This Ham and Cheese Wrapped Chicken Bake is a comforting, easy dinner inspired by classic Chicken Cordon Bleu. Tender seasoned chicken is wrapped in savory ham, baked in a creamy Dijon sauce, and finished with melted, golden-brown cheese.
It is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but delicious enough for a family gathering. Serve it with roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, or cauliflower mash for a satisfying low-carb meal.
🍽️ Recipe Overview
| Category | Details |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30–35 minutes |
| Total Time | 45–50 minutes |
| Servings | 8 portions |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Oven Temperature | 200°C / 400°F |
| Chicken Internal Temperature | 74°C / 165°F |
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy preparation: No complicated breading or frying is required.
Rich and creamy: The Dijon cream sauce becomes flavorful as it combines with the chicken juices.
Cheesy topping: Melted Swiss, mozzarella, or provolone creates a delicious golden finish.
Low-carb friendly: The recipe contains no breadcrumbs or flour.
Family-friendly: Tender chicken, ham, creamy sauce, and melted cheese make this an easy crowd-pleaser.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 🍗 8 small boneless, skinless chicken portions, about 4 large chicken breasts cut in half horizontally
- 🥓 8 slices deli ham
- 🧀 8 thick slices Swiss, mozzarella, provolone, or Gruyère cheese
- 🫒 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 🧂 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 🌶️ ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 🧄 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Creamy Dijon Sauce
- 🥛 ½ cup heavy cream
- 🟡 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 🧂 ¼ teaspoon salt
- 🌶️ ¼ teaspoon black pepper
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Lightly grease a 9 × 13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray.
Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and Dijon mustard until smooth.
Season with a small pinch of salt and black pepper.
Pour the mixture evenly into the bottom of the baking dish.
Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken portions dry with paper towels.
Brush each piece lightly with olive oil.
Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Wrap the Chicken
Place one slice of ham around each seasoned chicken portion.
Wrap the ham securely around the chicken and place each piece seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
Arrange the chicken in a single layer so the pieces cook evenly.
Bake
Place the uncovered baking dish in the preheated oven.
Bake for approximately 25–30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken.
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) when measured in the thickest part.
Add the Cheese
Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven.
Place one slice of cheese over each ham-wrapped chicken portion.
Broil Until Golden
Switch the oven to the broil/grill setting.
Return the dish to the oven for approximately 3–5 minutes.
Watch carefully because the cheese can brown quickly.
Remove the dish when the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly golden.
Rest and Serve
Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Spoon some of the creamy Dijon pan sauce over each portion.
Serve immediately while the cheese is warm and melted.
🧀 Best Cheese Options
Swiss cheese: Gives the dish the most traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu flavor.
Gruyère: Rich, nutty, and especially delicious when melted.
Mozzarella: Creates an extra-melty and stretchy topping.
Provolone: Adds a mild, savory flavor and melts beautifully.
🥦 What to Serve With It
For a low-carb dinner, serve the chicken with:
- 🥦 Roasted broccoli
- 🥬 Green beans
- 🥗 Fresh garden salad
- 🥔 Cauliflower mash
- 🥒 Roasted zucchini
- 🥕 Roasted carrots
- 🍄 Garlic sautéed mushrooms
For a more traditional family dinner, serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted potatoes.
💡 Best Tips for Success
Don’t overcrowd the dish. Leave a little space between the chicken portions so they cook evenly.
Dry the chicken first. Removing excess moisture helps the seasoning adhere better.
Use a meat thermometer. Chicken is safely cooked when the thickest part reaches 74°C (165°F).
Watch the broiler closely. The cheese can go from beautifully golden to burnt very quickly.
Let the chicken rest. Five minutes allows the juices to redistribute and makes the chicken more tender.
Choose thick cheese slices. They create a generous melted topping that stays creamy and flavorful.
🔄 Recipe Variations
Creamy Mushroom Version
Sauté sliced mushrooms and add them around the chicken before baking. Their juices pair beautifully with the Dijon cream sauce.
Garlic Herb Version
Add ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning and ½ teaspoon garlic powder to the cream sauce for extra flavor.
Spinach Version
Add a layer of cooked, well-drained spinach underneath the cheese for a delicious vegetable variation.
Extra Dijon Version
For a stronger mustard flavor, increase the Dijon mustard to 1½ tablespoons.
🧊 Make-Ahead Instructions
The chicken can be seasoned and wrapped in ham several hours before cooking.
Cover the prepared dish and refrigerate until ready to bake.
For best results, take the dish out of the refrigerator about 15–20 minutes before baking.
Do not leave raw chicken at room temperature for extended periods.
🧺 Storage
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Keep the chicken and sauce together to help prevent the meat from drying out.
🔥 Reheating
For the best texture, reheat the chicken in a covered oven-safe dish at 175°C (350°F) until heated through.
You can also microwave individual portions in short intervals.
Avoid prolonged high-temperature reheating because it can make the chicken dry and the cheese rubbery.
❄️ Freezing
For best quality, freeze the cooked chicken without the fresh finishing sauce if possible.
Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2–3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating thoroughly.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using very thick chicken pieces: They may require considerably more cooking time.
Skipping the thermometer: Cooking time varies depending on the size and thickness of the chicken.
Adding too much salt: Ham and cheese can already contain significant amounts of sodium.
Broiling unattended: The cheese can burn within minutes.
Using watery vegetables: Excess moisture can thin the cream sauce.
🥗 Estimated Nutrition
Approximate values per serving will vary according to the exact chicken, ham, cheese, and cream used.
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount |
| Calories | 430 kcal |
| Protein | 48 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Carbohydrates | 3 g |
| Fiber | 0 g |
| Net Carbohydrates | 3 g |
| Sodium | 900–1,100 mg |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used, although the cooking time may vary depending on their size.
Can I use shredded cheese?
Absolutely. Sprinkle approximately 1 cup of shredded cheese over the chicken instead of using individual slices.
Can I make this without heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half, although the sauce will be thinner and less rich.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the chicken and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. For food safety, keep the raw chicken refrigerated until cooking.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The safest method is to use an instant-read thermometer. The thickest portion should reach 74°C (165°F).
🍽️ Final Thoughts
This Ham and Cheese Wrapped Chicken Bake is an easy way to enjoy the flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu without complicated breading or frying.
The combination of juicy chicken, savory ham, creamy Dijon sauce, and bubbling golden cheese makes it a comforting dinner that works beautifully for both busy weeknights and special family meals.
⚠️ This recipe may not be suitable for everyone, so it is advisable to consult a doctor.