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’s good for us, and 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, in all fairness, my memories of chicken cordon bleu revolve around a nasty, frozen chunk of meat that already has been fried, frozen, and then you baked it in the oven.

I think it was from some sort of school fundraiser, so my mom probably felt compelled to buy that lovely chicken cordon bleu.

Perhaps my memories of chicken cordon bleu 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 really 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. 

Look at that cheese running out and getting slightly browned on the pan! My favorite part.

Love chicken cordon bleu? Try Chicken Cordon Bleu Kabobs!

Like the idea of fancifying plain chicken breasts?

Boneless skinless chicken breasts just cry out for stuffing. They can be a little blah otherwise. Here’s more ideas for you:

 

• BBQ Bourbon Grilled Chicken stuffed with peppers and onions
• Bacon Wrapped Chicken Breast stuffed with avocado and cheddar
• Apple Gouda Stuffed Chicken Breasts with smoky roasted sweet potatoes
• Hasselback Chicken with spinach and artichoke
• Feta Stuffed Chicken with sun dried tomatoes and kale
• Fajita Stuffed Chicken

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Healthier Chicken Cordon Bleu

Yield: 3 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

This healthier Chicken Cordon Bleu tastes just as great as the fried version — maybe better!

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Ingredients

• ½ cup panko
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 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

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through. Internal temp with an instant read thermometer should be at least 165°F.

Notes

• These are large servings. If desired, after baking, cut each breast in half to serve 6.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 3 Serving Size: 1 breast
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 485Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 161mgSodium: 827mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 58g

RachelCooks.com sometimes provides nutritional information, but these figures should be considered estimates, as they are not calculated by a registered dietitian. Please consult a medical professional for any specific nutrition, diet, or allergy advice.

Verdict: I love serving this chicken cordon bleu. It’s great for a family meal and fancy enough for guests.
Husband’s take: He loves 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!