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This easy Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe is a healthier (and easier) twist on a classic! Juicy chicken, smoky ham, and gooey Swiss cheese bake up in just 30 minutes--no messy breading required. It's gluten-free, low-carb, and a family-friendly dinner that feels fancy but couldn't be easier to make.
Looking for more low-carb recipes to enjoy? Don't miss my recipes for Gluten-Free Eggplant Parmesan, Ground Turkey Taco Skillet, and Chicken and Green Beans Skillet.
Reasons to Love Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu
Love the flavors of chicken cordon bleu but hate the hassle of the prep involved? Let me introduce you to this EASIEST version of chicken cordon bleu! There is no heavy breading, no deep-frying, yet all of the flavors you know and love remain.
- Low Carb & Gluten-Free. Not only does omitting the breading significantly lighten and speed up this classic, but it also makes this version gluten-free and low in carbs.
- 5 Minutes of Prep. Brush, layer, bake. No pounding, no stuffing, no mess!
- 6 Ingredients. And yet the flavor is spot on! Savory, cheesy, and sharp.
Bottom line, Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu is quick, comforting and perfect for those nights you when you don't want to cook, but still want to eat well!
Happy Cooking! xo Kristen
Notes on Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or cutlets. I personally prefer thinly sliced chicken breasts or cutlets, as it provides a higher ham and cheese to chicken ratio.
- Ham + Cheese: Use thinly deli ham or leftover ham and thinly sliced (not shredded) Swiss cheese to deliver the classic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu.
- Dijon Mustard: Dijon adds a tangy, sharp flavor to this otherwise simple dish and compliments the flavors in the ham and cheese perfectly.
- Chicken Stock + White Wine: Baking the chicken in a combination of chicken stock and dry white wine helps to infuse the chicken with flavor AND add keep the chicken juicy. If you don't care to cook with wine, use additional chicken stock.
Note on Wine
For the wine, it does not need to be expensive, but avoid using wine labeled cooking wine it has tons of added preservatives and sodium.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Without Breading
The following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the ingredient quantities and detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Season Chicken. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in a large baking dish. Season with salt and pepper and then brush each piece of chicken with Dijon mustard.
Safety Tip
Place the mustard into a small bowl and use that to brush on the chicken. You don't want to risk cross-contamination.
- Add Ham. Cover the chicken with thinly sliced ham, overlapping slices if needed.
- Add Cheese. Cover each piece of chicken with thinly sliced cheese, again overlapping slices if needed.
- Add Wine + Stock. Carefully pour the wine and chicken stock around the chicken.
- Bake. Bake, uncovered, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F.
Kristen's tip
The amount of time you need to cook your chicken will be determined bases on the SIZE of your chicken breast. For the most accurate results, it is best to use a digital thermometer.
- Broil (Optional). If you would like a crispy element or the cheese slightly more golden, broil for 2-3 minutes. Just keep a close eye on the dish so it does not burn.
Serving Suggestions
The ease of this simple chicken cordon bleu recipe makes it perfect for any night of the week and it can be served with endless sides.
- To Keep Dinner Low-Carb: Serve the chicken with a shaved Brussels sprouts salad, spinach bacon salad, and/or roasted broccoli.
- To Keep Dinner Gluten-Free: Serve with rice pilaf, twice-baked potatoes, asparagus salad, or air fryer asparagus.
Kristen's Tips & Notes
- Recipe Yield: As written, this recipe makes 4 servings. Make as many or as few chicken breasts as desired. Keep the amount of wine and chicken stock the same, unless you're using a larger pan. In that case, double the liquids.
- Keep Leftovers Moist: If you happen to have leftovers, it is best to reheat them in a foil-covered casserole dish in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes, rather than microwaving them. This will keep the chicken tender and juicy.
- Money-Saving Tip: If you happen to have leftover ham and Swiss cheese, use them to make ham and cheese hot pockets or a ham and cheese stromboli so that nothing goes to waste. Alternatively, skip the packaged cheese and ham and ask the deli for the exact number of slices you need to make this recipe. They will happily sell it to you by the slice.
More Easy Chicken Recipes
Did you make this recipe?
If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a comment with a 5-star review at the bottom of the post. Thank you!
Easy Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu
Video
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of fat
- kosher salt + black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 8 slices thinly sliced ham
- 8 slices thinly sliced Swiss cheese
- ¼ cup dry white wine, or additional stock
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken stock
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375℉. Lightly grease a 9x13 casserole dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Place the chicken into the baking dish in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper and brush with a thin layer of Dijon. Flip and repeat, so that both sides are seasoned.
- Place 2 pieces of ham over each piece of chicken, overlapping slices if necessary to cover. Top each piece of chicken with 2 slices of cheese, again overlapping if necessary.
- Carefully pour the chicken stock and wine (or additional stock) into the casserole dish around the chicken.
- Bake for 15 for thin chicken breasts and 20 minutes for larger breasts, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F.
- If desired, finish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to brown up the cheese. Just keep a close eye on it, so it does not burn.
- Let rest for 5 minutes and then serve as desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This recipe was originally published in 2016 and updated in February 2025.
How do you keep the ham and cheese from sliding off?
Hi Becky! I have never had issues with my ham or cheese sliding off (But my oven and pans are newer--so they are pretty level, which is key). I would use a toothpick to hold in place if needed 🙂
Hi Kristen! What can I sub for wine in your recipes? We don't keep any alcoholic products in the house.
Hi Alicia! Chicken Stock always is a great substitute 🙂
This sounds like the perfect dinner for those busy nights!
It really is a great go to for busy nights!
I love this recipe! So much easier than the traditional Cordon Bleu!
Much, much easier (and lighter)
great for low carb!
Absolutely
I love a good chicken recipe!! Thanks for sharing!!!
You have found it here!
What a super easy dish!
It sure is and that makes it perfect for weeknights!