 1 slice of ham and 1 slice of cheese. Place this atop 1 piece of chicken. Roll the chicken around the ham and cheese, and secure it with toothpicks.
2. Mix Panko, paprika, and Parmesan cheese in a bowl. In another bowl, add 1/2 cup melted butter. Dip the rolled chicken first in butter and then in the Panko mixture.
3. Add 1/4 cup butter into a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in the melted butter until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (or 74°C). This can take 4-8 minutes per side, depending on how thick your chicken rolls are.
4. Remove the chicken and set it on a tray lined with paper towels.
5. Add more butter to the skillet, then the broth and heavy cream. Stir until it thickens, then adjust the flavor with salt and pepper. Then, serve the chicken cordon bleu alongside the sauce.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1203Total Fat: 83gSaturated Fat: 48gTrans Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 28gCholesterol: 354mgSodium: 2390mgCarbohydrates: 34gFiber: 2gSugar: 6gProtein: 79g

Nutrition information isn’t always accurate.

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