Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu

Cordon Bleu is a Foreign dish, which I think originated in Switzerland. The original Cordon Bleu is veal, pounded thin and wrapped around in ham and cheese then breaded and deep fried. Chicken cordon bleu is a variant and uses chicken fillet instead. It is also wrapped around in ham and cheese. Because of it’s popularity, it made it’s way to us and also became our favorite.

Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu: A Comforting Classic with a Crunch

I still remember the first time I had chicken cordon bleu. It was one of those family potluck Sundays where everyone brought a dish that meant something special to them. My cousin, Ate Liza, arrived with a platter of golden, crispy rolls that smelled absolutely heavenly. When I took my first bite, the crunchy breading gave way to tender chicken, salty ham, and gooey cheese. It was love at first taste. That day, I made it my mission to learn how to make this dish—and it’s been a family favorite ever since.

This dish might have its roots in Switzerland, where the original cordon bleu was made with veal. But over the years, this recipe has traveled across the globe, evolving into different versions. Here in the Philippines, chicken has become the star, making it more accessible and just as delicious.

Let me walk you through my version of chicken cordon bleu, inspired by a blend of tradition, personal tips, and my Uncle Jun’s genius suggestion to freeze the rolls before frying. Trust me, this technique makes all the difference!

Why Chicken Cordon Bleu is Special

Chicken cordon bleu is one of those dishes that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make. Its appeal lies in its balance of textures and flavors. You get a crispy, golden crust on the outside, juicy chicken in the middle, and the salty-savory goodness of ham and melted cheese in every bite.

I love how it brings back memories of special occasions—birthdays, anniversaries, or even just a Sunday family lunch where we’d all gather around the table, passing plates and sharing stories.

The dish itself has an interesting name. “Cordon bleu” means “blue ribbon” in French, symbolizing excellence. And while it may sound intimidating, it’s a beginner-friendly recipe as long as you follow a few key steps.

Preparing the Chicken for a Perfect Roll

The first step is to prepare the chicken breast by pounding it until it’s thin and even. My Lola always used a wooden rolling pin wrapped in plastic, but if you have a meat mallet, that works even better. Flattening the chicken is crucial because it ensures that the meat cooks evenly and is easy to roll around the ham and cheese.

Once flattened, I season the chicken with salt and pepper. Don’t skip this step! Seasoning the meat directly helps infuse it with flavor from the inside out.

The Secret to a Crispy, Golden Crust of Chicken Cordon Bleu

Here’s where the magic happens: the breading. You’ll need three bowls—one for seasoned flour, another for beaten eggs, and the last for breadcrumbs. Each layer plays a role in creating that perfect, crunchy exterior.

First, the flour sticks to the chicken and helps the egg adhere better. The egg acts as glue, binding the breadcrumbs firmly. Finally, the breadcrumbs create that crisp, golden coating we all love. My cousin Leo swears by adding a pinch of paprika to the breadcrumbs for a hint of smoky flavor, and I couldn’t agree more—it’s a simple upgrade that makes a big difference.

Wrapping It All Together

Once the chicken is seasoned, place a slice of ham on top, followed by a stick of cheese. I prefer using quick-melt cheese because it’s creamy and melts beautifully. Tuck the edges of the chicken in and roll it tightly into a log. This step might take a little practice, but don’t worry—imperfections are part of the process!

Uncle Jun once told me that freezing the chicken rolls for at least 30 minutes before frying is key. This not only helps the chicken hold its shape but also ensures that the cheese doesn’t ooze out too quickly while cooking. It’s a small extra step that makes a big difference in the final result.

Frying to Perfection

Heat your oil until it’s hot but not smoking—around 350°F is perfect. Carefully fry the chicken rolls until they’re golden brown and cooked through. I like to drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.

The result? crispy chicken cordon bleu that’s as good as any restaurant version. Serve it with steamed rice or a side of buttered vegetables, and you’ve got a meal that’s both comforting and elegant.

A Taste of History

Did you know that cordon Bleu likely became popular in the mid-20th century when chefs began experimenting with variations of classic European dishes? Its simplicity and sophistication made it an instant hit, especially in countries like the Philippines, where we love putting our own spin on international flavors.

Now, it’s a staple at family gatherings, a go-to for celebrations, and a dish that instantly adds a touch of elegance to any meal.

Food for Thought

Cooking isn’t just about following a recipe—it’s about creating memories. For me, making the dish brings back the laughter and chatter of my family kitchen, the smell of oil sizzling on the stove, and the satisfaction of seeing everyone’s plates wiped clean.

So, if you’re new to cooking or want to try something a bit different, give this recipe a go. Who knows? It might just become a favorite in your home, too.

Enjoy this chicken cordon bleu with your loved ones and make every bite a celebration of flavor and togetherness.

Print Recipe

How to Cook Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a deliciously crispy dish made with tender chicken rolled around savory ham and melty cheese, coated in golden breadcrumbs.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Total Time35 minutes mins

Course: Chicken Recipe

Cuisine: Filipino/Swiss

Keyword: chicken cordon bleu, chicken recipe, Filipino recipe

Servings: 8 pcs

Calories: 280kcal

Author: Manny

Ingredients

• 8 pcs chicken breast fillet
• 4 pcs sweet ham cut in half
• 1/2 bar cheddar cheese cut in 1/2" x 1/2" sticks
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. ground pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 pcs eggs beaten
• 1 cup fine breadcrumbs
• salt and pepper

Instructions

How to Cook Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu:

• Pound chicken breast to flatten. Season with salt and pepper then set aside.
• In a bowl, season flour with salt and pepper. In another bowl, season breadcrumbs with salt and pepper.
• Arrange bowls in this order: seasoned flour, beaten eggs and seasoned breadcrumbs.
• Line flattened chicken breast with sliced ham.
• Place cheese stick on top and tuck in edges of chicken and form into a log.
• Dip chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip in beaten egg and dredge in seasoned breadcrumbs.
• Freeze. Fry in hot oil until cooked. Drain on paper towel lined pan.

Video

Notes

Cooking Tips:

Pound the Chicken Evenly for Easy Rolling

Flattening the chicken breast ensures it cooks evenly and rolls easily around the ham and cheese filling. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin, and cover the chicken with plastic wrap to prevent tearing. This step is crucial for achieving a uniform texture and perfectly cooked meat in every bite.

Freeze Before Frying for Better Shape

After assembling the chicken rolls, freezing them for 30 minutes helps them hold their shape during cooking. It also prevents the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out. This extra step ensures your Chicken Cordon Bleu looks as impressive as it tastes.

Use the Right Temperature for Frying

Fry the chicken in oil heated to around 350°F for a crispy, golden crust. If the oil is too hot, the breading will burn before the chicken cooks through; if too cool, the chicken will absorb excess oil. Maintaining the right temperature guarantees a perfectly cooked, non-greasy dish.