Name: Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu with Creamy Mustard Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: French American
Ingredients: 4 (7 to 8 oz each) boneless chicken breasts; 8 slices (12 oz) Black Forest ham (deli cut); 8 oz shredded Swiss cheese; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; Salt and black pepper to taste; 2 large eggs; 1 cup heaping panko breadcrumbs; 1/3 cup finely grated (1.4 oz) parmesan cheese; 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme; 1 Tbsp olive oil; 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley; 1 Tbsp butter; 1 Tbsp minced garlic; 1 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 Tbsp prepared yellow mustard; 1 Tbsp honey; 2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 Tbsp low-sodium chicken broth

There's something irresistibly satisfying about a classic dish done right, and this Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu with Creamy Mustard Sauce Recipe hits all the right notes. It's crispy, melty, and bursting with comforting flavors that'll make you want to whip it up again and again.

The image shows a white oval plate filled with multiple slices of a rolled dish. Each slice has three clear layers: a crispy golden-brown breadcrumb outer layer, a thick soft pale pink middle layer of ham, and a thick white inner layer. The slices are neatly placed in rows on the plate and are sprinkled with small dark green chopped herbs on top. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a dark green cloth and a vintage silver fork nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu with Creamy Mustard Sauce Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu with Creamy Mustard Sauce Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu with Creamy Mustard Sauce Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve always been a fan of dishes that turn a few simple ingredients into a showstopping meal, and this baked chicken cordon bleu with creamy mustard sauce is just that. It’s elegant enough for dinner guests but straightforward enough for a family weeknight. Plus, the sauce? Total game changer.

Perfect balance of textures: Crispy breadcrumb coating on the outside meets juicy chicken and melty cheese inside.
Creamy mustard sauce: The velvety honey-mustard sauce elevates every bite without overpowering the chicken.
Make ahead friendly: You can prep the chicken rolls in advance, so serious stress-free entertaining.
Customizable: Whether you swap out the cheese or add herbs, it’s easy to adapt to your tastes or what’s in your fridge.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, from the tender chicken breasts begging to be rolled up to the flavorful ham and Swiss cheese inside. Shopping tip: look for good quality deli ham and fresh herbs to really boost the flavors.

Flat lay of four plump boneless chicken breasts, eight slices of thinly folded pink black forest ham, a pile of shredded pale yellow Swiss cheese, a small mound of white all-purpose flour on a simple white ceramic plate, two large whole uncracked brown eggs, a heaping scoop of golden panko breadcrumbs mixed with light beige grated parmesan and scattered fresh green thyme leaves on a white ceramic shallow dish, a small sprig of bright green parsley, a small white bowl filled with glossy golden olive oil, a small white bowl of creamy pale yellow Dijon mustard, a small white bowl of smooth pale yellow prepared yellow mustard, a small white bowl of amber honey, a small white bowl of pale yellow butter cubes, a small white bowl of minced white garlic, a small white bowl with clear low-sodium chicken broth, a small white bowl of rich white heavy cream, a small white bowl containing fine white cornstarch, fresh cracked black pepper and coarse salt sprinkled gently on white ceramic dishes, all elements arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Pounding them thin ensures even cooking and lets them roll up neatly around the filling.
Black forest ham: It adds a smoky, salty depth that pairs beautifully with Swiss cheese.
Swiss cheese: Melts perfectly, lending a nutty, creamy texture.
Flour: Helps the coating stick to the chicken and creates a base for the egg wash.
Eggs: Act as a glue for the breadcrumb coating, ensuring it stays put while baking.
Panko breadcrumbs: Give that irresistible crunch and a light texture.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor to the coating mix that makes it extra tasty.
Fresh thyme: Brings an aromatic earthiness to the breadcrumbs.
Olive oil: Keeps the breadcrumbs from drying out and helps browning in the oven.
Fresh parsley: A fresh finish, scattered on top for color and a little brightness.
Butter and garlic: Build the flavor foundation for the creamy mustard sauce.
Chicken broth: Reduces and forms the base for the sauce’s richness.
Heavy cream: Adds lusciousness and smooth mouthfeel to the sauce.
Dijon and yellow mustard: Provide tang and depth—the combo is key.
Honey: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the tangy mustards perfectly.
Cornstarch slurry: Thickens the sauce to just the right consistency.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love about this Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu with Creamy Mustard Sauce Recipe is how simple it is to make it your own. Don’t be afraid to swap cheeses, herbs, or even add a little kick to the sauce. Game night favorite, here we come!

