Ina Garten’s Heavenly Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe Anyone Can Master
Nestled in the heart of comfort food classics, this Ina Garten chicken cordon bleu recipe delivers a mouthwatering twist on a beloved dish.
Golden-crusted chicken breasts stuffed with rich, melty cheese and savory ham create an irresistible centerpiece for any dinner.
The layers of flavor marry perfectly, promising a meal that feels both elegant and satisfying.
Garten’s technique ensures each bite is crispy on the outside and tender within.
Her culinary expertise shines through in every carefully crafted step of this recipe.
The dish combines French-inspired technique with approachable home cooking that will impress even discerning palates.
Grab your skillet and get ready to serve up a restaurant-quality meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Calories: 480 kcal
Servings: 4
What You’ll Need for Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu
For Meat Base:
Chicken Breast: Tender canvas for this classic dish, choose fresh, plump breasts with minimal fat for even cooking and succulent texture.
Ham Slice: Adds savory richness, select high-quality deli ham with balanced saltiness and smooth texture.
For Filling and Binding:
Swiss Cheese: Creamy, melty heart of the dish, opt for authentic Swiss with nutty flavor and smooth melting properties.
Eggs: Crucial binding agent for crispy coating, select fresh, room-temperature eggs for better adhesion.
Flour: Creates initial dry layer for coating, use all-purpose flour for light, even coverage.
Breadcrumbs: Provides golden, crunchy exterior, choose fine, dry breadcrumbs for maximum crispiness.
For Enhancement and Cooking:
Butter: Adds richness and prevents sticking, select unsalted butter for controlled seasoning.
Toothpicks: Temporary structural support to keep filling secure during cooking.
Equipment for Cooking Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu
Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin: Crucial for flattening chicken breasts evenly.
Plastic Wrap: Needed to prevent chicken from sticking while pounding.
Glass Baking Dish: Essential for melting butter and baking the chicken.
Toothpicks: Used to secure chicken breasts and keep filling inside.
Mixing Bowls: Helpful for preparing flour, eggs, and bread crumbs.
Whisk or Fork: Great for beating eggs thoroughly.
Sharp Knife: Useful for cutting chicken or trimming edges.
Cooking Steps for Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu
Chicken Cordon Bleu Magic
Oven Warmup Cozy kitchen vibes start with heating the oven to a toasty 375 degrees, creating the perfect environment for our delicious culinary adventure.
Buttery Foundation Slide a pat of butter into a glass baking dish and let it melt smoothly while the oven warms, creating a rich base for our chicken.
Chicken Transformation Gently press each chicken breast between soft plastic wrap, transforming the meat into a delicate canvas ready for delicious filling with gentle taps from a rolling pin.
Flavor Bundling Layer ham and cheese inside each chicken pocket, folding the meat into a delightful package that promises a burst of savory goodness. Secure the edges with small toothpick guardians to keep the treasure locked inside.
Crispy Armor Dress each chicken bundle in a three-part costume: a light flour dusting, a luxurious egg bath, and a final crunchy bread crumb coat that promises golden perfection.
Baking Transformation Nestle the prepared chicken into the butter-kissed baking dish and let the oven work its magic for 40-45 minutes until the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown and the inside becomes tender and juicy.
Delicious Finale Plate your masterpiece alongside steamed green vegetables and fluffy rice, creating a complete meal that will make everyone at the table smile.
Ways to Tweak Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu
Mix up the classic recipe with these delicious twists and expert tips.
Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, Swiss, or sharp provolone to add unique flavor profiles and create exciting taste combinations.
Create a crispier exterior by using panko breadcrumbs, adding crushed nuts, or mixing herbs and spices directly into the breadcrumb coating for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
Prepare the stuffed chicken breasts up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, allowing the flavors to meld and making meal prep easier for busy nights.
Replace wheat flour and traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste or texture.
Serve Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu Neatly
Pair with Vibrant Vegetable Sides: Complement the rich, cheesy chicken with bright green asparagus or roasted carrots to add color and nutrition to the plate.
Create a Crisp Salad Companion: Toss together a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the heaviness of the chicken and provide a refreshing contrast.
