Healthier Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
This healthier Chicken Cordon Bleu tastes just as great as the fried version — maybe better!
I love taking an old favorite and turning it into something that is a little healthier for my family. It isn’t only good for us, but it’s a fun challenge too. And you know what? I think I like this healthier version of Chicken Cordon Bleu even better than the original fried version. Although, for some reason, my memories of chicken cordon bleu revolve around a kind of nasty, frozen chunk of meat that already has been fried, and then you baked it off in the oven. I think I used to sell meat for school or something for some sort of fundraiser, so my mom probably felt compelled to buy that lovely chicken cordon bleu.
So perhaps my memories of this chicken are jaded, but I’ll still opt for this healthier chicken cordon bleu any day of the week.
Not only does it taste great, but it is super simple to prepare as well. Butterfly a chicken breast, stuff the goodies inside (I used deli-style ham and pre-sliced Swiss cheese), throw some panko breadcrumbs on top, bake and viola! Done. So simple! Oh–there is a little mustard in there for flavor too. I’ll definitely be making these again.
By the way, Carrie of Bakeaholic Mama interviewed me and made one of my family’s favorite recipes. Head on over to her site to read a little more about me and see what she made.
Look at that cheese running out and slightly browned on the pan! My favorite part.
Love Chicken Cordon Bleu? Try Chicken Cordon Bleu Kabobs!
Healthier Chicken Cordon Bleu
This healthier Chicken Cordon Bleu tastes just as great as the fried version — maybe better!
Ingredients:
- ½ cup panko
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 and ½ teaspoons dijon mustard
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 to 2 pounds), butterflied and pounded to ~¼ inch thickness
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4 ounces sliced ham
- 4 ounces sliced Swiss cheese
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. In a small bowl, mix together panko and olive oil until panko bread crumbs are coated. Set aside. Spray baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray and place chicken (butterflied open) on sheet. Season both sides of chicken with salt and pepper.
- Spread ham slices (I cut mine in half to fit) over one half of each chicken breast. Layer cheese slices on top of ham slices.
- Fold chicken over the ham and cheese. Brush the top of each chicken breast with about ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard. Cover with panko bread crumb/olive oil mixture.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through.
Verdict: I will definitely be making this again.
Husband’s take: He loved this! I wasn’t sure he liked Chicken Cordon Bleu but turns out he does. And he’s always on board when I’m making something a bit healthier.
How I served it to my 2-year-old: Cut up in pieces, she loved this!
Changes I would make: None are necessary but feel free to have some fun with the recipe. Use Canadian bacon or maybe a whole grain mustard.
Difficulty: Easy!
Actual nutrition may vary depending on how recipe is prepared.
Looking for more fun Chicken Cordon Bleu recipes? I can’t wait to try these…
Chicken Cordon Bleu Macaroni and Cheese from Iowa Girl Eats
Chicken Cordon Bleu Panini from Panini Happy
Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta from Taste and Tell
Chicken Cordon Bleu Wraps from Real Mom Kitchen
Hi, I'm Rachel! This site features a wide variety of recipes with one common thread: easy preparations. I love creating accessible and delicious food that will please the whole family. Hope you enjoy! (
I loved it! I prepared it today and it was so easy. Decided to add some veggies to the pan and it all cooked at the same time so I could have a complete meal. I’m definitely making this again
So glad to hear that! Great idea to make it into a whole sheet pan meal! So smart!
This was a huge hit for a romantic dinner! I used gluten free bread crumbs and it was amazing!!!! So easy and so delicious!!
Oh yay! I’m so glad to hear that! Thanks for taking the time to come back and leave a comment!
Oh WOW! Another great one. We (my daughter and I) just made this last night, my daughter is picky when it comes to mustard of any sort, and how things are breaded, but she couldn’t eat this fast enough. It was fun to make (she made her own and I made my own). I loved that the cheese that stuck out a little got crispy, love crispy cheese. Thank you for sharing this one.
So glad you liked it! I love that you involved your daughter in the process. And I’m SO with you on the crispy cheese! :)
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Smoked Turkey sounds great, thank you!
Love this, but is there a way to substitute the Ham for a different meat. We don’t eat pork in my house. Thank You.
Hmm…maybe another smokey meat…smoked turkey…or maybe even turkey bacon?
This recipe sounds just about perfect the way it is, but if anyone would like a little ‘gravy’ on it, I’d heat up an undiluted can of ‘Heart Healthy’ “Cream of Mushroom Soup” and pour it over the top, and top it with some finely chopped Italian parsley.
ohhh a thing of beauty- melty cheese! MMmmMMMmmm
This looks fabulous! I love the ease of making it and I’m sure we’ll be enjoying it soon. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you!
This sounds so good!! I had a roommate in college that would always buy the frozen ones that you would bake – I was never very impressed with them. But I know I’d be impressed by these!! (and thanks for the link love!)
what a fun twist! my memories of chicken cordon bleu involve an awkward high school dance. dinner was with a group at some kid’s house and his mom served us this for dinner. ehh. your version? YUM!
yuuu-uuuuummm! I love this healthier version :)
This sounds wonderful! I haven’t had chicken cordon bleu in ages but I’d love to try this lighter version!
I think the only time Ive ever had chicken cordon bleu is in hot pockets, warmed up in the microwave..haha I can’t wait to try this lighter version out! It looks amazing!
Oh my lanta!! Rachel, you had me at “healthier” – I love healthed up versions of my favorites. And cordon bleu has always been a fav! Haven’t had it in years. That has to change!
This dish looks incredible!
This looks wonderful!
Loved that you lightened this up. I love cordon bleu so much!
Chicken codon bleu is perfect comfort food! Love that you lightened it up!
That’s my favorite thing to do too-Take a fattening recipe and make it skinny! It’s funny because making a cordon bleu is on my current list! You did a great job!
This is awesome, Rachel! Love your tasty, healthy twist on a comfort food classic. Definitely trying this!
I absolutely love to find healthy twists on classic comfort dishes. I’m going to have to trick my husband and call this “ham and cheesy” chicken, because I have a feeling he will think “cord on bleu” sounds too fancy, lol, but I know he’s love this. (All great practice for when we have kids!)
Yay! I LOVE that you made a healthier version of this! Love the panko! :)
Yum, I love stuffing chicken breasts – it just makes them so much more exciting! And panko-crusted chicken is a serious weakness of mine.
This is the kind of quick and delicious meal that we love to eat during the week. Can’t wait to try it!
It is a rare thing when I go “OMG, YUM!,” over a dish that has the words “chicken” and “healthier” in it! :) This looks so good! And I actually love that you don’t have to make a mess frying!