Gluten-free cordon bleu, Switzerland

The traditional cordon bleu recipe originated in Switzerland in the 1940s and then spread to the rest of Europe, particularly France. When we think of cordon bleu, we immediately picture its crispy breading and meltingly soft center—a true classic that delights young and old alike. But did you know that it's perfectly possible to make them gluten-free while still preserving their irresistible flavor and texture? This version uses certified gluten-free oat flakes for a unique and crunchy coating. A simple and delicious recipe you absolutely must try!

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Total time 40 minutes

Cooking method: Ninja Foodi , Traditional

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 4

Special diet: suitable for gluten-free diet

Ingredients

4 chicken fillets
2 slices of white ham
4 slices of cheese (raclette or mozzarella)
80g of certified gluten-free oat flakes
50g of rice flour
2 eggs
1 tsp sweet paprika (optional)
1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetable oil or butter for cooking

Preparation

1
To prepare the cutlets: Lightly flatten the chicken fillets with a rolling pin between two sheets of parchment paper. If your chicken breasts are thick, make a lengthwise incision to open them in half, but not all the way through. If they are thin, simply fold them in half. Season each side with salt and pepper.
2
To fill the cordon bleu: Place half a slice of ham and a slice of cheese on each chicken breast. Gently fold the breast in half to enclose the filling. If necessary, secure the edges with toothpicks to prevent the cheese from escaping during cooking. If your chicken breasts are thick, place them inside the filling.
3
To prepare the oat flake breading: Lightly blend the oat flakes in a food processor to obtain a finer texture, ideal for breading. But you can leave them whole if you prefer.
4
Prepare three plates: one with rice flour, another with beaten eggs, and a third with blended or whole oat flakes. Add paprika and garlic powder to the oats to enhance the flavor.
5
To bread the cordon bleu: Coat each cordon bleu completely in rice flour. Dip it in beaten eggs, then roll it generously in rolled oats. Repeat this step a second time for a thicker, crispier coating.
6
To cook the cordon bleu: Heat a pan with a little oil over medium heat. Cook the cordon bleu for about 6 to 8 minutes on each side, until golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. For a lighter cooking method, you can bake them in the oven at 200°C (390°F) for 20 to 25 minutes, turning them halfway through. Personally, I cooked them in my Ninja Foodi, using the air fryer setting, for 16 minutes, turning them halfway through.
7
To serve and enjoy: Remove the toothpicks before serving. Accompany your cordon bleu with mashed potatoes, sautéed vegetables, or a green salad.

Keywords: gluten-free chicken cordon bleu, gluten-free breaded chicken recipe