Chicken Cordon Bleu for One

Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu for One recipe with boneless chicken breast, Swiss cheese, and ham. Perfect baked chicken recipe for solo dinners, quick weeknight meals, or healthy comfort food. Served with a creamy Parmesan Dijon sauce, this single-serving chicken dinner is simple, flavorful, and ready in under an hour.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• Non-stick spray or butter for greasing the baking dish
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
• ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
• ⅛ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
• 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (6–8 ounces)
• 1 thin slice deli ham (1–2 ounces)
• 1 thin slice Swiss cheese (about 1 ounce)
• 1½ tablespoons salted butter, divided

For the Cordon Bleu Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon salted butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Prep the Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small 5×5-inch or 5×7-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Make the Breading: In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
3. Flatten the Chicken: Place the chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap on a cutting board. Gently pound it to about ¼-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin, ensuring even thickness for uniform cooking.
4. Add Ham and Cheese: Remove the top layer of plastic wrap. Lay the slice of ham and Swiss cheese evenly over the chicken.
5. Roll the Chicken: Starting from the narrow end, roll the chicken tightly to encase the ham and cheese. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter and brush it over the rolled chicken to help the breadcrumbs stick. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
6. Bread the Chicken: Roll the buttered chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat evenly.
7. Prepare for Baking: Place the breaded chicken in the prepared baking dish. Dot or drizzle the remaining butter on top.
8. Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
9. Rest: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes while you prepare the sauce.
10. Make the Sauce:
    • Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
    • Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
    • Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
    • Add Dijon mustard and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3 minutes.
    • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
11. Serve: Spoon the sauce over the baked chicken and serve immediately.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Cordon Bleu for One is perfectly portioned, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It combines tender chicken with ham, melted Swiss cheese, and a creamy mustard-Parmesan sauce for a classic, restaurant-quality meal made at home.

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Tips

• Use a meat mallet to ensure the chicken cooks evenly.
• Let the chicken rest after baking to keep it juicy.
• Freshly grated Parmesan gives a richer, more flavorful crust.
• Secure with toothpicks to prevent the roll from opening while baking.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Swap Swiss cheese for Gruyère or mozzarella.
• Replace ham with prosciutto or smoked turkey slices.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
• For a lighter option, replace some butter with olive oil in the breading and sauce.

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FAQs

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, roll and bread the chicken in advance, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze it?
Yes, assemble the chicken without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

What can I serve it with?
Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with the creamy Cordon Bleu sauce drizzled on top. Garnish with chopped parsley or a wedge of lemon for freshness. Perfect for a solo dinner, date-night meal at home, or a comfort-food treat.