Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadillas

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

Experience a fusion of flavors with golden, crispy quesadillas packed with shredded chicken, Swiss cheese, and sliced ham, finished with a touch of Dijon mustard. Easy to prepare in just minutes, these quesadillas deliver savory comfort and melty texture in each bite. Perfect for family meals or gatherings, they pair wonderfully with honey mustard sauce and a fresh salad. Flexible for make-ahead meals, you can also customize with different cheeses or add a crunchy element. Enjoy a modern twist on a classic favorite.

Casey
Updated on Sun, 27 Jul 2025 12:26:57 GMT
A sandwich with cheese and ham on a wooden table. Pin it
A sandwich with cheese and ham on a wooden table. | cookingwithcasey.com

Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadillas bring together the best of French-inspired comfort food and easy hand-held meals. This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something fun and hearty without a lot of fuss. Layers of tender chicken, smoky ham, and gooey cheese all come together in a crispy tortilla for a dish the whole family will love.

I whipped up these chicken cordon bleu quesadillas after a crazy week when my fridge only had odds and ends. Now whenever I have leftover baked chicken I know exactly what to make for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

  • Cooked chicken breast: choose a juicy rotisserie or home-cooked chicken for best flavor and shred or chop it
  • Large flour tortillas: burrito size makes folding and filling a breeze and gives you sturdy quesadillas that crisp up well
  • Ham: opt for freshly sliced or a good-quality deli ham for a meaty boost and a bit of saltiness
  • Shredded Swiss cheese: for that classic cordon bleu flavor go for mozzarella or Gruyere if you like a milder or nuttier taste
  • Dijon mustard: adds tang and a punch of classic flavor use a smooth one for easy spreading
  • Mayonnaise: totally optional but if you want an extra creamy filling this makes a difference
  • Butter: this is your secret to a golden crispy tortilla use real butter for rich flavor
  • Salt and black pepper: seasoning matters sprinkle lightly and taste as you mix so your filling is just right

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Filling:
Mix up the chicken with Dijon mustard mayonnaise salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Stir until every piece is coated and creamy and the flavor is even throughout. The Dijon gives a nice tang and ties everything together.
Build the Quesadillas:
Lay a tortilla out on a flat work surface. On one half scatter a generous handful of shredded cheese then top with a portion of the prepared chicken followed by the ham. Add another light layer of cheese over the top to help everything melt together. Fold the tortilla into a half moon pressing gently so the filling stays put.
Toast the Quesadillas:
Set a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and let it warm up fully. Melt a little butter so it coats the surface then lay in the quesadilla. Cook for about two to three minutes per side pressing gently until each side is deep golden brown and the cheese is gooey and melted. Add more butter for each batch if needed.
Slice and Serve:
Transfer each quesadilla to a cutting board. Let it sit for a minute to help the filling settle then slice into wedges. Serve hot with honey mustard sauce Dijon cream or a crisp green salad for contrast.
A sandwich with ham and cheese. Pin it
A sandwich with ham and cheese. | cookingwithcasey.com

My favorite part of these quesadillas is the crusty edges where the cheese meets the tortilla and gets just a little chewy. My kids always fight over the crispiest corners which is why I never skimp on the butter for frying.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers wrap tightly in foil and store in the fridge. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to bring back the crispy outside. These are best fresh but will keep for up to two days.

Ingredient Substitutions

No Swiss cheese Use Gruyere provolone or even sharp cheddar. Try smoked turkey instead of ham for a different but equally delicious twist. For gluten free needs use corn tortillas and toast carefully.

Serving Suggestions

These quesadillas make a meal on their own but add a fresh green salad or tangy pickles for some brightness. Honey mustard is a must for dipping but homemade ranch or Dijon cream is fantastic too.

Cultural and Historical Context

Chicken Cordon Bleu blends Swiss and French flavors typically using chicken ham and Swiss cheese in a rolled breaded cutlet. Wrapping these elements in a tortilla is a playful take on classic comfort food making it easier to eat and sharing that old school flavor with a Tex Mex twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different cheese instead of Swiss?

Absolutely! Gruyère, mozzarella, or provolone are excellent alternatives that melt well and offer delicious flavor.

→ How do I get crispy quesadilla edges?

Brushing or cooking the tortillas with a little butter helps achieve a golden, crisp exterior while sealing in the fillings.

→ Is there a low-carb option for this dish?

Yes, you can substitute low-carb tortillas or use large lettuce leaves to wrap the filling for a lighter version.

→ Can the chicken filling be prepared ahead?

You can mix the chicken filling up to three days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator for quick assembly.

→ What sauces pair well with these quesadillas?

Honey mustard or Dijon cream sauce works wonderfully, adding a tangy balance to the savory flavors.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Quesadillas

Golden tortillas filled with chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese, accented by Dijon mustard for a comforting meal.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Casey

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Fusion

Yield: 4 Servings (4 large quesadillas)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Quesadillas

01 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
02 4 large flour tortillas (burrito size)
03 1 cup ham, thinly sliced or diced
04 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese or mozzarella
05 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
06 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
07 2 tablespoons butter
08 Salt, to taste
09 Black pepper, to taste

→ Optional for Serving

10 Honey mustard sauce
11 Dijon cream sauce
12 Pickles or a simple salad

→ Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

13 60 ml mayonnaise
14 30 ml Dijon mustard
15 15 ml honey
16 5 ml lemon juice

Instructions

Step 01

In a bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken breast with Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, salt and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly coat the chicken.

Step 02

Place a large flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. On one half, layer a portion of shredded Swiss cheese, an even layer of chicken mixture, and a portion of sliced or diced ham. Top with a light sprinkle of additional cheese. Fold the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and fillings.

Step 03

Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add approximately 7 grams (½ tablespoon) butter to the pan. Cook each quesadilla for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp with cheese melted. Add additional butter as needed between batches.

Step 04

Transfer quesadillas to a cutting board. Slice each into wedges. Serve immediately with honey mustard sauce, Dijon cream sauce, pickles or a fresh salad as desired.

Step 05

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

  1. To create a low-carb variation, substitute flour tortillas with low-carb alternatives or use large lettuce leaves for wraps.
  2. A thin layer of breadcrumbs inside each quesadilla provides extra crunch reminiscent of classic 'cordon bleu' dishes.
  3. Gruyère or provolone can be substituted for Swiss cheese, adding unique flavour profiles.
  4. The chicken filling can be prepared up to three days ahead and refrigerated for advance meal prep.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Nonstick skillet or griddle
  • Spatula
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains milk (cheese, butter), eggs (mayonnaise), wheat (flour tortillas), and mustard.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 590
  • Total Fat: 32 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 37 g
  • Protein: 41 g