Variation: Sometimes I swap the Swiss cheese for Gruyère or sharp cheddar when I want a bolder cheesy note—it’s equally delicious and feels like a cozy upgrade.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers and gluten-free flour to keep everyone happy.
Spice things up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to the breadcrumb coating if you want a subtle smoky heat.
Herb swaps: Thyme's great, but rosemary or tarragon in the breadcrumbs can give your chicken a fragrant twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu with Creamy Mustard Sauce Recipe

The image shows a white plate with two thick slices of a rolled dish coated in a golden brown crumb layer, each slice revealing layers of pale pink ham and light yellow melted cheese inside, topped with a creamy yellow sauce and small green herb pieces. On the left side of the plate, there is a neat pile of bright green, cooked green beans with a slight shine. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a dark green cloth in the background and a metallic fork partially visible in the corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Gently Pound Your Chicken for Perfect Rolls

Start by pounding each chicken breast until it’s about ¼-inch thick. I like to stack them between two sheets of plastic wrap and use the flat side of my meat mallet. Be gentle—you want even thickness but without tearing the meat. This makes rolling so much easier later on.

Step 2: Layer and Roll Up The Stars of the Show

Lay two slices of ham over each flattened chicken breast, then sprinkle half a cup of shredded Swiss cheese on top. Leave a small border around the edges so things don’t spill out. Starting at the narrow end, roll it up tightly like a tootsie roll, tucking in the edges as you go. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and chill—it helps them hold their shape and makes the next steps less messy.

Step 3: Bread with Care for Crispy, Golden Coating

Get your three shallow dishes ready: one with seasoned flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of panko breadcrumbs, parmesan, chopped thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Unwrap one chilled roll at a time and coat it all over with flour, then dip in eggs, and finally press into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure you cover every inch to get that beautiful crisp crust after baking.

Step 4: Bake Until Juicy Inside and Crispy Outside

Place the breaded rolls on a greased or foil-lined baking sheet. Pop them in a 400°F oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes until the internal temperature hits 165°F. Keep a close eye towards the end; if the crust gets too brown, just tent with foil. When it’s done, let them rest a few minutes to seal in the juices before slicing.

Step 5: Whip Up the Creamy Mustard Sauce

While the chicken bakes, melt butter in a saucepan and sauté garlic for 20 seconds until fragrant. Add chicken broth and simmer until reduced by half—this concentrates that savory flavor. Next, whisk in heavy cream, both mustards, honey, and the cornstarch slurry. Let it thicken to a luscious sauce, seasoning with salt and pepper. Keep warm until you're ready to serve.

Top Tip

After making this recipe a handful of times, I learned a few things that really help nail it every time. These tips keep the cheese where it should be and the crust irresistibly golden crisp.

Wrap tight: When you roll the chicken with ham and cheese, wrapping it snugly in plastic wrap for at least 30 minutes is crucial. It helps hold the filling in place during breading and baking.
Crumpled foil fix: If you notice cheese bubbling out during baking, gently plug the gaps with small crumpled pieces of foil to keep your chicken looking tidy.
Watch the oven: Toward the end of baking, tent the chicken with foil if it’s browning too fast on top but isn’t cooked through yet.
Use a thermometer: Rely on an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking and make sure your chicken stays juicy and tender.

How to Serve Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu with Creamy Mustard Sauce Recipe

chicken cordon bleu - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

For garnishes, I love sprinkling freshly chopped parsley right over the sliced chicken for a pop of green and freshness. A light dusting of extra parmesan on the side feels special without overpowering the flavors.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs beautifully with classic sides like garlicky mashed potatoes or buttery roasted baby carrots. For a lighter option, steamed asparagus or a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette works wonders.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I've arranged slices fanned out on a platter with the creamy mustard sauce drizzled over and a side of roasted fingerling potatoes. It looks gorgeous and feels fancy without added fuss. Little herb sprigs tucked alongside add charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken stays moist, and reheating carefully keeps that crunchy coating intact.

Freezing

Before baking, I’ve had good luck freezing the wrapped chicken rolls. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and follow the breading and baking steps fresh. This lets you prep ahead without sacrificing texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm leftovers in a 350°F oven on a wire rack to keep the crust crispy—usually about 15 minutes. For the sauce, a quick microwave zap or stove top warm-up works perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use ham other than Black Forest?

Absolutely! Black Forest ham adds a smoky sweetness, but you can use any good quality deli ham you prefer. Just make sure it’s thinly sliced.

What can I substitute for Swiss cheese?

Gruyère or sharp cheddar cheese make excellent substitutes. They melt well and bring their own distinct flavors to the dish.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking?

Wrapping the chicken rolls tightly in plastic wrap and chilling them before breading helps hold everything in place. If cheese does leak, plugging the gap with a tiny piece of crumpled foil works like a charm.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble and wrap the chicken rolls a day ahead and keep them chilled in the fridge. Just proceed with breading and baking when you’re ready to cook.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu with Creamy Mustard Sauce Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that always feels like a special treat but is simple enough to make fairly often. I really hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—every bite brings that perfect combination of crispy, cheesy, and creamy comfort that's hard to beat.