Healthier Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
Posted: 04/17/2013
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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 use 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. Serve chicken cordon bleu with green beans almondine and Instant Pot mashed potatoes for a scrumptious dinner.
Make it your own
- Instead of ham, try Canadian bacon.
- Replace the Dijon mustard with a coarse grainy mustard.
- Try Chicken Cordon Bleu Kabobs for a fun twist.
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
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
servings
This healthier Chicken Cordon Bleu tastes just as great as the fried version — maybe better!
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
- 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.
- 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. 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
Serving: 1breast, Calories: 485kcal, Carbohydrates: 14g, Protein: 58g, Fat: 20g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g, Cholesterol: 161mg, Sodium: 827mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Carla @ Carlas Confections says
yuuu-uuuuummm! I love this healthier version :)
Audra | The Baker Chick says
This sounds wonderful! I haven’t had chicken cordon bleu in ages but I’d love to try this lighter version!
Alaina @ Fabtastic Eats says
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!
sally @ sallys baking addiction says
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!
Jenny @ BAKE says
This dish looks incredible!
Miss @ Miss in the Kitchen says
This looks wonderful!
Carrie @ Bakeaholic Mama says
Loved that you lightened this up. I love cordon bleu so much!
Jessica@AKitchenAddiction says
Chicken codon bleu is perfect comfort food! Love that you lightened it up!
Bree {Skinny Mommy} says
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!
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking says
This is awesome, Rachel! Love your tasty, healthy twist on a comfort food classic. Definitely trying this!
Erin | The Law Student's Wife says
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!)
Ali | Gimme Some Oven says
Yay! I LOVE that you made a healthier version of this! Love the panko! :)
Tracey says
Yum, I love stuffing chicken breasts – it just makes them so much more exciting! And panko-crusted chicken is a serious weakness of mine.
Kathryn says
This is the kind of quick and delicious meal that we love to eat during the week. Can’t wait to try it!
Ashley says
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!