Chicken Cordon Bleu – A Restaurant-Quality Meal Made Easy

This lighter version of Chicken Cordon Bleu keeps everything you love about the classic—tender chicken, savory ham, and gooey melted cheese—while using smarter ingredients and baking instead of frying. It’s elegant enough for a special dinner but simple enough for a weeknight meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Golden & Crispy Without Frying: Baked to perfection with a crispy breadcrumb coating.
High-Protein & Satisfying: Lean chicken breast, ham, and cheese for a balanced meal.
Classic Comfort: A timeless dish made better-for-you.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Great reheated for lunches or dinner the next day.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 slices lean deli ham (reduced sodium)
• 4 slices reduced-fat Swiss cheese
• 1/2 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp milk

Optional Sauce

• 1/2 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prep the Chicken

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick spray.
• Pound each chicken breast to about 1/2-inch thickness between two pieces of parchment paper.
• Season lightly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Add the Filling

• Place one slice of ham and one slice of cheese on each chicken breast.
• Roll each breast tightly and secure with toothpicks.

Coat the Rolls

• In a small bowl, whisk the egg and milk.
• In another bowl, mix breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
• Dip each rolled chicken breast into the egg mixture, then roll in breadcrumbs until coated.

Bake

• Place chicken rolls seam-side down in the baking dish.
• Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and coating is golden and crispy.

Make the Optional Sauce

• In a small bowl, stir together yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
• Serve drizzled over the chicken or on the side.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

Calories: 260 | Carbs: 8g | Fat: 10g | Protein: 34g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g

Tips for Success

• Use Thin-Sliced Chicken: Makes rolling easier and ensures even cooking.
• Secure Tightly: Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the rolls together.
• Let Rest Before Serving: Resting 5 minutes after baking helps retain juices.
• Customize the Cheese: Mozzarella or provolone are great swaps for Swiss.

Why This Recipe Works

• Healthy Meets Hearty: All the comforting flavor with fewer calories and fat.
• Crispy & Juicy: Baking still gives a golden crust while keeping the inside moist.
• Elegant but Easy: A gourmet-looking dish that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.
• Versatile: Pairs well with roasted vegetables, salad, or mashed cauliflower.

This lighter Chicken Cordon Bleu gives you all the savory satisfaction of the traditional dish—melted cheese, tender chicken, and a crispy finish—without the extra calories or grease. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just yourself, this recipe is sure to become a weeknight favorite.