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How Long to Cook Chicken Cordon Bleu

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

Close up view of prepared chicken cordon bleu.
Source: Envato.
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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.

Yield: 4 servings

Chicken Cordon Bleu

Close up view of prepared chicken cordon bleu.

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

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.

Chicken cordon bleu FAQs

What type of ham and cheese should I use for chicken cordon bleu?

Traditionally, chicken cordon bleu is made with thinly sliced deli ham and Swiss cheese. But you can experiment with other types of ham, such as prosciutto or smoked ham, and cheeses, like Gruyère or Emmental, depending on your preference.

How do I keep the filling from leaking out while cooking?

To prevent the filling from leaking out, ensure that the chicken breasts are tightly sealed. You can use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the edges. Also, make sure to handle the stuffed chicken gently while breading and cooking to keep the filling intact.

What side dishes can I serve with chicken cordon bleu?

Chicken cordon bleu pairs well with various side dishes, such as steamed or roasted vegetables, rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.

Can I freeze cooked chicken cordon bleu?

Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken cordon bleu. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped chicken in a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight, and then reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Is it safe to cook chicken cordon bleu from frozen?

While it is possible to cook chicken cordon bleu from frozen, it’s not a great idea. The cooking time will be longer and the chicken may not cook evenly, potentially resulting in an undercooked or overcooked final product. It is best to thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.

Is chicken cordon bleu French? Swiss?

The history and origin of chicken cordon bleu is a matter of debate. You can read about it here.

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