There’s something delightfully nostalgic and cozy about this Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe. It’s that perfect blend of crispy, melty, tangy, and savory all rolled into one comforting dish that I find myself craving time and time again.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes I return to when I want to impress without a fuss. It's classic comfort food with a homemade twist that’s totally doable on a weeknight or for guests.
- Simple yet elegant: It looks fancy but is surprisingly straightforward to make, perfect for kitchen newbies and pros alike.
- Flavor explosion: The combination of ham, melty Swiss cheese, and honey mustard sauce wakes up your taste buds perfectly.
- Healthier than fried: Baking keeps it lighter while still maintaining that crispy crust everyone loves.
- Make-ahead magic: You can prep the rolls in advance, chill them, and bake whenever you're ready for a stress-free dinner.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Let’s talk about the stars in this Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in bringing that classic flavor and texture together. Knowing why helps you shop smarter and maybe make substitutions if needed.
- Boneless chicken breasts: They’re easy to flatten and roll, plus they cook evenly—just be gentle when pounding so you don’t tear them.
- Black forest ham: Adds smoky, salty depth that perfectly complements the cheese. Using deli-sliced makes wrapping easier.
- Swiss cheese: Melts beautifully, giving you that gooey center everyone expects—sharp cheddar or gruyère work well too.
- All-purpose flour: Helps the breading stick to the chicken and adds a light crust layer.
- Eggs: Bind the coating and keep everything in place.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Give you that satisfyingly crispy outer crunch without feeling heavy.
- Parmesan cheese: Mixed with panko, amps up the savory notes and creates golden browning.
- Fresh thyme: Adds fragrant herbiness that lifts the whole dish.
- Olive oil: Keeps the breadcrumbs crisp and golden while baking.
- Fresh parsley: A bright finishing touch that adds color and freshness.
- Dijon and yellow mustard: Provide tang, spice, and depth to the creamy honey mustard sauce.
- Honey: Balances the mustard’s sharpness with natural sweetness.
- Butter and garlic: Create a savory flavor base for the sauce.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the sauce rich but not too salty and adds complexity.
- Heavy cream: Gives the sauce that luscious, velvety texture.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to cling perfectly to the chicken.
Make It Your Way
I love experimenting with this Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe depending on what I have on hand or what flavors I’m craving. Feel free to mix it up — it’s super adaptable.
- Variation: Sometimes I swap Swiss cheese for Gruyère or sharp cheddar to add a nuttier or tangier twist, and honestly, it’s delicious every time.
- Herb swap: If fresh thyme isn’t available, oregano or rosemary makes a wonderful alternative.
- Gluten-free version: Using gluten-free panko and flour makes this recipe accessible without sacrificing texture.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mix for a subtle smoky heat that wakes things up.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Pound the Chicken Perfectly
Start by placing each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use the flat side of a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken to about ¼-inch thickness. Take your time to avoid tearing. This step is key for even cooking and helps the chicken roll nicely without breaking.
Step 2: Layer the Good Stuff
Lay two slices of ham over each flattened chicken breast. Then sprinkle a generous ½ cup of shredded Swiss cheese on top, leaving a small border around the edges. This layering ensures each bite is filled with the savory mix we love.
Step 3: Roll and Chill
Starting from the smaller end of the chicken breast, roll it up tightly like a tootsie roll, tucking in ends to prevent cheese escape. Wrap each roll snugly in plastic wrap, especially the ends, and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to a day. This chill step helps the chicken keep its shape while baking.
Step 4: Prep the Breading Station
Set out three shallow dishes: one with seasoned flour (salt and pepper mixed in), one with beaten eggs lightly salted, and one with panko breadcrumbs, parmesan, fresh thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper mixed together. The olive oil in the breadcrumb mix is a game-changer for crispiness.
Step 5: Bread the Chicken Rolls
Remove the chicken rolls from the fridge and unwrap. One at a time, roll each piece in the flour, shaking off excess. Then dip in the egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly in the panko mixture, pressing gently so it adheres well. This triple coating creates that irresistible golden crunch.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the breaded chicken rolls on a greased or foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (about 200°C) for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F. Keep an eye towards the end—if the tops get too brown, tent with foil to prevent burning.
Step 7: Make the Honey Mustard Sauce
While the chicken bakes, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—about 20 seconds. Pour in chicken broth and simmer until reduced to about half, roughly 10 minutes. Then whisk in heavy cream, Dijon and yellow mustard, honey, and the cornstarch mixed with broth. Stir gently until thickened. Season to taste with salt and pepper and keep warm.
Step 8: Slice, Serve, and Enjoy!
Once baked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Slice into rounds and drizzle generously with the honey mustard sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Trust me, this is where the magic happens!
