Chicken Cordon Bleu or blue ribbon chicken. Cordon Bleu is french, meaning blue ribbon. The best chefs were elected to the highest order of knighthood and wore a wide blue ribbon or cordon bleu. Now that you’ve had your history lesson for the day. Let’s get cooking.

Key Takeaways:
- Origin of “Cordon Bleu”: The term “Cordon Bleu” comes from the French meaning “blue ribbon,” symbolizing excellence.
- What is Chicken Cordon Bleu?: A chicken breast is sliced, rolled with ham and cheese, breaded with Panko or unseasoned breadcrumbs, and baked until golden brown.
- Healthier Cooking Method: Traditionally fried, this recipe opts for a healthier, oven-baked approach to achieve a crispy, golden crust.
- Cordon Bleu Sauce: A buttery white gravy with Dijon mustard and Romano cheese pairs perfectly with the chicken for a rich and savory flavor.
- Keto-Friendly Option: Skip the sauce for a keto-friendly version of Chicken Cordon Bleu.
- Perfect Side Pairing: Green Beans with Sage Browned Butter complement the dish beautifully.
What is Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Ham and cheese are rolled up in a lightly seasoned, sliced breast of chicken. The chicken is coated with Panko breadcrumbs and drizzled with butter before baking in the oven to a golden brown. Serve with a creamy sauce or hold the sauce for a keto friendlier version. A perfect side dish is Green Beans With Sage Browned Butter.



How to Make Chicken Cordon Blue.
The breading can be either panko or regular unseasoned bread crumbs. Coat the rolled-up breast with melted butter and then roll it in the bread crumbs. The butter helps the bread crumbs stick to the breast. Any left-over butter is drizzled on the breaded rolls, resulting in a crispy brown crust when baked. Traditionally the breaded roll is fried. However, a healthier and easier method is to bake the stuffed breast.
The Cordon Bleu sauce is a buttery white gravy with dijon mustard and a little romano cheese. Rich and savory, a perfect complement to the ham and cheese stuffed chicken roll.

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FAQ:
Q: What does “Cordon Bleu” mean?
A: It is a French term meaning “blue ribbon,” historically signifying excellence in culinary skills or achievement.
Q: Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of Panko?
A: Yes, regular unseasoned breadcrumbs can be used, but Panko provides a crispier texture.
Q: Can I fry Chicken Cordon Bleu instead of baking it?
A: Yes, frying is the traditional method, but baking is a healthier and simpler alternative that still delivers a golden crust.
Q: What is the sauce made of?
A: The sauce is a buttery white gravy with Dijon mustard and Romano cheese, adding richness to the dish.
Q: How do I make this dish keto-friendly?
A: Skip the sauce to lower the carb content and make it keto-friendly.
Q: What sides go well with Chicken Cordon Bleu?
A: Green Beans with Sage Browned Butter make an excellent side dish to complement the flavors.
Best Ever Chicken Cordon Bleu
Equipment
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Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 chicken Breasts butterflied
- 12 slices ham deli-sliced thin
- 8 slices swiss cheese deli-sliced thin
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 4 tbsp butter melted
Cordon Bleu Sauce
- 4 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cup milk (more if you like a thin sauce)
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- ¼ tsp white pepper
- ½ cup pecorino romano cheese
- ½ tsp salt more depending on taste
Instructions
- To adjust the portions, click on the number of serving, and a slider will pop up. Adjusting the slider up or down will automatically calculate the amount needed for each ingredient.
Chicken
- Butterfly each breast and then pound breast between 2 pieces of plastic wrap to 1/4 inch thickness. Sprinkle the breast with a little water to keep it from sticking to the plastic wrap. Season with some salt and pepper. You will have a total of two long rolls .
- Layer on 6 slices of ham and 14 slices of swiss cheese. Then roll it up like a cinnamon roll and secure it with a toothpick. If the roll is compact and stays together a toothpick may not be necessary.
- Coat the chicken roll with some melted butter by either brushing on the butter with a pastry brush or rolling it in the melted butter. Bread the roll by rolling it in the panko bread crumbs. Place in a lightly greased 9 inch square baking pan.Repeat with the second roll.
- Drizzle the rolls with any left-over melted butter.
- Bake 350° for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cordon Bleu Sauce
- Make the sauce while the chicken is cooking. Melt the butter in a saucepan on medium heat.
- Add the flour and cook until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes
- Slowly whisk in the milk and cook until thickened.
- Stir in the mustard and cheese.
- Season with salt and the white pepper.
- Remove the baked chicken from the oven. Remove the toothpick and slice each roll. Serve with the sauce.