If you’re looking for a creative twist on a classic dish, Hasselback Chicken Cordon Bleu is here to impress. This recipe takes everything you love about the traditional French-inspired favorite—juicy chicken, savory ham, and gooey melted Swiss cheese—and reimagines it in a stunning, modern presentation.

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By slicing the chicken in a hasselback style and stuffing each pocket with ham and cheese, this dish not only looks elegant but also ensures every bite is packed with flavor. It’s a perfect recipe for a special dinner or whenever you want to elevate your weeknight meal game with minimal effort.

You have to try Hasselback Chicken with Gouda and Apples! It’s a delicious combination.

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What is Hasselback?

Hasselback style is a unique preparation method where a food item—commonly potatoes, chicken, or even vegetables—is thinly sliced partway through, creating a series of pockets or ridges. These slices act as little compartments perfect for stuffing with flavorful ingredients like cheese, herbs, or meats, or for soaking up marinades and sauces.

The technique not only enhances the dish’s flavor but also adds a visual presentation, with the fillings peeking through the slits. Originally popularized with Hasselback potatoes, this versatile style has become a favorite way to elevate classic recipes like chicken cordon bleu.

What you’ll need

Find the full, printable recipe with exact measurements at the bottom of this post. Read on for more details and tips!

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Rimmed Sheet Pan or a Baking Dish
4 chicken breasts
1/2 pound Swiss cheese, cut into slices- you could use any cheese you prefer in this dish. Swiss is traditional, but use what you like!
1/2 pound deli ham, cut into slices
1 cup panko breadcrumbs– or substitute Italian seasoned panko breadcrumbs and omit the Italian seasoning.
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp onion seasoning
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
2 tbsp Dijon mustard

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How to make it

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Prepare the Chicken:

Place the chicken breasts on a sheet pan.
Cut pockets into each chicken breast about an inch apart, slicing about three-quarters of the way through without cutting all the way through.

Season the Chicken:

Lightly season each chicken breast with salt and pepper.
Spread 1/2 tablespoon of mustard over the top of each breast.

Stuff the Chicken:

Place a slice of ham and cheese into each pocket, dividing them evenly among the chicken breasts.

If you’re looking for a creative twist on a classic dish, Hasselback Chicken Cordon Bleu is here to impress. This recipe takes everything you love about the traditional French-inspired favorite—juicy chicken, savory ham, and gooey melted Swiss cheese—and reimagines it in a stunning, modern presentation. By slicing the chicken in a hasselback style and stuffing each pocket with ham and cheese, this dish not only looks elegant but also ensures every bite is packed with flavor. It’s a perfect recipe for a special dinner or whenever you want to elevate your weeknight meal game with minimal effort.

Make the Breadcrumb Topping:

In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and panko breadcrumbs.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the chicken, pressing it gently into the pockets between the ham and cheese.

Bake:

Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until it is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Did you enjoy this recipe? Take a picture and tag me @StephGigliotti on social media and #StephRealLife. I would absolutely love to see your finished dish! Please leave a 5-star rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comment section.

Tips

Choose Evenly Sized Chicken Breasts-Opt for similar-sized chicken breasts to ensure they cook evenly.
Cutting the Pockets-Use a sharp knife and make controlled cuts about 3/4 of the way through to avoid slicing through the bottom of the chicken.
Secure the Fillings-If the ham and cheese tend to slip out, secure them with toothpicks during baking. Just remember to remove them before serving!
Prevent Overcooking-Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. It’s perfectly cooked at 165°F (74°C).
Customize the Cheese and Ham-While Swiss cheese and deli ham are traditional, you can experiment with Gruyère, Gouda, or prosciutto for a unique twist.

FAQ’s

Can I prepare this dish in advance? Yes! You can slice and stuff the chicken ahead of time, then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add the breadcrumb topping just before baking to keep it crisp.
What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
- A Simple Salad
- Potatoes-Roasted Potatoes, Mashed Potatoes, or Baked Potatoes
- Roasted Veggies- try Honey Glazed Carrots, Fall Veggies, or Brusselsprouts Au Gratin
- A Creamy Mac and Cheese- try Classic Macaroni and Cheese or Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese
- Garlic Knots, Cheesy Garlic Bread Sliders, Rolls, or Crusty Bread
How can I make this gluten-free? Substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard? You can use mayonnaise or yellow mustard for a similar tangy layer beneath the breadcrumbs.
Can I freeze this dish? Yes! Assemble the chicken (without breadcrumbs) and freeze in an airtight container. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, add breadcrumbs, and bake as directed.

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