Top Tip
After making this Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe multiple times, I’ve picked up some handy tricks that really make a difference in your results.
- Even pounding: Take your time pounding the chicken evenly to avoid ripping. If you don’t have a mallet, the bottom of a heavy skillet works well.
- Keep it tight: Wrapping the rolls snugly in plastic before chilling ensures they hold their shape so the cheese doesn’t ooze out while baking.
- Breadcrumb oil hack: Mixing olive oil into the panko breadcrumb mix helps achieve that golden, crunchy coating even when baking instead of frying.
- Watch the browning: If the top crisps too quickly, a loose foil tent will protect it from burning without sacrificing crunch.
How to Serve Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
I always sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top—it brightens the plate and adds just the right touch of herbal freshness. Sometimes, I add a lemon wedge on the side for a quick citrus squeeze that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with buttery mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. The creamy sauce coats the chicken so well that simple sides keep the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
On special occasions, I like to slice the chicken on a slight bias and fan the pieces out over a bed of wild rice or creamy polenta. Drizzle some extra honey mustard sauce artistically over the plate, and sprinkle with chopped toasted walnuts for crunch. It’s a total showstopper!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge, where it lasts beautifully for up to 3 days. The crispy coating softens a bit, but reheating tips help keep it tasty.
Freezing
This recipe freezes really well. I wrap each breaded chicken roll individually in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When you’re ready, pop them into the oven straight from the freezer, just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
Reheating
To reheat, I use a 350°F oven and heat until warmed through, about 15 minutes, which helps crisp the coating again. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve that lovely crust and melty cheese center.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is traditional, sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or even mozzarella can be swapped in depending on your taste and what you have on hand. Just keep in mind the melting properties differ, so choose a cheese that melts well.
To minimize cheese leakage, make sure to roll the chicken tightly and tuck in the edges snugly. Wrapping each roll very tightly in plastic wrap and chilling before breading and baking also helps hold everything together. If needed, you can even use a small piece of crumpled foil to plug any gaps where cheese might escape.
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for gluten-free by using gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Just be sure to check your other ingredients, like mustard and broth, for gluten content as well.
Classic sides like mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts are perfect matchups. I also love serving it with a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the dish.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe feels a bit like a warm hug in food form. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do. It’s a recipe that’s both approachable and impressive—a true kitchen win. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this unforgettable dish.
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Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-American
Description
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic dish featuring tender boneless chicken breasts stuffed with savory black forest ham and shredded Swiss cheese, breaded with a crispy panko and Parmesan coating, then baked to perfection. Served with a creamy Dijon honey mustard sauce, this elegant yet approachable recipe is perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 (7 to 8 oz each) boneless chicken breasts
- 8 slices (12 oz) black forest ham (deli cut), such as Boars Head
- 8 oz shredded Swiss cheese
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup heaping panko breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup fine grated (1.4 oz) Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Dijon Cream Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 ¼ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon prepared yellow mustard (or another 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pound each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap to an even ¼-inch thickness using the flat side of a meat mallet. Be gentle to avoid tearing the meat.
- Assemble the filling: Place two slices of black forest ham over each flattened chicken breast, then evenly spread ½ cup shredded Swiss cheese on top, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
- Roll and chill: Starting from the smaller end, roll the chicken breasts tightly into a snug cylinder while tucking in the ham and chicken ends to keep the cheese inside. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes up to 1 day to help hold shape.
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a rimmed 13x9-inch baking sheet with non-stick spray or cover with foil and spray for easy cleanup.
- Prepare breading stations: In a shallow dish, whisk flour with salt and black pepper. In a second dish, whisk eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. In a third dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Bread the chicken: Remove chicken rolls from fridge and unwrap. Dredge each roll on all sides in flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off, then coat thoroughly in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Bake the chicken: Arrange breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Rest and slice: Let the chicken rest a few minutes after baking, then transfer to a cutting board and slice into medallions. Keep warm while preparing the sauce.
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant and lightly golden, about 20 seconds. Add chicken broth and simmer until reduced to about ½ cup, approximately 10 minutes. Stir in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, honey, and cornstarch broth mixture. Whisk until thickened and season with salt and pepper as needed. Keep warm.
- Serve: Drizzle the creamy honey Dijon sauce over the sliced chicken cordon bleu and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
- Sharp cheddar or Gruyere cheese make excellent alternatives to Swiss cheese for a richer flavor.
- If cheese tends to leak during baking, plug the openings with small crumpled pieces of aluminum foil to keep filling inside.
- Check the chicken toward the end of baking and tent with foil if the breadcrumb coating is browning too quickly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
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