Chicken Cordon Bleu is a timeless favorite, and Ina Garten’s version brings elegance, simplicity, and irresistible flavor to this classic dish. Thin chicken breasts are rolled with ham and cheese, coated in crisp breadcrumbs, and baked until golden and melty. It’s perfect for both special dinners and weeknight comfort food.

This recipe balances a juicy interior with a crunchy exterior and is surprisingly easy to make at home.

What is Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu?

Ina Garten’s chicken cordon bleu features tender, pounded chicken breasts rolled up with savory ham and Swiss cheese, then breaded and baked instead of deep-fried. The result is a golden, crispy crust with gooey, flavorful filling. It’s often served with a light mustard cream sauce or fresh green salad to complete the meal.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

Reasons to Try Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu

Crispy outside, melty inside – Each bite has the perfect contrast of textures
Elegant yet comforting – Feels gourmet but made with simple ingredients
Healthier baked version – No deep frying required
Great for meal prep – Can be prepped ahead and baked when needed
Crowd-pleaser – Ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests
Customizable filling – Use your favorite deli meats and cheeses
Pairs with many sides – From roasted veggies to creamy potatoes

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 slices good-quality ham (Black Forest or similar)
4 slices Swiss cheese or Gruyère
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for added flavor)
Cooking spray or olive oil, for greasing

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu

Step 1: Preheat and prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

Step 2: Flatten the chicken

Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to about ¼ inch thickness.

Step 3: Add the filling

Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Lay one slice of ham and one slice of cheese on each piece. If desired, spread a small amount of Dijon mustard on the inside before adding ham and cheese.

Step 4: Roll and secure

Roll the chicken tightly, tucking in the sides. Secure each roll with toothpicks or kitchen twine to prevent unrolling during baking.

Step 5: Coat the chicken

Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter. Dredge each roll in flour, dip into eggs, then coat in breadcrumbs.

Step 6: Bake until golden

Place chicken rolls seam-side down in the baking dish. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown and the chicken is cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F).

Step 7: Rest and serve

Remove toothpicks before serving. Let the rolls rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve with your choice of sauce or side dish.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu

Buttery mashed potatoes – Smooth and creamy to complement the crispy chicken
Steamed green beans or broccoli – Adds a fresh, crisp balance
Roasted carrots or asparagus – Brings sweetness and color to the plate
Creamy mustard or béchamel sauce – A classic and flavorful pairing
Simple arugula salad – Lightens up the meal with a peppery bite
Garlic bread or dinner rolls – Perfect for soaking up sauces
Crisp white wine – A dry Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc works beautifully

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu

Pound the chicken evenly – This ensures it cooks evenly and rolls easily
Use high-quality deli meats and cheese – Adds better flavor and texture
Secure tightly before baking – Prevents cheese from oozing out too early
Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch – They stay crisp even when baked
Let it rest before slicing – Helps keep the filling inside
Add Dijon for tangy depth – Enhances the savory flavors
Don’t overbake – Watch closely to avoid drying out the chicken

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu

Use prosciutto instead of ham – Adds a rich, salty flavor
Swap cheese types – Try mozzarella, provolone, or cheddar
Make it spicy – Add a dash of cayenne to the breadcrumb mix
Add sautéed spinach inside – Boosts the nutrition and adds color
Top with creamy sauce post-bake – Elevates presentation and richness
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs – Easy to adapt for dietary needs
Air fry for a crisper crust – Speeds up cooking and adds extra crunch

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu

Cool completely before storing – Prevents soggy texture
Refrigerate in an airtight container – Stays fresh for up to 3 days
Wrap tightly for freezing – Freeze raw or cooked for up to 2 months
Label and date your container – Helpful for batch cooking
Store sauce separately – Keeps the crust crisp
Avoid stacking – Lay flat to keep rolls intact

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Chicken Cordon Bleu

Reheat in oven at 350°F – Bake for 15–20 minutes until heated through
Use foil to prevent drying – Cover loosely while reheating
Crisp up under the broiler – For a few minutes at the end if needed
Avoid microwave if possible – Can make the coating soggy
Reheat individual portions – Makes reheating faster and more even

Nutritional Value (per serving)

Calories: 430
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 26g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 820mg

A protein-packed dish that combines rich flavors with a satisfying crunch.

FAQs

What is the best cheese for chicken cordon bleu?

Swiss cheese is the classic choice for chicken cordon bleu due to its meltability and mild flavor. Gruyère is another excellent option for a nuttier, richer taste.

Can I make chicken cordon bleu ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble chicken cordon bleu a day in advance. Store it tightly covered in the refrigerator and bake when ready to serve. This makes it perfect for meal prep or dinner parties.

How do I keep the filling from leaking out of chicken cordon bleu?

To prevent leaking, roll the chicken tightly and secure it with toothpicks. Chilling the rolls before baking can also help the cheese stay inside during cooking.

Is chicken cordon bleu better baked or fried?

Baking is a healthier and simpler method, giving you a golden crust without excess oil. Panko breadcrumbs and melted butter help achieve a crispy texture in the oven.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s chicken cordon bleu delivers comfort, class, and flavor all in one bite. It’s a dish that feels special but isn’t complicated to prepare. With its golden crust, melty interior, and elegant look, this recipe is perfect for weeknights or dinner parties alike. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a favorite in your rotation.