Drizzle with Elegant Sauce: Enhance the dish by preparing a quick white wine or mustard cream sauce that adds an extra layer of flavor and sophistication to the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu.
Serve with Rustic Bread: Offer crusty French bread or garlic toast on the side to help soak up any delicious pan juices and complete the meal with a satisfying texture.
Store and Reheat Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu
Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freeze for Later: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen Chicken Cordon Bleu stays delicious for 2-3 months when sealed properly.
Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to maintain crispy breading and prevent drying out. Avoid microwave reheating to keep the texture intact.
Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the chicken breasts up to 24 hours before cooking, storing them covered in the refrigerator. Keep the breading ingredients separate until just before baking to maintain maximum crispiness.
Ina Garten’s chicken cordon bleu blends crispy golden chicken with creamy Swiss cheese and savory ham. Crisp breadcrumbs and precise technique create elegant results you’ll want to serve at dinner parties.
Ingredients
Scale
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 very thin slices smoked ham
6 oz (170 g) Lorraine Swiss cheese, cut into four chunks
2 cups bread crumbs
1 cup (120 g) flour
2 eggs, lightly beaten
4 tbsps (60 ml) butter
Instructions
Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375°F with the rack centered, simultaneously melting butter in a glass baking dish to create a non-stick surface.
Chicken Preparation: Position chicken breasts between plastic wrap and gently flatten to 1/4-inch thickness, ensuring uniform texture and even cooking potential.
Filling Configuration: Layer a slice of ham and chunk of Swiss cheese at the center of each chicken breast, carefully folding the meat to create a sealed parcel, securing edges with toothpicks to lock in the delectable filling.
Coating Process: Establish a systematic breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs, meticulously coating each chicken pocket by first dredging in flour, fully immersing in egg wash, and thoroughly rolling in breadcrumbs for a crisp, golden exterior.
Baking Technique: Arrange the breaded chicken breasts in the butter-coated baking dish, maintaining space between each piece, and roast in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the crust transforms into a rich, amber-brown coloration.
Serving Presentation: Extract toothpicks, plate the Chicken Cordon Bleu with complementary sides of steamed broccoli and parboiled rice, creating an elegant and satisfying culinary experience.
Notes
Precise Meat Preparation: Flatten chicken breasts uniformly to 1/4 inch thickness for even cooking and consistent texture.
Secure Filling Technique: Use toothpicks strategically to prevent cheese and ham from leaking during baking, ensuring a perfect sealed pocket.
Coating Mastery: Create a thorough three-stage breading process (flour, egg, breadcrumbs) to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture.
Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safe and juicy results without overcooking.
Pastry Arts and Dessert Innovation, French and European Baking Techniques, Food Writing and Blogging, Culinary Event Planning
Education
Le Cordon Bleu Paris
Diploma: Grand Diplôme®
Focus: Intensive training in classic French cuisine and pastry techniques, combining the Diplôme de Cuisine and Diplôme de Pâtisserie.
Isabella Rodriguez is the co-founder and pastry chef at wd-50.com. She studied at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, where she earned the Grand Diplôme®, a top award in both cooking and baking. After working in fancy bakeries and as a personal pastry chef, Isabella now shares her love for desserts in an easy way for home bakers to enjoy.
At wd-50.com, Isabella creates recipes for cookies, cakes, tarts, and more, always with clear steps and helpful tips. She believes baking should be fun, not stressful, and she hopes her recipes bring joy to your kitchen and smiles to your table.
Isabella Rodriguez
Co-Founder & Content Creator
Expertise
Pastry Arts and Dessert Innovation, French and European Baking Techniques, Food Writing and Blogging, Culinary Event Planning
Education
Le Cordon Bleu Paris
Isabella Rodriguez is the co-founder and pastry chef at wd-50.com. She studied at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, where she earned the Grand Diplôme®, a top award in both cooking and baking. After working in fancy bakeries and as a personal pastry chef, Isabella now shares her love for desserts in an easy way for home bakers to enjoy.
At wd-50.com, Isabella creates recipes for cookies, cakes, tarts, and more, always with clear steps and helpful tips. She believes baking should be fun, not stressful, and she hopes her recipes bring joy to your kitchen and smiles to your table.