Chicken stuffed with ham and cheese is a classic dish that goes by a few different names While variations exist, the basic components are chicken breasts pounded thin, layered with ham and cheese, then breaded and fried or baked This delicious combination of savory, salty ham and melted cheese enveloped in tender chicken is a crowd-pleasing entrée. But what is the proper name for this dish?

There are a few common ways to refer to chicken stuffed with ham and cheese

Chicken Cordon Bleu

Chicken cordon bleu is perhaps the most widely used name for chicken stuffed with ham and cheese.

Cordon bleu is French for “blue ribbon” and originally referred to an award given to culinary students who excelled at cooking. The term “chicken cordon bleu” likely came about because the dish uses fancy ingredients like ham and cheese.

Traditional chicken cordon bleu is made by

• Pound chicken breasts thin
• Layer with ham and Swiss cheese
• Roll up and secure with toothpicks
• Bread with flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs
• Pan fry or bake until golden brown

This classic preparation is still the most popular version found in recipes today. The crunchy breaded exterior and melted Swiss cheese gives chicken cordon bleu its signature taste and texture.

Chicken Kiev

While not as common today, another term used for chicken stuffed with ham and cheese is chicken Kiev.

Chicken Kiev follows the same basic preparation as chicken cordon bleu. However, instead of Swiss, the cheese filling is often butter or garlic butter.

To make chicken Kiev:

• Pound chicken breasts
• Stuff with butter and ham or other fillings
• Bread with crackers or breadcrumbs
• Bake or fry

The butter melts into a rich sauce when you cut into chicken Kiev. The name likely comes from the dish’s popularity in Russian cuisine.

Chicken Rolls

Some recipes may also refer to stuffed chicken simply as chicken rolls. For example:

• Ham and cheese chicken rolls
• Chicken cordon bleu rolls
• Stuffed chicken breast rolls

While not as specific as “chicken cordon bleu” or “chicken Kiev,” rolled chicken stuffed with ham and cheese often goes by the name chicken rolls.

Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Finally, you may see recipes called “stuffed chicken breasts” or “stuffed chicken breast.” While this could refer to chicken stuffed with any filling, it often means:

• Ham and cheese stuffed chicken breasts
• Chicken cordon bleu stuffed chicken breasts

So “stuffed chicken breasts” is another common way to refer to chicken stuffed specifically with ham and cheese.

Other Variations and Names

While chicken cordon bleu is by far the most popular today, there are some other variations on stuffed chicken that incorporate ham and cheese:

• Chicken Florentine – Chicken stuffed with spinach and cheese.

• Hawaiian chicken – Chicken with ham and pineapple.

• Chicken roulade – Chicken stuffed and rolled up with various fillings.

• Chicken divan – Chicken topped with ham, cheese, and broccoli sauce.

So while the terms chicken cordon bleu, chicken Kiev, or simply chicken rolls are most common, there are numerous stuffed chicken dishes that feature ham and cheese in the mix.

What Kind of Cheese is Used?

While Swiss cheese is considered traditional, just about any cheese complements the smoky saltiness of ham nicely when stuffing chicken:

• Swiss – The classic choice, with nutty, melty flavor

• Cheddar – Sharp cheddar adds lots of cheesy punch

• Mozzarella – Ooey, stretchy melted mozzarella cheese

• Havarti – Creamy Havarti cheese pairs well with ham

• Gruyere – Nutty, rich Gruyere melts beautifully into the chicken

• Provolone – Smooth provolone cheese works great

• American – American cheese makes a gooey filling

• Blue cheese – Bold blue cheese crumbles add bite

You really can’t go wrong with any cheese you love alongside the ham. Part of the fun is mixing and matching different cheese varieties!

Cooking Methods

While frying or baking are most common, chicken stuffed with ham and cheese can be prepared using a variety of cooking methods:

• Pan frying – The traditional way to cook chicken cordon bleu. Fry breaded cutlets in oil over medium heat.

• Baking – A healthier alternative, bake stuffed chicken rolls at 400°F until crispy.

• Grilling – Grill stuffed chicken for great char flavor. Use foil packets to contain fillings.

• Air frying – Air fryers make deliciously crispy chicken cordon bleu without all the oil.

• Slow cooking – Slow cook stuffed chicken in gravy or soup for ultra moist chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken stuffed with ham and cheese is so flavorful, it doesn’t require much else on the plate. Some tasty sides include:

• Steamed broccoli or asparagus
• Garlic mashed potatoes or potato wedges
• Buttered egg noodles
• Rice pilaf or risotto
• Fresh fruit like melon or berries

And don’t forget the sauces! Great sauces to serve with chicken cordon bleu include:

• Creamy mushroom sauce
• Cheese sauce
• White wine sauce
• Hollandaise sauce
• Chicken gravy

With so many possibilities, you can create a new amazing chicken dish every time. Have fun playing with different fillings, cheeses, cooking methods and serving suggestions.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Chicken stuffed with ham and cheese makes awesome leftovers. Here are some storage tips:

• Allow cooked chicken to cool before refrigerating in a sealed container.

• Refrigerate for 3-4 days maximum.

• Freeze cooked chicken for 2-3 months in freezer bags.

To reheat chicken cordon bleu or Kiev:

• Microwave individual pieces for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

• Bake in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes if refrigerated. Defrost frozen chicken first.

• Pan fry or air fry leftover breaded chicken 3-5 minutes per side until hot.

Be sure to reheat all parts of the chicken thoroughly to 165°F. Then enjoy your tasty leftover stuffed chicken creation.

Chicken stuffed with ham and cheese is one of the most delicious and versatile meals. With its decadent filling and endless variations, it’s a dinner winner by any name!