Easy Hasselback Chicken Cordon Bleu

A crispy baked chicken dish filled with Swiss cheese and Canadian bacon that delivers classic cordon bleu flavor with a simple weeknight twist.

If you love classic chicken cordon bleu but want something easier to prepare, Hasselback Chicken Cordon Bleu is a delicious alternative. This recipe uses the Hasselback technique thin slices cut into the chicken to create pockets that hold melted cheese and savory Canadian bacon.

The result is a crispy, golden topping with juicy chicken and rich flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

  • 8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 1/2 cup honey Dijon mustard

  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs

  • 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted

  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt

  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 12 slices Swiss cheese, cut into quarters

  • 24 rounds Canadian bacon (about 1 pound), cut into half-moons

How to Make Hasselback Chicken Cordon Bleu

1. Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).

2. Slice the Chicken

Place each chicken breast on a cutting board.

Using a sharp knife, cut six angled slits across each breast, making sure not to slice all the way through. Leave about ¼ inch intact at the bottom so the chicken stays whole.

3. Add Mustard and Breadcrumb Topping

Brush the top of each chicken breast with 1 tablespoon of honey Dijon mustard.

In a bowl, mix together:

  • Panko breadcrumbs

  • Melted butter

  • Salt

  • Black pepper

Press the breadcrumb mixture onto the mustard-coated chicken so it sticks evenly.

4. Stuff the Chicken

Insert one quarter slice of Swiss cheese and one half-moon of Canadian bacon into each slit in the chicken.

Place the stuffed chicken breasts on a baking sheet.

5. Bake

Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until:

  • The chicken is cooked through

  • The breadcrumbs are golden and crispy

Serve warm with your favorite side dishes.

Freezer Meal Instructions

This recipe also works well as a freezer-friendly meal.

  1. Assemble the uncooked chicken breasts.

  2. Place four chicken breasts per baking sheet lined with wax paper.

  3. Freeze for at least 3 hours, until solid.

  4. Transfer to foil pans or freezer-safe containers, label, and store.

Cooking From Frozen

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.

  2. Bake frozen chicken breasts for about 40 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden.

Nutrition Highlights

Chicken cordon bleu can be part of a balanced meal when paired with nutrient-rich sides.

Chicken breast provides:

  • High-quality lean protein

  • Essential nutrients like niacin and vitamin B6

  • About 26 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving

Pairing this dish with vegetables or whole grains can help create a balanced plate.

Serving Ideas

This flavorful chicken pairs well with:

  • Roasted vegetables

  • Steamed broccoli or green beans

  • Garlic mashed potatoes

  • Brown rice or quinoa

  • A fresh garden salad

The Bottom Line

Hasselback Chicken Cordon Bleu offers a simple way to enjoy the flavors of a classic French-inspired dish without complicated preparation. The sliced chicken technique makes stuffing easy while keeping the chicken juicy and flavorful.

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