The Perfect Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe for Dinner

Chicken cordon bleu transforms ordinary poultry into a delightful culinary masterpiece that whispers elegance and comfort.

Classic French-inspired techniques merge seamlessly with home-style cooking, creating a dish that feels simultaneously sophisticated and approachable.

Delicate chicken breasts become golden-crusted parcels hiding luxurious layers of melted cheese and savory ham.

The crisp exterior gives way to a tender, juicy interior that promises pure satisfaction with every bite.

Crispy breadcrumbs provide a delightful textural contrast to the succulent meat and creamy cheese filling.

Home cooks can confidently master this restaurant-worthy dish without complex techniques or extensive preparation time.

Rich, indulgent flavors come together in a straightforward method that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary: prepare to elevate your dinner game.

Delight in the Gourmet Flair of Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

• Create a Gourmet Delight at Home: Transform an ordinary chicken dish into an extraordinary culinary experience with this restaurant-quality Chicken Cordon Bleu that brings professional chef techniques right to your kitchen.
• Enjoy Incredible Texture Contrast: Savor the crispy golden panko exterior that perfectly complements the tender, juicy chicken interior, creating a delightful crunch with every single bite.
• Master a Classic French-Inspired Technique: Learn how to roll and stuff chicken breasts like a professional, developing impressive cooking skills that will wow your family and dinner guests with minimal complicated steps.
• Elevate Weeknight Dinner with Luxurious Sauce: The creamy Parmesan mustard sauce adds a rich, sophisticated layer of flavor that transforms this simple chicken recipe into an elegant meal worthy of a special occasion.

Essential Ingredients for Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender meat that serves as the base of the dish, best when fresh and evenly sized.
• Ham Slices: Adds savory flavor and moisture to the chicken roll, choose high-quality deli ham.
• Swiss Cheese Slices: Provides creamy, mild taste and helps bind the chicken roll together.

• All-Purpose Flour: Creates the first dry layer for coating, helps egg and breadcrumbs stick to chicken.
• Large Eggs: Serves as a binding agent to help breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides crispy, light exterior with excellent crunch.

• Butter: Adds richness to both coating and sauce, enhances overall flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste throughout the dish.
• Dried Oregano: Gives a subtle herb flavor to the breadcrumb coating.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds tangy depth to the sauce.
• Whole Milk: Creates smooth, creamy sauce base.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides sharp, salty finish to the sauce.

A Complete Guide to Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F. Line a spacious baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prep The Chicken

• 2 slices of Swiss cheese
• 2 slices of savory ham

Roll the chicken tightly and secure with toothpicks to keep everything in place.

Step 3: Create The Crispy Coating Station

• First bowl: Flour seasoned with salt and pepper
• Second bowl: Beaten eggs
• Third bowl: Panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and dried oregano

Step 4: Dress Up The Chicken

• First, coat in seasoned flour
• Next, dip in beaten eggs
• Finally, roll in buttery panko mixture

Place each coated chicken roll on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 30 minutes until the chicken turns a beautiful golden brown and cooks completely through.

Step 6: Whip Up The Creamy Sauce

• Melt butter
• Stir in flour
• Slowly pour in milk and Dijon mustard
• Simmer until the sauce thickens
• Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese
• Season with salt and pepper to taste

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Remove the toothpicks from the chicken rolls. Drizzle with the luscious sauce and serve immediately.

Expert Hints for Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

• Slice Strategically: Cut cheese and ham into thin, uniform pieces for even distribution inside chicken rolls.
• Chill Before Coating: Refrigerate stuffed chicken rolls for 30 minutes to help breading stick better and prevent filling from leaking.
• Butter Boost: Mix melted butter with a pinch of garlic powder or herbs for extra flavor in breadcrumb coating.
• Rest and Recover: Let baked chicken rest 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute and keep meat tender.
• Precision Pounding: Place chicken between plastic wrap or wax paper when flattening to prevent meat from sticking and tearing.

Smart Storage Ideas for Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

• Vacuum Sealing: Lock in freshness by vacuum sealing individual chicken cordon bleu portions. Prevent freezer burn and maintain crispy texture for up to 2 months. Extract all air to preserve flavor and prevent moisture accumulation.
• Cooling Strategy: Allow chicken to cool completely at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before storage. Prevents condensation buildup inside the container, which can compromise the crispy breading. Place on a wire rack to ensure air circulation and prevent soggy bottoms.
• Sectional Storage: Separate chicken from sauce using divided food storage containers. Keep breading crisp by preventing moisture contact. Wrap each piece individually in parchment paper before placing in containers to maintain individual integrity and prevent sticking.

