Pioneer Woman Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

This Pioneer Woman Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe is a crispy and cheesy recipe, which is made with deli ham and Swiss cheese. It’s a restaurant-quality dish, ready in about an hour.

Pioneer Woman Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 to 8 ounces each)
• 1 1/4 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste
• 1/2 tsp. paprika
• 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 Tbsp. plus 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
• 6 slices deli ham
• 6 slices Swiss cheese, folded lengthwise in half or thirds
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups panko
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Salad:

• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 Tbsp. white wine vinegar
• 1 tsp. honey
• 1 small garlic clove, grated
• 3 Tbsp. olive oil
• 8 ounces mixed greens

How To Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Cordon Bleu

1. Prep Oven and Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet to pound them to an even ¼-inch thickness. Season the chicken with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon paprika, and the garlic powder.
2. Fill and Roll: Brush the top of each chicken cutlet with Dijon mustard. Place a slice of ham on top, followed by a folded slice of Swiss cheese in the center. Tightly roll up each chicken breast and secure it with a toothpick. Season the outside of the rolls with salt and pepper.
3. Bread the Chicken: Set up a three-step breading station with shallow dishes. Place the flour in the first, the beaten eggs in the second, and the panko in the third. Season the panko with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon each of paprika and pepper. Dredge each chicken roll first in the flour (tapping off excess), then dip it in the egg, and finally press it firmly into the panko to coat completely.
4. Pan-Fry for a Crisp Crust: Heat about 1/8 inch of vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, remove the toothpicks and carefully place the chicken rolls in the hot oil. Fry, turning occasionally, for 6 to 8 minutes, until the panko crust is golden brown and crispy on all sides.
5. Bake to Finish: Transfer the browned chicken to a wire rack set on a baking sheet. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
6. Make Salad and Serve: While the chicken bakes, whisk together the lemon juice, vinegar, remaining 2 teaspoons of mustard, honey, grated garlic, salt, and pepper for the dressing. Slowly whisk in the olive oil. Toss the mixed greens with the dressing. Serve the hot chicken cordon bleu alongside the fresh salad.

Recipe Tips

• How to keep the cheese from leaking out? The key is to roll the chicken as tightly as possible, making sure the ham and cheese are well-enclosed. Securing with a toothpick before frying is also crucial.
• How do I get the panko extra crispy? Frying the chicken in hot oil before baking is the secret. This step creates that beautiful, golden, and super-crispy crust that makes the dish so delicious.
• What’s the best way to pound chicken? For even thickness without tearing the meat, start in the center and work your way out to the edges. Consistent, gentle taps are more effective than hard whacks.
• Can I make this ahead of time? You can assemble and bread the chicken rolls a few hours ahead of time. Store them on a plate in the refrigerator, covered. This can actually help the breading adhere better.

What To Serve With Chicken Cordon Bleu

While the recipe includes a lovely side salad, this classic dish also pairs wonderfully with:

• Roasted baby potatoes or a creamy potato gratin
• Steamed asparagus with lemon
• Rice pilaf or buttered egg noodles

How To Store Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: The best way to reheat is in an oven or air fryer at 375°F for 10-15 minutes to help re-crisp the panko crust. Microwaving will make the breading soft.
• Freeze: Freezing is not recommended for the fully cooked dish, as the crust will become soggy.

Pioneer Woman Chicken Cordon Bleu Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 600-700 kcal
• Fat: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 45g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman White Chicken Chili Crockpot Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Taco Chicken Salad Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe