If you’re craving a meal that brings together all the delicious comforts of Chicken Cordon Bleu with a playful twist, you simply have to try this Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli Recipe. Imagine tender, flavorful chicken combined with savory ham and melted cheeses, all wrapped in golden, flaky dough—it’s pure magic at every bite. This dish is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something extraordinary without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a beloved favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this recipe are delightfully straightforward and work harmoniously to bring out the best flavors and textures in each bite of your Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli Recipe. Each element plays a key role, from the savory seasoning that livens up the chicken to the ooey-gooey cheeses that create that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth sensation.
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides tender and lean protein, perfectly seasoned for flavor.
- 1 cup of cooked ham, diced: Adds a slightly smoky, salty contrast to the chicken.
- 1 cup of Swiss cheese, shredded: Offers a mild nuttiness with great melting qualities.
- 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, shredded: Brings stretch and creaminess to the filling.
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder: Infuses a subtle aromatic depth.
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder: Enhances savory notes with a touch of sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon of paprika: Adds color and a hint of smokiness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Balances and boosts all the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil: Ensures juicy, well-cooked chicken strips and adds richness.
- 1 package of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade): The golden, crispy shell that wraps everything together beautifully.
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash): Creates a gorgeous glossy crust when baked.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by slicing your chicken breasts into thin strips, about half an inch thick; this ensures they cook evenly and quickly. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken strips. Season generously with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s no longer pink inside, about 5 to 7 minutes, then chop into bite-sized pieces. This step lays the flavorful foundation for the filling.
Step 2: Mix the Filling Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken with diced ham, shredded Swiss, and mozzarella cheese. Give it a good mix to ensure an even distribution of cheesy, meaty deliciousness. At this stage, taste and adjust seasoning if needed—your filling should be bursting with comforting, savory flavors.
Step 3: Prepare the Dough
If you’re using store-bought pizza dough, let it warm up to room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes—this makes it more pliable and easier to roll. Roll it out on a floured surface into a neat 12 by 16-inch rectangle, which is the perfect size to hold your filling without overstuffing.
Step 4: Assemble the Stromboli
Lay your rolled-out dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon the chicken and cheese mixture evenly along the center, leaving about 2 inches of space on each side for folding. Carefully fold the longer sides over the filling and pinch the dough edges to seal in all that goodness. Don’t forget to fold and pinch the ends too—this prevents any cheese leakage during baking.
Step 5: Final Touches Before Baking
Make several small slits on the top of the dough to allow steam to escape while baking—this keeps the crust crisp. Brush the entire surface with beaten egg to give it that stunning golden shine once baked. Now you’re all set to pop it in the oven.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the Stromboli in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until it’s beautifully browned. For even baking, rotate your baking sheet halfway through. When done, let it cool for at least 5 to 10 minutes before slicing—this resting period lets the filling set so each slice holds perfectly.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley sprinkled over your sliced Stromboli not only adds a lovely splash of green but also brings a mild herbal brightness that contrasts wonderfully with the rich filling. You can also offer a light drizzle of honey mustard or a side of Dijon mustard for a zesty kick.
Side Dishes
This Stromboli pairs beautifully with fresh, crisp salads to balance its richness. Think a simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a crunchy coleslaw with a bit of acidity to refresh your palate. Roasted veggies or warm, garlicky green beans are also fantastic companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the Stromboli into pinwheels before serving—it makes for gorgeous, bite-sized appetizers during gatherings. You can also serve it with a trio of dipping sauces, like ranch, marinara, and honey mustard, allowing everyone to customize their bites. It’s as pretty as it is tasty!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli keeps well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap it tightly with foil or store in an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent the crust from getting soggy. Enjoy the convenience of ready-made deliciousness anytime.
Freezing
If you want to make this ahead for future meals, the unbaked stromboli freezes beautifully. Assemble it, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake it straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s cooked through.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices or the whole stromboli in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the crust nice and crisp—reheating in the oven is definitely the way to keep that satisfying texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses for this Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli Recipe?
Absolutely! While Swiss and mozzarella provide great melt and flavor, you can experiment with Gruyère, provolone, or even fontina for a different twist. Just be sure the cheese melts nicely for that gooey filling effect.
Is it necessary to cook the chicken before assembling the stromboli?
Yes, pre-cooking the chicken ensures it is fully cooked and seasoned inside the stromboli. Since the baking time is mainly for the dough to cook thoroughly and brown, raw chicken would risk being undercooked by the time the dough is done.
Can I make the stromboli vegetarian?
Definitely! You can substitute the chicken and ham with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and artichoke hearts, then add your favorite cheeses. While it won’t be Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli Recipe anymore, it’s equally delicious and versatile.
What type of dough works best for this recipe?
Pizza dough is ideal because it bakes up golden and crispy on the outside but stays tender inside. Store-bought works fine, but homemade dough brings the best flavor and texture if you have the time to make it yourself.
How long can I freeze the finished stromboli?
You can freeze the assembled, unbaked stromboli for up to 2 months without any significant loss of taste or texture. Remember to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn and maintain freshness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a sensational dish that combines the classic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu with a fun, portable twist, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli Recipe has got you covered. It’s hearty, packed with flavor, and bound to become a meal you look forward to making again and again. I truly hope you enjoy every cheesy, savory slice as much as I do!
Print
Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli offers a delightful twist on the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu by wrapping tender chicken, ham, Swiss, and mozzarella cheeses inside a golden, baked pizza dough crust. Perfect as a hearty appetizer or main dish, this stromboli combines savory seasoned chicken and flavorful cheeses baked to perfection for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Dough and Topping
- 1 package pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the stromboli evenly and to achieve a golden crust.
- Prepare Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips about 1/2 inch thick to allow quick and even cooking.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken strips and season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink inside.
- Chop Chicken: Remove cooked chicken from skillet and chop into smaller bite-sized pieces; then set aside.
- Mix Filling: In a bowl, combine chopped chicken, diced ham, Swiss cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Prepare Dough: If using store-bought pizza dough, allow it to come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle approximately 12 by 16 inches.
- Place Dough on Baking Sheet: Transfer the rolled-out dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Add Filling: Spoon the chicken and cheese mixture onto the center of the dough, leaving about 2 inches of space on each side. Spread the filling evenly.
- Seal Stromboli: Fold the long sides of the dough over the filling and pinch edges to seal tightly. Then fold the ends over and pinch to secure to prevent filling leakage.
- Vent and Egg Wash: Make several slits on top of the dough to allow steam to escape during baking. Brush the entire surface with the beaten egg to promote a golden brown crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown.
- Rotate for Even Cooking: Halfway through baking, rotate the baking sheet to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the stromboli cool for 5-10 minutes to allow filling to set before slicing into thick pieces. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Allow the dough to rest and come to room temperature before rolling for easier handling.
- Make sure to pinch and seal the dough edges firmly to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
- Slits on top of the dough are essential for venting steam and avoiding sogginess.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the stromboli after it cools to maintain neat slices.
- Feel free to substitute ham with turkey if preferred for a different flavor.
- This stromboli reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
