Grilled chicken cordon bleu is the ultimate combination of smoky, cheesy, and savory perfection, all wrapped into one dish. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts stuffed with melted Swiss cheese and smoky ham, lightly seasoned and grilled to perfection.

It’s a healthier, easier twist on the classic baked version, yet it doesn’t skimp on flavor or texture. Plus, you’ll love how quick this recipe is—perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.

The combination of perfectly cooked chicken, melty cheese, and tangy homemade sour cream sauce makes this dish unforgettable.

And because it’s grilled, it’s fresher and lighter than traditional cordon bleu but still indulgently satisfying. Ready to wow your family or guests? Let’s get started!

My Story Behind This Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu

When I first experimented with easy grilled chicken cordon bleu, I wanted a recipe that delivered all the rich, comforting flavors of the traditional dish but without the heavy breading or complicated steps.

The idea came to me during a summer barbecue when I was grilling chicken and thought, “What if I could adapt classic cordon bleu for the grill?” After several trials (and taste-testing sessions), I nailed what I believe is the best grilled chicken cordon bleu recipe.

The key is using thin layers of ham and Swiss cheese that melt beautifully into the chicken while keeping everything juicy and flavorful.

The smoky grill flavor adds a whole new dimension to this dish, and the tangy sour cream sauce pulls it all together. If you’ve been wondering how to make grilled chicken cordon bleu that’s easy yet impressive, this recipe is exactly what you need!

Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu Ingredients

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 8 ounces each)
Extra-virgin olive oil, as needed
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
8 thin slices Swiss cheese (about 4 ounces)
4 slices smoked deli ham, such as Black Forest (about 4 ounces)
1/2 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 small clove garlic, finely grated
Chopped fresh chives, for topping

How to Make Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu

Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 375°F).
Butterfly each chicken breast by cutting it horizontally through the thickest part, stopping just shy of cutting all the way through. Open it up like a book.
Place each breast between two sheets of parchment, and gently pound it to an even 1/4-inch thickness. Be careful not to tear the chicken.
Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Lay a slice of Swiss cheese, a slice of ham, and another slice of Swiss cheese on one side of each chicken breast. Roll up the chicken tightly into a log and secure it with toothpicks. If there are any tears in the meat, roll that side inward to keep the cheese contained.
Rub the outside of each roll with olive oil and season with a bit more salt and pepper.
Place the chicken rolls on the grill. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and makes slicing easier.
While the chicken rests, whisk together the sour cream, 3 tablespoons of water, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and garlic for the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Spread the sauce onto a serving platter.
Carefully remove the toothpicks from the chicken, turning them gently if they stick. Slice each roll into pieces and arrange them over the sauce. Sprinkle with fresh chives and serve immediately.

My Chef Tips for the Best Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu

Don’t skip pounding the chicken: Getting the chicken to an even thickness ensures it cooks evenly and rolls up more easily.
Use high-quality deli ham and Swiss cheese: The quality of your ingredients really shines in this simple recipe.
Secure with toothpicks: This step helps the chicken hold its shape during grilling. Just be sure to count how many you use so you can remove them all!
Grill over medium heat: Too high a heat can scorch the outside before the chicken is cooked through. Medium heat gives you control and allows the cheese to melt gently.
Let it rest: Resting the chicken after grilling locks in the juices and prevents it from drying out once sliced.
Make the sauce ahead: The sour cream sauce can be prepped up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Reheat leftovers gently: If you have leftovers, warm them in a 300°F oven for 10-12 minutes to avoid overcooking. The sauce can be reheated gently over low heat or served cold—it’s equally delicious either way!

Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the chicken rolls up to one day ahead. Store them tightly covered in the refrigerator, and grill them fresh when ready to serve.

What’s the best way to ensure the cheese doesn’t leak out?

Rolling the torn side first and securing the chicken tightly with toothpicks reduces leaks. Avoid overstuffing with cheese or ham to keep everything contained.

Is this quick grilled chicken with ham and cheese healthier than the traditional version?

Yes! Skipping the breading and pan-frying makes this recipe lighter without sacrificing flavor.

Can I use a different cheese?

Absolutely! Provolone or Gruyère works great for adding a twist on the classic Swiss flavor.

How many calories are in this dish?

This grilled chicken cordon bleu contains about 532 calories per serving, with 27 grams of fat, 4 grams of carbs, and 65 grams of protein.

Ready to Make This Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu?

This grilled chicken cordon bleu is your ticket to an impressive, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner. The smoky grill flavor combined with creamy cheese and savory ham is irresistible, and the tangy sauce takes it over the top. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight meal or something special for guests, this dish checks all the boxes.

What’s your favorite way to elevate chicken on the grill? Will you be making this for a quick dinner or a celebration? Let me know in the comments below—and don’t forget to share your results and tag me on social media!