Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
Introduction
Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Cordon Bleu is a deliciously crispy, cheesy dish that brings classic French flavors to your dinner table. Stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, then baked to golden perfection, it’s a perfect meal for both weeknights and special occasions.

Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4–6 slices ham
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 teaspoons flour
- OR 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1.5 tablespoons Dijon mustard (for coating, plus 2 tablespoons for sauce)
- 1.5 tablespoons butter
- 1.5 tablespoons flour (for sauce)
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toast the panko breadcrumbs in a dry pan for 3 minutes until golden and set aside.
- Step 2: Cut a pocket into each chicken breast. Stuff each pocket with ham and a slice of Swiss cheese, then seal tightly using toothpicks to hold the filling inside.
- Step 3: Coat the stuffed chicken using one of two methods: either dredge in a mixture of beaten egg and 2 teaspoons of flour, then coat with toasted panko; or spread a mixture of 3 tablespoons mayonnaise and 1.5 tablespoons Dijon mustard on the chicken before pressing into the panko.
- Step 4: Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is a deep golden brown.
- Step 5: While the chicken bakes, make the sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in 1.5 tablespoons flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until thickened. Stir in 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard and 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan until smooth.
- Step 6: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Carefully remove the toothpicks, then serve the chicken hot with the mustard Parmesan sauce on the side.
Tips & Variations
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a richer flavor in the sauce.
- Try smoked ham for a subtle smoky taste that complements the cheese.
- For a lighter coating, opt for the egg and flour dredge method instead of mayo.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
Storage
Store leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness. The sauce can be stored separately in the fridge and warmed on the stove before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, Gruyère or mozzarella can be good alternatives to Swiss cheese, offering a slightly different but delicious flavor and melt.
Is it necessary to toast the panko breadcrumbs?
Toasting the panko breadcrumbs before coating adds extra crunch and a nutty flavor, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time.
PrintGordon Ramsay’s Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
Gordon Ramsay’s Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic French-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, coated in a crispy golden panko crust, and baked to perfection. Paired with a rich parmesan Dijon sauce, this recipe combines creamy, savory flavors and textures for an impressive yet straightforward meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4–6 slices ham
Breading
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Either option 1: 1 egg and 2 tsp flour
- Or option 2: 3 tbsp mayonnaise and 1.5 tbsp Dijon mustard
Sauce
- 1.5 tbsp butter
- 1.5 tbsp flour
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 3 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Toast Panko Breadcrumbs: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the panko breadcrumbs on a baking tray and toast them in the oven for about 3 minutes until they turn golden and crispy. This step enhances the crunchiness of the final crust.
- Prepare Chicken Pockets: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast without slicing all the way through. Stuff each pocket generously with slices of ham and Swiss cheese. Secure the opening tightly using toothpicks to prevent the filling from leaking during cooking.
- Coat the Chicken: Choose your preferred breading method. For the dredge method, whisk together 1 egg and 2 teaspoons of flour, then dip each stuffed chicken breast into this mixture followed by coating them with the toasted panko crumbs. Alternatively, use the easy method by spreading a mixture of 3 tablespoons mayonnaise and 1.5 tablespoons Dijon mustard on the chicken before pressing on the panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the breaded chicken breasts on a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the crust is deeply golden brown and crispy.
- Make the Sauce: While the chicken bakes, prepare the sauce by melting the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for a minute to form a roux. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens. Stir in the Dijon mustard and grated parmesan cheese until smooth and well combined.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Carefully remove the toothpicks, then serve the chicken breasts drizzled with the creamy parmesan Dijon sauce.
Notes
- You can choose between two breading methods: the traditional egg and flour dredge or the quicker mayonnaise and mustard spread method, both yield crispy results.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through for food safety; use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free flour for the dredge or roux.
- Allowing the chicken to rest before serving helps retain juices and improves texture.
- Remove toothpicks before eating to avoid injury.
Keywords: Chicken Cordon Bleu, baked chicken, stuffed chicken breast, crispy chicken recipe, Gordon Ramsay chicken, Swiss cheese chicken, ham and cheese chicken

