If you’re searching for that perfect, crowd-pleasing dinner that feels fancy but comes together without stress, you’ve got to try this Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu with Honey Dijon Sauce Recipe. Trust me, I’ve made this dish a ton over the years and every time, it’s a hit. Juicy chicken wrapped around ham and Swiss cheese, baked until golden, then drizzled with a luscious honey Dijon sauce—you really can’t go wrong. I can’t wait to walk you through how to make this fan-freaking-tastic meal that I guarantee will become a staple in your cooking rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity Meets Sophistication: It looks like a fancy restaurant dish but is easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
- Juicy, Flavorful Chicken: Pounding the chicken thin ensures it cooks perfectly and stays moist wrapped with ham and cheese.
- Mouthwatering Honey Dijon Sauce: The creamy, tangy sauce complements the richness of the chicken for a balanced bite.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this recipe every time, and it’s sure to please yours too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work together like magic to create layers of savory, creamy, and crispy textures. When you shop, pick good-quality smoked ham and Swiss cheese for the best flavor, and fresh chicken breasts that aren’t too thick for easy pounding.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Using breasts makes the dish healthier and easier to roll tightly around the fillings.
- Smoked ham slices: Look for thin sliced ham for layering inside without making the rolls too bulky.
- Swiss cheese slices: Melts beautifully and adds that classic nutty taste essential to cordon bleu.
- All-purpose flour: Used for dredging the chicken to help the coating stick better.
- Seasonings (salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika): These enhance the chicken’s flavor and add depth.
- Eggs and chicken broth: Combined as a wash to help the breadcrumbs adhere perfectly.
- Panko breadcrumbs: For that irresistible crunchy breading that browns gorgeously in the oven.
- Butter, Dijon mustard, honey, and milk: These create the creamy honey Dijon sauce that ties everything together.
Variations
I love mixing things up with this recipe to suit what I have on hand or to add a twist for guests. Feel free to get creative—you’ll find it’s pretty forgiving.
- Using Turkey Instead of Chicken: One time I swapped chicken breasts with turkey cutlets, and it turned out just as juicy—great for a leaner alternative.
- Different Cheese Choices: Try Gruyère or mozzarella for milder or creamier cheese flavors.
- Herb-Seasoned Breadcrumbs: I often add dried thyme and parsley into the panko for an extra fragrant crunch.
- Spicy Honey Dijon Sauce: If you like a kick, stirring a pinch of cayenne into the sauce is a winner.
How to Make Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu with Honey Dijon Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Pound the Chicken Perfectly
Start by placing each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound them evenly until about ½-inch thick. You want them thin enough to roll but not so thin that they tear—trust me, this step ensures juicy, tender meat once baked. I discovered pounding gently in the center and working outward helps avoid holes.
Step 2: Assemble the Rolls
Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Lay 2-3 slices of ham on the lower half, then top with 2-3 slices of Swiss cheese. Roll the chicken up tightly, making sure the ham and cheese are fully enclosed. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and twist the ends, then chill for at least 45 minutes. I learned this chilling step is key to keeping the rolls intact when breading.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken Rolls
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease your baking sheet. Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour and seasonings blended, one with eggs whisked with chicken broth, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Dredge each roll in flour, shake off excess, dip in the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs. This triple coating locks in moisture and gives you that beautiful crispy crust.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Arrange the coated rolls spaced out on the baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes, then increase the temperature to 425°F and bake another 5-10 minutes until the tops are golden and the internal temperature hits 165°F. I always use a thermometer here to be sure—and avoid dry chicken. You’ll find the crust gets perfectly crispy this way.
Step 5: Make the Honey Dijon Sauce
While the chicken bakes, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook until lightly golden. Stir in Dijon mustard and honey, then slowly whisk in milk, simmering until it thickens, about 5 minutes. This sauce is like magic—creamy, tangy, and a little sweet. Don’t rush it; slow simmering really brings out the flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest briefly, then serve hot drizzled with that gorgeous honey Dijon sauce. If you want, a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top brightens it up and adds a lovely pop of color.
Pro Tips for Making Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu with Honey Dijon Sauce Recipe
- Gentle Pounding: Always use gentle, even taps to avoid tearing your chicken, which keeps your cheese and ham nicely sealed inside.
- Chill to Set: Chilling the rolls wrapped in plastic before breading makes handling much easier and prevents fillings from oozing out.
