Crispy Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe with Ham & Melty Cheese

This Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu is an easy, comforting dinner that comes together quickly. It’s served with a creamy Dijon mustard sauce that’s tangy, rich, and downright irresistible.

Grilled chicken cordon bleu cutlets on white plate. Text reads "Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu".

Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu

This version of chicken cordon bleu is salty, cheesy, and juicy — everything you want from a satisfying weeknight meal. While frozen or pre-packaged cordon bleu is convenient, making it fresh at home delivers better flavor and texture. It’s a great family meal any night of the week and especially nice for a relaxed Sunday dinner.

Quick tip: use good-quality deli ham and Swiss cheese. Fresh, high-quality ingredients make a noticeable difference.

Raw, stuffed chicken breasts on baking sheet.

Can You Grill Chicken Cordon Bleu?

Yes — grilling chicken cordon bleu works beautifully. Anything you can bake can often be grilled, and cooking over an open flame adds a smoky depth that pairs perfectly with the ham and cheese. If you prefer the oven, follow the same preparation and roast until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Stuffed chicken breasts on smoker grates with grill marks on top.

Dijon Sauce

Instead of a traditional cream or cheese sauce, this recipe uses a tangy Dijon cream sauce. It’s a family favorite that complements the salty ham and melted Swiss without overpowering the chicken. The sauce is mild enough that you can add it by the spoonful or serve it on the side for dipping.

The sauce combines mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, a splash of apple cider vinegar, a little brown sugar for balance, and a touch of cayenne for heat. Chill it while the chicken cooks for the best flavor.

Mayo, mustard, and vinegar in white bowls next to piles of salt, pepper, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper.

How Long to Grill Cordon Bleu

Grilling time depends on grill type and chicken thickness. Expect roughly 30–36 minutes total, about 15–18 minutes per side, flipping once. These are estimates — always rely on an instant-read thermometer and cook to 165°F at the thickest part of the breast for safety and juiciness.

Two grilled chicken breasts on a white plate.

How to Cook Chicken Cordon Bleu on the Grill

Follow these steps for juicy, flavorful grilled chicken cordon bleu:

  1. Preheat the grill. Heat your gas or charcoal grill to about 375°F for even cooking.
  2. Prep the chicken. Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket into each chicken breast. Layer ham and Swiss cheese, roll them tightly, and stuff each pocket. Secure with toothpicks and season the outside of the breasts with your preferred chicken seasoning.
  3. Grill the chicken. Place the stuffed breasts on the grill grates and cook 15–18 minutes per side, flipping once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  4. Make the Dijon sauce. While the chicken cooks, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, cayenne, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Chill until ready to serve.
  5. Rest and serve. When the chicken reaches 165°F, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes. Serve with the Dijon cream sauce on the side or drizzled over the top.
Sliced cross section of grilled chicken cordon bleu next to a bowl of dipping sauce.

Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

Here’s the recipe in brief so you can get cooking right away. It serves 4 and takes about 40 minutes total, including prep.

Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu

An easy grilled twist on classic cordon bleu, finished with a tangy Dijon cream sauce.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 25 mins | Total: 40 mins | Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 slices deli ham (thick cut)
  • 4 slices Swiss cheese
  • 2 Tablespoons chicken rub or seasoning

Dijon Cream Sauce

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 4 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Pinch salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the grill to 375°F.
  2. Cut a pocket into each chicken breast. Place Swiss on ham, roll, and stuff into each pocket. Secure with toothpicks.
  3. Season both sides of each breast with chicken rub.
  4. Grill directly on the grates 15–18 minutes per side, flipping once, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Combine sauce ingredients in a bowl, chill until ready to serve.
  6. Remove chicken, rest 10 minutes, then serve with Dijon cream sauce.

Notes

Pellet grills typically take about 15–18 minutes per side. On gas or charcoal grills you may reach doneness in 12–15 minutes per side depending on breast thickness. Use an instant-read thermometer for best results.

Nutrition (approx.)

Calories: 559 kcal | Carbs: 3 g | Protein: 56 g | Fat: 35 g

Chicken cordon bleu bit drizzled with dijon sauce on fork.

This post was originally published in September 2020 and has been updated with clarifications and tips. The recipe itself remains the same.