Creative Variations for Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

• Mediterranean Chicken Roll: Swap ham with prosciutto and replace Swiss cheese with feta. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil inside the chicken before rolling. Sprinkle oregano and lemon zest into the panko coating for extra Mediterranean flavor.
• Spicy Southwest Chicken: Mix jalapeños and pepper jack cheese inside the chicken. Use cornmeal with chili powder in the coating. Create a chipotle cream sauce instead of the traditional mustard sauce for a zesty kick.
• Mushroom Swiss Alpine Style: Add sautéed wild mushrooms with thyme alongside Swiss cheese inside the chicken. Replace regular panko with herbed breadcrumbs. Incorporate white wine into the cream sauce for a rich, earthy profile.
• Crispy Herb Garden Chicken: Mix fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and dill into the panko coating. Use goat cheese instead of Swiss. Create a light herb-infused cream sauce with reduced chicken stock and fresh green onions.

Closing Reflections on Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

Classic French-inspired Chicken Cordon Bleu brings culinary magic right into home kitchens.

French roots shine through this elegant protein-packed masterpiece crafted with simple ingredients.

Rich cheese and savory ham nestle perfectly within golden-crusted chicken breasts.

Classic techniques merge seamlessly with contemporary cooking approaches.

Crispy panko coating promises delightful texture while herbed sauce elevates each delectable bite.

Now, grab those ingredients, share this recipe across social platforms, and let meal magic unfold with delicious results you’ll cherish.

Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s chicken cordon bleu brings classic French elegance to weeknight dinners with golden-crusted chicken stuffed with rich Swiss cheese and savory ham. Home cooks can savor this luxurious dish that promises restaurant-quality flavor right from their kitchen.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 8 slices Swiss cheese
• 8 slices deli ham

Coating Ingredients:

• 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups (200 g) panko bread crumbs
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Seasoning and Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) Dijon mustard
• 4 tablespoons (56 g) melted butter
• 4 tablespoons (56 g) butter
• ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (480 ml) milk
• ¼ cup (25 g) freshly grated Parmesan
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking environment by preheating the oven to 400°F (204°C) and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal cooking surface.
2. Gently pound each chicken breast to an even ¼-inch (0.6 centimeters) thickness using a meat mallet, creating a uniform surface for rolling.
3. Layer two slices of cheese and two slices of ham onto the flattened chicken breast, ensuring even distribution across the entire surface.
4. Carefully roll the chicken breast tightly, encasing the cheese and ham filling, then secure the rolled chicken with toothpicks to prevent unraveling during cooking.
5. Create three separate coating stations: one with seasoned flour, another with whisked eggs, and the third with panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and dried oregano.
6. Individually coat each chicken roll by first dredging in seasoned flour, then dipping in beaten eggs, and finally rolling in the herbed panko mixture for a crispy exterior.
7. Arrange the coated chicken rolls on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other to promote even browning.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
9. While the chicken bakes, prepare the sauce by melting butter in a skillet, whisking in flour to create a roux, then gradually incorporating milk and Dijon mustard.
10. Simmer the sauce until it thickens, then stir in grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
11. Remove the chicken rolls from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes, then carefully remove the toothpicks.
12. Plate the chicken rolls and drizzle with the prepared Parmesan sauce, serving immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

• Prepare ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process and reduce stress.
• Select premium ham and Swiss cheese for an authentic, rich flavor profile.
• Pound chicken breasts uniformly to ensure even cooking and perfect rolling technique.
• Stabilize rolled chicken with toothpicks to prevent unwinding during baking.
• Opt for fresh panko breadcrumbs to achieve a golden, extra-crispy exterior.
• Verify chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F with a meat thermometer.
• Create sauce moments before serving to maintain ideal warmth and smooth consistency.
• Let chicken rest briefly after baking to lock in delicious juices and tenderness.
• Enjoy immediately for maximum crunchiness and peak flavor experience.
• Refrigerate leftovers in sealed container up to three days for future enjoyment.
• Restore crispiness by reheating in oven rather than microwave.
• Complement dish with roasted seasonal vegetables or light mixed green salad.
• Plan ahead by prepping chicken rolls in advance and storing in refrigerator.
• Use room temperature eggs for superior coating adhesion.
• Space chicken rolls strategically on baking sheet to promote even browning.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 704 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 1415 mg
• Fat: 37 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 48 g
• Cholesterol: 195 mg