Make this easy Chicken Cordon Bleu for dinner tonight — it’s incredibly flavorful, and the Parmesan-Dijon sauce brings it all together.

Before you read any further, check your pantry and fridge — most of the ingredients for this easy chicken cordon bleu are probably already on hand. This version is a weeknight-friendly take on the classic: no rolling, no pounding, just layered chicken topped with ham, Swiss, and a crunchy panko crust.

I make this baked chicken cordon bleu often because it’s straightforward and reliable. The breadcrumb topping browns nicely since it sits on top, and the dish cooks evenly without having to roll or stuff each breast.
What is Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Traditionally, chicken cordon bleu consists of meat—often chicken—rolled around ham and cheese, then breaded and pan-fried or deep-fried. Classic preparations involve flattening the chicken so it can be rolled into a spiral of meat and cheese.
This recipe skips the rolling step and layers ham and cheese over thin-cut chicken breasts instead. The result is every bit as satisfying, with simpler prep and slightly faster cooking.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thin-cut chicken breasts)
- Deli-cut honey ham
- Swiss cheese slices
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Unsalted butter (for crumbs and sauce)
Parmesan-Dijon Cream Sauce
- Unsalted butter
- All-purpose flour
- Milk
- Chicken broth
- Dijon mustard (adjust to taste)
- Worcestershire sauce
- Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- Salt & pepper
The sauce can be adjusted to your mustard preference: start with 1/2 tablespoon of Dijon and add more, 1/2 tablespoon at a time, if you want a stronger mustard flavor.

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter until the crumbs are evenly moistened. This helps them brown while baking.
- If using large chicken breasts, butterfly each breast and cut through to create four thin-cut pieces. Lay the chicken in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
- Layer each piece of chicken with two slices of ham to cover the top. Break each Swiss cheese slice in half and spread the pieces over the ham to cover the chicken (or use two whole slices per breast for extra cheese).
- Sprinkle the panko mixture evenly over each assembled breast to form a crunchy topping.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. Switch the oven to broil and broil on high for 1–2 minutes, watching closely, until the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Remove from the oven.
Parmesan-Dijon Cream Sauce
- When the chicken is about halfway through baking, make the sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons butter. Whisk in 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour to form a roux and cook 1–2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in 1½ cups milk and 1/2 cup chicken broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue whisking and cook until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or up to 1 tablespoon for a bolder mustard flavor), 3/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan. Whisk until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Keep the sauce warm over low heat until the chicken is ready. When serving, plate the chicken with the crust side up and spoon the sauce over each piece. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
What to Serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu
This chicken pairs well with mashed potatoes, creamed corn, or simple boiled Yukon Gold or red potatoes and heated corn on busy weeknights. Choose a side that soaks up the delicious sauce.

This no-roll chicken cordon bleu is an easy, family-friendly meal that delivers classic flavor with minimal effort. Print the recipe or save it to your favorite collection — it’s one to keep on repeat.
More family-favorite chicken dinners
- Chicken & Cornbread Casserole
- Cheesy Chicken Stuffed Shells
- Chicken and Dumplings
- Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo
- Cajun Chicken Pasta
- Chicken Breast Supreme

Easy No-Roll Chicken Cordon Bleu
Julie Kotzbach
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 thin-cut breasts)
- 8 slices deli-cut honey ham
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
Parmesan-Dijon Cream Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups milk
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard (use 1 tablespoon for stronger mustard flavor)
- ¾ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Chicken
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Combine breadcrumbs and melted butter in a medium bowl; set aside.
- If using large breasts, butterfly and cut to make four thin pieces. Arrange in the baking dish.
- Layer each breast with two ham slices and cover with broken or full Swiss slices. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top.
- Bake 30–35 minutes until cooked through. Broil on HIGH 1–2 minutes to brown the crumbs.
Sauce
- When the chicken is halfway done, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes.
- Whisk in milk and chicken broth, cook until the sauce thickens and bubbles, about 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in Dijon, Worcestershire, and Parmesan until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Keep warm until serving. Plate chicken crust-side up, spoon sauce over each piece, and garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
This recipe adapts the classic by layering instead of rolling the chicken, making prep quicker and easier while preserving the familiar flavors.
Nutrition
Calories: 613 kcal • Carbohydrates: 21 g • Protein: 42 g • Fat: 39 g
Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on brands, measurements, and portion sizes.
If you made this, leave a comment and rating to let others know how it turned out.