Vegan Chicken Cordon Bleu is a dish that combines all the elegance of the classic French favorite with the comforting flavors of plant-based ingredients. This recipe takes the essence of crispy breadcrumbs, savory vegan chicken, and gooey dairy-free cheese to create a meal that feels indulgent without compromising your values or health goals.
I’ve always loved the idea of Chicken Cordon Bleu – the crispy exterior, the melty cheese, and the tender meat inside – but once I made the switch to a plant-based diet, I thought it was a dish I would have to give up.
It turns out that all it needed was a little creativity and some simple swaps to make it just as delicious. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just looking to reduce your meat consumption, this recipe is a game-changer.
What makes this vegan version special is the combination of textures: the golden, crispy crust gives way to a savory, slightly smoky vegan chicken and a melting, cheesy center. The flavors are rich and satisfying, but light enough to make you feel good after enjoying it.
Plus, it’s a perfect dish to wow guests at a dinner party or treat yourself to something a little extra on a cozy evening.
What makes This Recipe Special?
- The crispy breadcrumbs create the perfect crunch, elevating the dish with each bite.
- The vegan chicken is surprisingly juicy, making it hard to believe it’s plant-based!
- Vegan cheese melts beautifully, giving that creamy, indulgent texture we love.
- It’s versatile – swap out the deli slices or cheese to tailor it to your taste.
- It’s a healthier, plant-based twist on a classic, perfect for any occasion.
Vegan Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry brush
- Cast-irons skillet
- Blender or a food processor
- Rolling Pin or a glass cup
- Digital scale
Ingredients
- 1 bouillon cube use vegan chicken flavored if possible
- 2 tbsp water
- 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp vegan poultry seasoning
- ¼ cup vegetable oil, for frying
- 3 tbsp vegan mayo
- 3 vegan cheese slices
- 160 g silken tofu drained and pat dry to remove excess moisture
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 4 vegan ham slices
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 120 g vital wheat gluten
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
Instructions
- Blend silken tofu, olive oil, water, and bouillon cube until smooth and creamy.
- Combine vital wheat gluten, smoked paprika, poultry seasoning, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Add the tofu mixture and, mix with a spatula, then knead by hand until a dough ball forms (about 1 minute).
- Divide the dough into 4 pieces.
- Roll each piece into fillets (5-6 inches long and 4 inches wide).
- Layer vegan cheese and ham slices on one fillet, repeating for three layers.
- Top with another fillet and seal edges with damp fingers.
- Mix vegan mayo and Dijon mustard, then brush over the fillets.
- Coat with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet.
- Fry fillets for 3-4 minutes per side until golden.
- Bake fillets at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, flipping after 10 minutes.
Notes
- Avoid overmixing the seitan dough to keep it tender. Kneading too much makes it tough.
- Pat dry the tofu to control moisture and maintain dough consistency.
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 450kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Fibre | 2g |
| Fat | 23g |
| Protein | 37g |
Variations That Will Help You Customise Your Dish!
- Filling Swap: Replace vegan ham with roasted vegetables, such as grilled zucchini or bell peppers, for a lighter option. Or use sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach for a Mediterranean twist.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different vegan cheeses like smoked gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack to vary the flavor profile.
- Breadcrumbs Upgrade: Add herbs or spices to the breadcrumbs, like Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or garlic powder, for an extra layer of flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a store-bought gluten-free meat substitute and coat with gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary needs.
- Baking Alternative: Skip frying and bake the fillets directly for a healthier, oil-free option. Brush lightly with oil or vegan butter to ensure crispiness.
