My dad’s work schedule is pretty crazy as an ER physician, so he wasn’t with us for family dinner every night growing up.
When he did get to join us, my mom made a special effort to make dishes that he loved, and one of those was Chicken Cordon Bleu.
Most of the time we bought the pre-made chicken from the store, and I always heard how difficult and time consuming it was to make this meal, so I shied away from attempting to make it on my own.
Last month, however, I mustered up my courage, wrote my own recipe for Chicken Cordon Bleu, and discovered an easy way to prepare the dish with simple ingredients and minimal equipment.
Today's recipe is made entirely on a sheet pan!
What is chicken cordon bleu?
“Chicken Cordon Bleu” (yes, that’s how you spell bleu!) is French for “blue ribbon,” referencing the blue ribbon worn by members of the highest members of knighthood in 16th century France. The term was then applied to dishes and recipes prepared to the highest standards by the greatest chefs.
The earliest known recipe for Chicken Cordon Bleu appeared in a Swiss cookbook in 1949 as deep-fried chicken, pork, or veal stuffed with ham and cheese.
This recipe rivals the original with easy preparation, minimal clean-up and healthier ingredients without sacrificing any flavor!
What ingredients do I need for healthy homemade Chicken Cordon Bleu?
While the dish sounds expensive and time consuming, the shopping list of ingredients is both family-friendly and budget-friendly:
- Lean chicken breasts: great source of protein, good cholesterol, and vitamin B-12
- Deli-sliced ham: I chose to use deli-sliced because there’s [generally] less saturated fat and sodium than traditional ham. It’s also easier to stuff in the chicken and cheaper to buy!
- Swiss cheese slices: compliments the salty ham with a savory and slightly nutty flavor
- Multigrain bread: a blend of whole grains, fiber, and protein to make the best (and simplest) homemade breadcrumbs. Use gluten-free if necessary.
- Nutritional yeast: a substitute for parmesan cheese in the homemade breadcrumbs without sacrificing flavor or texture! It’s also a plant-based complete protein packed with B vitamins! You can find it in the baking section of your local grocery store
- Everything But The Bagel Seasoning: adds an amazing flavor to the homemade breadcrumbs! Totally optional but highly recommended. You can find it at Trader Joe’s or here on Amazon.
- Egg whites: helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken; lower in calories than an entire egg and packed with protein. I always keep a carton of egg whites in my fridge!
- Broccoli and cauliflower: delicious root vegetables packed with vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and fiber. They require the same bake time as the chicken, so they are a perfect match!
How to make easy sheet pan chicken cordon bleu
Here comes the fun part: assembly! Don’t be intimidated by this dish.
You’ll only need two shallow bowls, a cutting board, a sharpened chef’s knife, some tongs, a few toothpicks, a spoon, a food processor or blender, and your sheet pan.
That’s it!
No meat mallet, no fryer, and no store-bought breadcrumbs either.
Keep reading for the basic step-by-step process:
- Prepare the breadcrumbs: lightly toast the multigrain bread in the toaster, then pulse in a food processor or blender with nutritional yeast and some salt. Mix in the Everything seasoning
- Prepare the chicken: place the chicken on a cutting board and set your hand on top of the breast. Use your sharpened knife to carefully butterfly the chicken (slice a pocket) without cutting the meat into two pieces.
- Prepare your bowls: pour egg whites into one shallow bowl and the breadcrumbs in another shallow bowl.
- Stuff the chicken: portion 1-oz of ham and one slice Swiss cheese for every chicken breast. Seal the pocket with toothpick(s).
- Dredge the chicken: place the prepared chicken breasts into the bowl of egg whites and spoon whites over the top of the chicken. Use tongs to transfer the chicken to the breadcrumbs. Spread breadcrumbs completely over the chicken. Sprinkle additional Everything seasoning on top. Place the chicken breasts in the middle of a greased sheet pan.
- Add the vegetables: cut broccoli and cauliflower into florets, then toss in olive oil, salt, and Everything seasoning. Spread veggies around the chicken on the sheet pan.
- Bake to perfection: cook in oven for 20 minutes at 400 F.
Substitutions and variations
This recipe is incredibly delicious and easy to make as is, but if you’re interested in some substitutions, here are a few I think would work:
- Use 2 eggs instead of 1/2 cup egg whites
- Use Panko breadcrumbs or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of the homemade recipe
- Swap the nutritional yeast for equal amounts of parmesan cheese
- Use any vegetable you love! Carrots, zucchini, and asparagus are all delicious!
More easy weeknight meals
Better-Than-Takeout Healthy Orange Chicken
Easy Healthy Baked Potato Soup
Irresistible 30-Minute Egg Roll in a Bowl
Healthy Jalapeno Popper Chicken Casserole
Spicy Roasted BBQ Chickpea Salad
However you choose to prepare this dish, it will be a hit with the entire family!
Not only is it easy to make (even on busy weeknights!) but the flavors are incredible and my version has about half the calories of the traditional recipe.
I'd love to hear if you try this healthy Chicken Cordon Bleu! Be sure to tag me on Instagram @kapaicooking so I can see the finished product, then leave a star rating and review below so other readers know how you liked it.
