Imagine cutting into a perfectly golden-brown chicken roll, revealing a luscious center of melted Swiss cheese and savory ham, all draped in a luxurious white wine sauce that promises to transport you straight to the heart of French cuisine. This Chicken Cordon Bleu is not just a meal—it's a gastronomic experience that combines elegant technique with irresistible flavors, guaranteed to impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 4 slices ham
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 cup white wine
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the chicken breasts. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This will help the chicken cook evenly and make it easier to roll.
- Once the chicken is flattened, season both sides with salt and pepper. Lay a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on each chicken breast. Carefully roll the chicken breast up tightly, starting from the end with the ham and cheese, and secure it with toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold the filling inside.
- Next, set up a breading station. Place the flour in a shallow dish, the beaten eggs in another shallow dish, and the breadcrumbs in a third dish. Dip each chicken roll first into the flour, coating it evenly, then into the beaten eggs, and finally into the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs to the chicken.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, carefully add the breaded chicken rolls to the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. You may need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a baking dish and keep it warm in a preheated oven at 200°F (95°C) while you prepare the white wine sauce.
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This will add flavor to the sauce. Bring the wine to a simmer and let it reduce by half, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the wine has reduced, you can adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, you can whisk in a tablespoon of butter to add richness to the sauce.
- To serve, place a chicken cordon bleu on each plate and drizzle the white wine sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy your delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu with White Wine Sauce!
Tips
- Meat Pounding Technique: Use plastic wrap when pounding chicken to prevent splatter and ensure an even thickness. This helps achieve uniform cooking and a professional presentation.
- Secure Your Roll: Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to prevent the filling from escaping during cooking. Remember to remove them before serving!
- Breading Secrets: Create a crispy coating by following the classic breading method: flour first (helps egg adhere), then egg wash, and finally breadcrumbs. Press breadcrumbs gently to ensure a solid coating.
- Temperature Control: Cook chicken over medium heat to achieve a golden-brown exterior without burning. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
- Sauce Enhancement: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of cream to your white wine sauce or using chicken stock alongside the wine for more depth.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the chicken rolls and bread them in advance, storing them in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking, which can make dinner preparation easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 180mg
