If you're looking to impress your family or guests with a dish that's as delightful to eat as it is to prepare, look no further than this easy Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe! With its crispy golden exterior and a deliciously cheesy, savory filling, this French classic is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. In just under an hour, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal that showcases your culinary skills without the fuss. Ready to dive into a world of flavor? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 4 slices ham
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by placing them between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken breasts to an even 1/4-inch thickness, being careful not to tear the meat.
- Season both sides of the flattened chicken breasts with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
- Place one slice of ham and one slice of Swiss cheese in the center of each chicken breast, ensuring they do not extend beyond the edges.
- Carefully roll the chicken breast tightly around the ham and cheese, tucking in the sides to create a compact bundle. Secure each roll with toothpicks to prevent unrolling during cooking.
- Prepare three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. This will be your breading station.
- Dredge each chicken roll first in flour, shaking off excess. Then dip into beaten eggs, ensuring complete coverage. Finally, roll in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help crumbs adhere.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). While preheating, heat a large oven-safe skillet with a thin layer of oil over medium-high heat.
- Carefully place the breaded chicken rolls in the hot skillet, seam-side down. Brown each side for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Transfer the skillet with chicken rolls directly into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Remove toothpicks before serving.
- Slice diagonally and serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley or a light cream sauce.
Tips
- Pound Evenly: When flattening the chicken breasts, aim for an even thickness of 1/4 inch to ensure they cook uniformly. This prevents any dry or undercooked spots.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper! Seasoning the chicken before rolling it up will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Secure the Rolls: Make sure to tuck in the sides of the chicken rolls tightly and secure them with toothpicks. This helps keep the filling from spilling out during cooking.
- Breading Technique: For a perfect breading, ensure you press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken after rolling it. This will create a deliciously crispy crust.
- Heat Management: When browning the chicken in the skillet, avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to achieve that golden, crispy finish.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.
- Garnish Creatively: For an elegant touch, garnish your Chicken Cordon Bleu with fresh parsley or a drizzle of light cream sauce before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 150mg
