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Crispy on the outside, melty-cheesy on the inside, and draped in a silky mustard-kissed white sauce—this Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe with Creamy Mustard Sauce is what I like to call dinner goals. Forget boring chicken; this is the dish that struts onto your table with confidence, winks at the mashed potatoes, and makes everyone wonder when you suddenly became a five-star chef. Spoiler: it’s easier than it looks.

Ok, you got me—it’s easy, but it’s not exactly a 30-minute wonder. This is a recipe for when you’ve got a little extra time to play in the kitchen. The good news? You can prep parts of it ahead and just save the cooking for later, which makes serving up this golden, cheesy beauty a breeze.

The best part? You don’t need fancy French training or a secret culinary diploma. Just a couple of chicken breasts, some ham and cheese magic, and my foolproof step-by-step. By the time you serve this, your crew will think you’ve been secretly moonlighting on Food Network. Ready to nail this showstopper? Keep reading—I’ve got the full recipe, sauce and all, waiting for you.

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Story Behind this Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

Despite its fancy French name, Chicken Cordon Bleu isn’t centuries-old Parisian haute cuisine—it’s actually a mid-20th-century creation. The name cordon bleu translates to “blue ribbon,” a nod to excellence, and the dish itself was inspired by Swiss cooks who were already stuffing veal with ham and cheese. Over time, chicken replaced veal (easier, cheaper, just as tasty), and the recipe spread through Europe before charming its way onto American dinner tables in the 1960s and 70s.

So, while it might sound like something reserved for special occasions, the truth is: Chicken Cordon Bleu is more approachable than its elegant name suggests. Think of it as comfort food in a tuxedo—rich, satisfying, but absolutely doable in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy golden crust with juicy chicken inside.
Melty mozzarella and savory ham tucked right into the roll.
A creamy, tangy mustard sauce that pulls it all together.
Perfect for impressing guests—or just treating yourself.

Recipe at a Glance

Main star: Chicken breasts stuffed with ham and cheese.
Flavor profile: Savory, creamy, and just the right kick from mustard.
Prep & Cook time: About 1 hour active (plus chilling time).
Why it works: The combo of juicy chicken, gooey cheese, and that crispy panko breading is irresistible.

What You’ll Need for this Chicken Cordon Bleu

Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe Ingredients

2 chicken breasts, boneless
4 slices of ham
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
1 cup warm milk
3 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 teaspoon grain mustard
1 tablespoon Italian spice blend
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Pro tip: A sturdy meat tenderizer and a reliable stainless whisk will make your prep much easier.

Prep & Cook

Don’t let the steps scare you—I just broke it down so it feels like I’m right there with you in the kitchen.

Step 01

Butterfly the chicken breasts by cutting them in half. Place each between film paper and gently pound with a meat tenderizer. Pat dry with a paper towel.

Step 02

On another sheet of film paper, sprinkle some flour and lay the chicken on it. Spread the lemon juice and season lightly.

Place two slices of ham and 1/4 cup of mozzarella on top. I like to use lemon juice because it also helps to tenderize the chicken.

Step 03

Roll tightly using the film paper, shaping it into a log. Refrigerate for about 2 hours.

This is the part you can prepare ahead. It will be good in the fridge for a day. So if you want to prepare it before going to work and cook it in the evening, it’s totally ok.

Step 04

Remove the film, dip the chicken roll in beaten egg, and coat with panko breadcrumbs.

Step 05

Heat a skillet with oil, sear all sides until golden brown. Transfer to a buttered casserole dish and bake for 15 minutes.

Step 06

For the sauce: melt 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan, whisk in 2 tablespoons flour, then gradually add warm milk. Whisk until smooth.

Step 07

Add yellow and grain mustard, then Parmesan cheese. Whisk until creamy.

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Step 08

Serve the chicken topped with a spoonful of mustard sauce and a sprinkle of parsley.

Secrets from Our Kitchen to Yours

Chill the chicken roll before breading—this keeps the filling from escaping.
Use panko instead of regular breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Parmesan in the sauce adds a nutty, rich depth of flavor.
Want to lighten it up? Bake instead of frying and use low-fat milk for the sauce.
This dish proves that even easy unique chicken recipes can feel gourmet, especially when served as part of recipes for dinner easy healthy menus.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with Sautéed Green Beans.
A crisp side salad balances the richness.
You can also pair it with an elegant Leek Risotto
Finish it with an unexpected dessert: Papaya Cream Dessert, fresh and easy.

Green Beans and Carrots Recipe Featured 03 — **Sautéed Green Beans**

Leek Risotto Featured Image 01 — Leek Risotto

Papaya Dessert Image 02 — Papaya Cream Dessert

Put Your Spin on It

Swap mozzarella for Swiss or Gruyère for a more classic take. Delicous too.
Try turkey slices instead of ham.
Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne to the panko mix for a spicy kick.

Tasty Thoughts

Chicken Cordon Bleu has that irresistible mix of comfort and elegance—it’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’ve truly cooked something special. The crispy crust, gooey cheese, and tangy mustard sauce hit all the right notes without requiring chef-level skills. It’s no wonder some call it a true chicken delight on the dinner table.

If you’ve been searching for a recipe to wow your guests (or just to treat yourself after a long week), this one’s it. It’s proof that “fancy” doesn’t have to mean complicated, and once you’ve mastered this, you’ll want to put your own spin on it again and again.

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Common Questions

Can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time?
Yes! You can roll and refrigerate the chicken a day in advance. Just bread and cook when ready.

Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze the rolls before breading. When ready, thaw overnight, bread, and cook as directed.

What cheese works best?
Mozzarella, Swiss, or Gruyère are all great choices depending on how gooey or sharp you want it.

Nutrition Notes

Curious about calories or carbs for this Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe? You’ll find a rough nutrition estimate in the recipe card below. Just keep in mind, it’s a ballpark figure based on common ingredients — not a medical guide. For anything more specific, it’s always best to check with a registered nutritionist.