Chicken Cordon Bleu
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a delicious and classic dish featuring chicken breasts stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, coated in breadcrumbs, and baked to perfection. This dish is both comforting and impressive, making it perfect for a special occasion or a delightful weeknight dinner.
Equipment
- 2 cutting boards
- 1 meat mallet
- 1 shallow dish
- 1 large baking dish
- 1 oven
- 1 frying pan
- 1 whisk
- 2 bowls
- 1 knife
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 6 oz each
- 4 slices ham about 1 oz each
- 4 slices Swiss cheese about 1 oz each
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs preferably panko
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- to taste fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika on both sides.
- On one half of each chicken breast, place a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese. Fold the other half over to cover the filling, and secure with toothpicks if necessary.
- Set up a breading station: in one shallow dish, place the flour; in another bowl, whisk the eggs; and in a third dish, spread out the breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each stuffed chicken breast in flour, ensuring it is fully coated. Dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, and finally, coat it in breadcrumbs.
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the browned chicken to a large baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Remove toothpicks if used.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, slice, and serve warm.
Notes
You can substitute the Swiss cheese with Gruyere or Provolone cheese for a different flavor profile.
For a healthier version, consider baking the chicken without frying it first. Just bake it directly after breading for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Serve with a side of vegetables or a simple salad for a complete meal.