Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich Recipe for a Savory Lunch

By:

Ruby Bennett

Published:

June 22, 2026

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KEY INGREDIENTS IN GRILLED CHICKEN CORDON BLEU SANDWICH

The first time I made this Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich, the smell of chicken on the grill drew my neighbors right over, and they left with full bellies and smiles. This sandwich brings together juicy grilled chicken, salty smoked ham, and creamy melted Swiss cheese on a buttery toasted bun. Let’s take a peek at what you’ll need.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts, Flattened to about 1/2 inch thickness for even cooking.
Salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder or paprika, Simple seasoning that enhances the smoky flavor.
Olive oil, Brushed on the chicken to prevent sticking and add a nice sizzle.
Swiss cheese, Two slices per breast, melted in the final minute. Gruyère or provolone also work beautifully.
Smoked ham, Thin sliced deli ham like Black Forest or honey ham layers easily.
Brioche buns, Sturdy yet pillowy, they toast up golden on the grill. Ciabatta or sourdough are great alternatives.
Dijon mustard and mayonnaise, Whisked together for a tangy, creamy spread that ties everything together.
Unsalted butter, For that final pan toast that crisps the bun and melts the cheese even more.
Lettuce and tomato, Fresh crunch and juicy brightness.

Tip: For extra tender chicken, marinate the breasts in buttermilk for 30 minutes before seasoning. It adds moisture and a subtle tang.

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KEY INGREDIENTS IN GRILLED CHICKEN CORDON BLEU SANDWICH
HOW TO MAKE GRILLED CHICKEN CORDON BLEU SANDWICH
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR GRILLED CHICKEN CORDON BLEU SANDWICH
HOW TO STORE GRILLED CHICKEN CORDON BLEU SANDWICH
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a grilled chicken cordon bleu sandwich?
How do you make a grilled chicken cordon bleu sandwich?
What is the best bread for a grilled chicken cordon bleu sandwich?
What cheese goes best on a chicken cordon bleu sandwich?
How can I prevent the chicken from drying out on the grill?
What sides go well with a grilled chicken cordon bleu sandwich?
Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich
Ingredients
Instructions
Last Step:
Notes
Nutrition
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HOW TO MAKE GRILLED CHICKEN CORDON BLEU SANDWICH

Fire up the grill and get ready to build the best Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich you’ve ever tasted. The process is straightforward, but a few key steps make all the difference. Follow these steps and you’ll have a restaurant quality sandwich right in your backyard.

Preheat the grill to medium high heat. Clean the grates and oil them well to prevent sticking.
Flatten the chicken to an even 1/2 inch thickness. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin between sheets of plastic wrap.
Season generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika or garlic powder if you like. Brush both sides with olive oil.
Grill the chicken for 6 7 minutes per side, flipping only once. The internal temperature must reach 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
In the last minute of grilling, place two slices of Swiss cheese on each breast. Close the lid to let the cheese melt into a gooey blanket.
Rest the chicken for 5 minutes off the heat. This redistributes the juices so every bite is tender.
Toast the brioche buns cut side down on the grill for 1 2 minutes until they have beautiful golden marks.
Mix the spread: whisk together 2 parts mayonnaise and 1 part Dijon mustard. Spread about 1 tablespoon on each bun half.
Assemble: bottom bun, lettuce leaf, tomato slice, cheesy chicken breast, a slice of smoked ham, then the top bun.
Pan toast the assembled sandwich: melt a pat of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toast the sandwich for 1 2 minutes per side until the bun is crispy and the cheese is fully melted.

Key Step	Time	Tip
Grill chicken	6 7 min per side	Flip once, resist poking
Melt cheese	Last 1 min	Close lid for even melt
Rest chicken	5 min	Don’t skip this
Toast buns	1 2 min	Cut side down
Pan toast sandwich	1 2 min per side	Press gently with spatula

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR GRILLED CHICKEN CORDON BLEU SANDWICH

This sandwich is a hearty meal on its own, but the right sides can turn your lunch or dinner into a full backyard feast. I love pairing it with options that balance the richness of the ham, cheese, and buttery bun.

Sweet potato fries, Toss them in smoked paprika and a little salt before baking. The sweetness contrasts perfectly with the savory sandwich.
Crisp green salad, A simple mix of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
Homemade coleslaw, Shredded cabbage and carrot with a creamy or vinegar based dressing adds a crunchy, tangy bite.
Iced tea or lemonade, Both are refreshing and help cleanse your palate between each delicious bite.

You can also try grilled vegetables, a light pasta salad, or even a bowl of tomato soup for dipping. The possibilities are endless, but these are my go tos whenever I fire up the grill for this Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich.

HOW TO STORE GRILLED CHICKEN CORDON BLEU SANDWICH

Leftovers are a gift, but you need to handle them right to keep that crispy bun and juicy chicken. Here’s how to store and reheat your Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu Sandwich so it tastes almost as good as fresh off the grill.

Refrigerate the cooled sandwich in an airtight container for up to 2 3 days. If you can, store components separately (chicken, ham, bun, spread) to maintain the best texture.
Freeze by wrapping each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Store for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally, until the cheese melts and the bun crisps up. A toaster oven on a low setting also works beautifully. Do not use the microwave: it will make the bun soggy and the chicken rubbery.
Meal prep tip: Grill extra chicken and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready for lunch, toast a fresh bun, heat the chicken in a skillet with a slice of ham, and assemble. It takes just a few minutes and tastes incredible.

Note: The sandwich is about 600 calories per serving, making it a satisfying but manageable meal. Prep time is 20 minutes, grill time 15 minutes, plus 5 minutes rest. Total about 40 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a grilled chicken cordon bleu sandwich?

A grilled chicken cordon bleu sandwich features a seasoned grilled chicken breast topped with ham and melted Swiss cheese, typically served on a toasted brioche bun with Dijon mustard or a creamy sauce.

How do you make a grilled chicken cordon bleu sandwich?

Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Grill over medium high heat, flipping once, until internal temperature reaches 165F. In the last minute, top with ham and Swiss cheese, then cover to melt. Toast brioche buns on the grill and assemble with Dijon mayo or your preferred sauce.

What is the best bread for a grilled chicken cordon bleu sandwich?

A soft yet sturdy brioche bun is ideal because it toasts well without falling apart. Other good options include ciabatta rolls or sourdough bread for extra chew.

What cheese goes best on a chicken cordon bleu sandwich?

Swiss cheese is traditional for cordon bleu. Gruyere or provolone are good substitutes that melt smoothly and complement the ham and chicken.

How can I prevent the chicken from drying out on the grill?

Pound the chicken to an even thickness, brine it briefly in salted water, or marinate for 30 minutes. Grill over medium heat and do not overcook; use a meat thermometer to pull it at 160F, then rest to 165F.

What sides go well with a grilled chicken cordon bleu sandwich?

Popular sides include a crisp green salad, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, grilled vegetables, or a light pasta salad. These balance the richness of the sandwich.