- Don’t Skip the Second Bake: Turning up the oven temp at the end crisps the breadcrumb coating to golden perfection—trust this step!
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Checking for 165°F inside ensures juicy chicken without drying it out—you’ll thank yourself!
How to Serve Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu with Honey Dijon Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple here—a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a few thin lemon slices brightens the plate and adds a fresh aroma that pairs beautifully with the rich sauce.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides for this dish are garlic mashed potatoes or a simple green bean almondine. Sometimes, roasted asparagus or a fresh mixed greens salad with vinaigrette works great to cut through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I like slicing the chicken rolls to show off those beautiful ham and cheese layers inside, fanned out on a platter with sauce artistically drizzled. It never fails to impress guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I found that keeping them sealed well preserves both the moisture and the crispiness of the coating.
Freezing
I’ve frozen the assembled chicken rolls before baking, wrapped tightly in plastic and foil, for up to a month. When ready to cook, just thaw overnight and bake as usual. It makes meal prep super convenient.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, I pop them in a 350°F oven or air fryer just long enough to warm through and crisp up the breadcrumbs again—usually 10-15 minutes depending on your appliance. This really revives that freshly baked texture and flavor.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
You can, but boneless skinless chicken breasts are ideal because they’re easier to pound thin and roll tightly. Thighs are thicker and irregularly shaped, which can make rolling tricky, and you may need to adjust cooking time since thighs tend to be fattier and take longer to cook through.
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What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work fine, though panko offers extra crunch and holds up better while baking. If using regular breadcrumbs, consider adding a bit of oil or melted butter to help achieve a crispy coating.
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Can I make the honey Dijon sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be prepared earlier and gently reheated on the stove before serving. Just whisk it occasionally to prevent skin from forming or separating. It’s a great time saver on busy nights.
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How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way is to use an instant-read thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165°F. If you don’t have one, check that juices run clear when pierced, but a thermometer is the safest method for juicy and safe chicken.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu with Honey Dijon Sauce Recipe turns out every single time—it’s that perfect blend of comforting and elegant. When I first tried making it, I was amazed at how approachable it was compared to restaurant versions. Now, it’s a go-to dinner that impresses without the hassle, and I can’t wait for you to give it a try. You’ll enjoy the crispy crust, gooey cheese, and that dreamy honey Dijon sauce so much your family will be asking for seconds!
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Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu with Honey Dijon Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Description
This classic Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe features tender chicken breasts stuffed with savory smoked ham and Swiss cheese, breaded and oven-baked to golden perfection. Served with a rich and creamy honey Dijon sauce, this dish is perfect for an elegant dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken Rolls
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (approximately four breasts)
- 8 ounces sliced smoked ham
- 8 ounces Swiss cheese, sliced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Creamy Dijon Sauce
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 cup milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Pound the Chicken: Place each piece of chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness of ½-inch, taking care not to create holes.
- Layer Ham and Cheese: Season both sides of each chicken breast with salt and black pepper. On the lower half, layer 2-3 slices of smoked ham followed by 2-3 slices of Swiss cheese.
- Roll and Wrap: Tightly roll the chicken around the ham and cheese layers. Use plastic wrap to secure and twist the ends tightly, ensuring the filling is fully enclosed.
- Chill the Rolls: Refrigerate the wrapped chicken rolls for at least 45 minutes, or up to 4 hours, to firm up.
- Prepare to Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a large baking sheet or dish with cooking spray.
- Set up Breading Stations: In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. In another bowl, whisk eggs and chicken broth. In a third bowl, pour the panko breadcrumbs.
- Bread the Rolls: Unwrap each chilled chicken roll. Dredge in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip in the egg mixture, letting excess drip off, then roll thoroughly in breadcrumbs to coat fully.
- Bake the Chicken: Arrange the breaded chicken rolls on the prepared baking sheet, spaced evenly. Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes. Then increase oven temperature to 425°F (218°C) and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until breadcrumbs are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Make the Creamy Dijon Sauce: While the chicken bakes, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook until light golden. Stir in Dijon mustard and honey. Gradually whisk in milk and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and season with salt.
- Serve: Plate the baked chicken cordon bleu and generously drizzle with the creamy honey Dijon sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in a 350°F air fryer for 5-6 minutes or in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melty and warmed through.
- To prevent the chicken from unrolling during breading, keep it well wrapped and chilled before breading.
- Using panko breadcrumbs ensures a crisp golden crust.
- Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F for food safety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast (approx. 8 oz)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg