easy chicken

One Pan Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake with Rice

~ Carrie Tyler ~ Leave a comment
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One Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake in casserole dish.  On the bottom you get flavorful rice topped with chicken, salty ham, nutty and melty swiss cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping!

Cozy.  Easy.  Warm.  Delicious.  These are the words that describe my perfect Fall recipes and I’ve just added one more to the list!  This One Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake with Rice has layers of deliciousness.  On the bottom, the flavorful rice cooks right in the oven.  That’s right, no cooking it separately on the stove!  On top of the perfectly cooked rice, you have the chicken, salty ham, nutty and melty swiss cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping!  This cozy, warm, comforting, and delicious family dinner is yours for any busy night!

Want more tips for making busy family dinners easier?  Click here for my Free Printable 5 Simple Steps to Easy Family Dinners!

All the Flavor Without the Hassle

Traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu is a labor-intensive process.  It requires pounding out the chicken, rolling in the ham and cheese, then breading the outside and frying it.  But you can get all of that amazing flavor in this MUCH easier version!  

Here are a few other classics made easier!

Piece of One Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake on a plate with fork holding a bite.  On the bottom you get flavorful rice topped with chicken, salty ham, nutty and melty swiss cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping!

Quick note!  This post contains affiliate links, which means I earn a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase from them.  This commission is what helps me keep this blog afloat :).  But, I also share these links because I have used the products, genuinely love them, and want you to know exactly what I used. 

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

For this recipe, you need a large casserole dish that’s approximately 10×10, 12×12, 10×13 or similar.

PREP-AHEAD STEPS FOR CHICKEN CORDON BLEU BAKE

We are all extremely busy and making dinner during the week can be overwhelming. Here are steps you prepare in the day(s) in advance and store in the fridge… (See the full recipe below)

 This recipe has only a few easy steps:

  1. Mix & Bake the rice
  2. Prep the chicken while rice bakes
  3. Add the chicken, ham, and cheese.  Bake again.
  4. Add breadcrumb topping and Bake final 5 minutes!

The rice cooks for 20 minutes before adding the chicken.  The reason for this is so the rice absorbs the water and fluffs up first.  If you add the chicken from the start it will boil in the liquid and overcook.

While the rice cooks, slice chicken breasts from the side to create 2 thin breasts.

Knife slicing raw chicken for One Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake.  On the bottom you get flavorful rice topped with chicken, salty ham, nutty and melty swiss cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping!

Sliced raw chicken for One Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake.  On the bottom you get flavorful rice topped with chicken, salty ham, nutty and melty swiss cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping!

Season with the salt, pepper, and oregano. Lay the chicken flat on a plate or cutting board. Layer 1 slice of ham folded on top of the chicken. Layer the swiss cheese slice folded on top of the ham.

Sliced raw chicken with deli ham and slice of cheese on top for One Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake.  On the bottom you get flavorful rice topped with chicken, salty ham, nutty and melty swiss cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping!

Can I use a different cheese?

You can use any cheese you like of course.  However, you will want a full-flavored cheese that can bring something to this dish.  Gruyere is great, manchego, or even a sharp cheddar can work great!  You can also use sliced or shredded.

COOK YOUR CHICKEN CORDON BLEU BAKE

After your rice has precooked, it’s time to add the prepped chicken!  Bake for another 20 minutes.  While the chicken bakes, make the breadcrumb topping.  After 20 minutes, add it to the top of the cheese and bake for another 5 minutes turning the broiler on low to get a golden brown crispy topping!

Sliced raw chicken with deli ham and slice of cheese on top for One Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake.  On the bottom you get flavorful rice topped with chicken, salty ham, nutty and melty swiss cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping!

One Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake in casserole dish.  On the bottom you get flavorful rice topped with chicken, salty ham, nutty and melty swiss cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping!

Can I freeze this bake?

Once the casserole is cooked, you can freeze it after first cooling it and then tightly covering it. It can stay in the freezer for up to 4 months. To cook it again, cover with aluminum foil and bake 350 F for 1 hour if thawed, 1 1/2 hours if frozen.

ENJOY!  😍 Carrie

One Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake in casserole dish.  On the bottom you get flavorful rice topped with chicken, salty ham, nutty and melty swiss cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping!
Piece of One Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake on a plate with fork.  On the bottom you get flavorful rice topped with chicken, salty ham, nutty and melty swiss cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping!
One Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake in casserole dish.  On the bottom you get flavorful rice topped with chicken, salty ham, nutty and melty swiss cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping!
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake with Rice

This One Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake with Rice has layers of deliciousness.  On the bottom, the flavorful rice cooks right in the oven.  That's right, no cooking it separately on the stove!  On top of the perfectly cooked rice, you have the chicken, salty ham, nutty and melty swiss cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping!  This cozy, warm, comforting, and delicious family dinner is yours for any busy night! #chickencordonbleu #chickenbake #chickendinnerideas

Course Main Course
Cuisine American, French
Keyword casserole, chicken, chicken dinner, one pan meal, one pot
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 411 kcal
Author Carrie Tyler

Ingredients

Rice

  • 1 1/2 cups White Long Grain rice
  • 3 cups Chicken Broth (or 3 cups Water + 3 tsp Chicken Base)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Chicken

  • 1 lb chicken breasts, skinless, boneless (raised w/o antibiotics)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 4 slices Smoked deli ham
  • 4 slices Swiss Cheese (or gruyere)

Breadcrumb Topping

  • 1/4 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 F degrees

  2. Add all rice ingredients to casserole dish. Stir to combine, then tightly cover with a lid or aluminum foil. Bake in oven for 20 minutes.

  3. While the rice cooks, slice chicken breasts from the side to create 2 thin breasts. Season with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. Lay the chicken flat on a plate or cutting board. Layer 1 slice of ham folded on top of the chicken. Layer the swiss cheese slice folded on top of the ham.

    Sliced raw chicken with deli ham and slice of cheese on top for One Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake.  On the bottom you get flavorful rice topped with chicken, salty ham, nutty and melty swiss cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping!

  4. Make the breadcrumb topping by mixing the ingredients together in a small bowl

  5. After 20 minutes, take the rice out and add the chicken slices layered to the top in a line. Cover and bake for another 20 minutes.

    Sliced raw chicken with deli ham and slice of cheese on top for One Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake.  On the bottom you get flavorful rice topped with chicken, salty ham, nutty and melty swiss cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping!

  6. Remove the cover and sprinkle the breadcrumb topping on top. Put it back in the oven with the broiler setting on low for 5 minutes to brown the topping. Watch to make sure it doesn't burn.

    One Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake in casserole dish.  On the bottom you get flavorful rice topped with chicken, salty ham, nutty and melty swiss cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping!

  7. To serve, use a spatula to scoop out the rice, chicken and topping. Enjoy!

    Piece of One Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Bake on a plate with fork.  On the bottom you get flavorful rice topped with chicken, salty ham, nutty and melty swiss cheese, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping!

Hungarian Paprika Chicken with Paprika Aioli

~ Carrie Tyler ~ Leave a comment
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Hungarian Paprika Chicken sliced on plate with Paprika Aioli drizzled on top and fork dipping a bite. The paprika gives beautiful color and a deep, peppery flavor. #chicken #easychicken #easydinner #dinner #healthydinner

Ready for another Weeknight Quickie with only 5 Ingredients??  Hungarian Paprika Chicken with a Paprika Aioli is perfect!

More daylight means later nights for us, more hours at the park, and later dinners.  When we finally do eat, it has to be QUICK and EASY!  Here I have a quick way to get yummy goulash flavors into a weeknight dinner! This Hungarian Paprika Chicken Marinade gives beautiful color and a deep, peppery flavor.  Drizzle with or dip in the easiest Paprika Aioli for a creamy, irresistible finish!

This chicken recipe is part of my Collection of 4 Make Ahead Marinated Chicken Recipes in 30 Minutes.  They take just minutes to prepare, minutes to cook, and everyone will love them!!

Hungarian Paprika Aioli in silver cup with Paprika spilling out of jar on counter for Hungarian Paprika Chicken. The paprika gives beautiful color and a deep, peppery flavor. #chicken #easychicken #easydinner #dinner #healthydinner

Paprika is not just for deviled eggs!

Paprika is made from ground dried peppers that range from sweet to hot.  Not only does it add a beautiful red color and peppery flavor, it has benefits for your health!  Paprika is a great source of antioxidants and can help eye health.  If you go for the hot paprika, then the capsaicin that gives the heat also has anti-inflammatory benefits.

So, don’t wait for that moment you can top potato salad or deviled eggs, put Paprika on EVERYTHING!  Here are some of the great ways to incorporate paprika into food: Sprinkle over avocado toast, mix into cooked quinoa or rice, season raw meats or fish with it, add it to sauces or soups or stews, sprinkle over veggies before grilling, and so much more! 

Ok, let’s get prepping!

Hungarian Paprika Chicken sliced on plate with Cucumber Salad on the side. The paprika gives beautiful color and a deep, peppery flavor. #chicken #easychicken #easydinner #dinner #healthydinner

Quick note!  This post contains affiliate links, which means I earn a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase from them.  This commission is what helps me keep this blog afloat :).  But, I also share these links because I have used the products, genuinely love them, and want you to know exactly what I used. 

PREP-AHEAD TO MAKE YOUR HUNGARIAN PAPRIKA CHICKEN

We are all extremely busy and making dinner during the week can be overwhelming. Here are the steps you prepare in the day(s) in advance and store in the fridge as your meal Kit… (See the recipe below for more details) 

In a storage bag or storage container, add the oil, water, paprika, minced garlic, and salt. Mix together, then add the raw chicken breasts.

Hungarian Paprika Chicken raw marinating in a bag. The paprika gives beautiful color and a deep, peppery flavor. #chicken #easychicken #easydinner #dinner #healthydinner

You can marinade the chicken in the sauce for 1 hour up to 8 hours.  You can also freeze the chicken in the marinade at this point and use it up to 4 months later!

Next up is the Paprika Aioli (I LOVE a good dipping sauce!).  To a small-medium size mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, minced garlic, and paprika.  This is one instance where you want the garlic really, really minced, so using a garlic press is best or scraping it with a knife to create a paste works too.  Otherwise, you can certainly use a teaspoon of garlic powder, but fresh is definitely better! 

Whisk together until bright orange-red and thoroughly combined. If it’s too thick, you can add a tablespoon of milk or water to thin it out a bit.

Adding paprika to mayonnaise for the Aioli for Hungarian Paprika Chicken. The paprika gives beautiful color and a deep, peppery flavor. #chicken #easychicken #easydinner #dinner #healthydinner

Adding milk to the Paprika Aioli for Hungarian Paprika Chicken. The paprika gives beautiful color and a deep, peppery flavor. #chicken #easychicken #easydinner #dinner #healthydinner

Mixing paprika and garlic into mayonnaise for the Aioli for Hungarian Paprika Chicken. The paprika gives beautiful color and a deep, peppery flavor. #chicken #easychicken #easydinner #dinner #healthydinner

 

COOK YOUR HUNGARIAN PAPRIKA CHICKEN  

When you’re ready to cook, remove the marinated chicken breasts from the marinade using tongs, saving the marinade to cook.  Add the chicken to a preheated skillet with olive oil.  Cook for 2-3 minutes until the the chicken starts to sear.

Hungarian Paprika Chicken raw cooking in a skillet. The paprika gives beautiful color and a deep, peppery flavor. #chicken #easychicken #easydinner #dinner #healthydinner

 Flip the Chicken and sear for another 2-3 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.Hungarian Paprika Chicken cooking in a skillet. The paprika gives beautiful color and a deep, peppery flavor. #chicken #easychicken #easydinner #dinner #healthydinner

Add 1/4 cup water and the remaining marinade then bring to a simmer. Add back the chicken and juices and then cover the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 F degrees or the chicken feels firm with a little give.

Aluminum covering skillet for Sesame Sweet Chili Chicken recipe. It is slightly sweet, tangy, savory, nutty, with a touch of heat. You can prepare it days ahead, it takes just minutes to prepare, minutes to cook, and everyone will love it!! #chicken #marinades #easydinner #easychicken #chickenrecipes #easysauces #healthydinner #healthyfood #healthyrecipes

Uncover, turn off the heat and move the skillet off the hot burner. Let rest for a few minutes.

Then remove the chicken and slice it on a bias in 3/4 inch slices. This should give you about 5-6 slices.

Spoon the sauce from the skillet on top and drizzle with the Paprika Aioli or serve it on the side.  I like to transfer the aioli to a baggie and then snip the corner and squeeze it over.  Then put the remaining in a dipping cup because you will not be able to get enough!

Transferring Paprika Aioli to a baggie for Hungarian Paprika Chicken. The paprika gives beautiful color and a deep, peppery flavor. #chicken #easychicken #easydinner #dinner #healthydinner

Scissors snipping corner of bag with Paprika Aioli for Hungarian Paprika Chicken. The paprika gives beautiful color and a deep, peppery flavor. #chicken #easychicken #easydinner #dinner #healthydinner

Drizzling Paprika Aioli over Hungarian Paprika Chicken. The paprika gives beautiful color and a deep, peppery flavor. #chicken #easychicken #easydinner #dinner #healthydinner

Squeezing Paprika Aioli from a baggie to a silver cup next to Hungarian Paprika Chicken. The paprika gives beautiful color and a deep, peppery flavor. #chicken #easychicken #easydinner #dinner #healthydinner

This Paprika Chicken would go great with my Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Mash, a cucumber salad, rice or veggies. 

ENJOY!

😍 Carrie

Hungarian Paprika Chicken sliced on plate with Paprika Aioli drizzled on top and fork dipping a bite. The paprika gives beautiful color and a deep, peppery flavor. #chicken #easychicken #easydinner #dinner #healthydinner

Hungarian Paprika Chicken sliced on plate with Paprika Aioli drizzled on top and fork dipping a bite. The paprika gives beautiful color and a deep, peppery flavor. #chicken #easychicken #easydinner #dinner #healthydinner
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Hungarian Paprika Chicken

If you want a quick way to get those delicious goulash flavors into a weeknight dinner, I have the answer! This Hungarian Paprika Chicken Marinade gives beautiful color and a deep, peppery flavor.  Drizzle with or dip in the easiest Paprika Aioli for a creamy, irresistible finish!  Prepare days or months (in the freezer) ahead!  #chicken #easychicken #easydinner #dinnerrecipes #dinner #healthydinner #healthyrecipes

Course Main Course
Cuisine Hungarian
Keyword 30 Minute Meal, chicken, chicken dinner, easy dinner, meal prep, paprika
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Author Carrie Tyler

Ingredients

Marinade

  • 16 oz Chicken Breasts 2-8oz breasts
  • 1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 Tbls Water
  • 2 tsp Hot Hungarian Paprika You can substitute with Sweet or Regular Paprika
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Salt

Cook and Make Aioli

  • 1 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil For cooking chicken
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1/2 clove Garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp Hot Hungarian Paprika You can substitute with Sweet or Regular Paprika

Instructions

Prep Ahead

  1. In a storage bag or storage container, add the oil, water, paprika, minced garlic, and salt. Mix together, then add the raw chicken breasts.You can marinade the chicken in the sauce for 1 hour up to 8 hours. You can also freeze the chicken in marinade at this point and use it up to 4 months later!

    Hungarian Paprika Chicken raw marinating in a bag. The paprika gives beautiful color and a deep, peppery flavor. #chicken #easychicken #easydinner #dinner #healthydinner

  2. To make the Aioli, add to a small-medium size mixing bowl, the mayonnaise, minced garlic, and paprika.  Whisk together until bright orange-red and thoroughly combined.  If too thick, you can add a tablespoon of milk or water to thin it out a bit.

    Mixing paprika and garlic into mayonnaise for the Aioli for Hungarian Paprika Chicken. The paprika gives beautiful color and a deep, peppery flavor. #chicken #easychicken #easydinner #dinner #healthydinner

Cook

  1. Preheat a skillet on high, add a tsp of Olive Oil and spread around. Remove the marinated chicken breasts from the marinade using tongs, saving the marinade to cook. Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet. Sear for 2-3 minutes until the the chicken starts to sear.

    Hungarian Paprika Chicken raw cooking in a skillet. The paprika gives beautiful color and a deep, peppery flavor. #chicken #easychicken #easydinner #dinner #healthydinner

  2. Add 1/4 cup water and the remaining marinade then bring to a simmer. Add back the chicken and juices and then cover the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 F degrees or the chicken feels firm with a little give.  

    Hungarian Paprika Chicken cooking in a skillet. The paprika gives beautiful color and a deep, peppery flavor. #chicken #easychicken #easydinner #dinner #healthydinner

  3. Uncover, turn off the heat and move the skillet off the hot burner. Let rest for a few minutes. Then remove the chicken and slice it on a bias in 3/4 inch slices. This should give you about 5-6 slices.  Spoon the sauce from the skillet on top and drizzle with the Paprika Aioli or serve it on the side. 

    Drizzling Paprika Aioli over Hungarian Paprika Chicken. The paprika gives beautiful color and a deep, peppery flavor. #chicken #easychicken #easydinner #dinner #healthydinner

  4. Serve with a cucumber salad, rice or veggies.  Enjoy!

    Hungarian Paprika Chicken sliced on plate with Paprika Aioli drizzled on top and fork dipping a bite. The paprika gives beautiful color and a deep, peppery flavor. #chicken #easychicken #easydinner #dinner #healthydinner