Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, crusty bread bowl filled with tender chicken, savory ham, and gooey Swiss cheese – a delightful twist on the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu that will leave your taste buds dancing! These Chicken Cordon Bleu Bread Bowls are not just a meal; they are a culinary adventure that brings the flavors of French cuisine right to your kitchen. Perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive gathering, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Ready to take your cooking skills to the next level? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 bread bowls
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 slices ham
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your bread bowls are toasted to perfection while the filling is heated through.
- Prepare the bread bowls by cutting the tops off each bread roll and gently hollowing out the insides. Leave about 1/2 inch of bread on the bottom and sides to hold the filling. You can save the bread you remove for another use, such as breadcrumbs or croutons.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly seasoned.
- Take one slice of ham and place it inside each bread bowl, followed by a generous portion of the seasoned chicken mixture. Top with a slice of Swiss cheese, ensuring it covers the chicken completely.
- In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter until the breadcrumbs are well-coated. This will add a delicious crunch to the top of your bread bowls.
- Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the Swiss cheese in each bread bowl. This will create a nice crispy topping when baked.
- Place the filled bread bowls on a baking sheet. This makes it easier to transfer them to the oven and helps catch any drippings.
- Bake the bread bowls in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once baked, remove the bread bowls from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the filling set slightly and make them easier to handle.
- Serve the Chicken Cordon Bleu Bread Bowls warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious French-inspired dish!
Tips
- Choose the Right Bread: Opt for sturdy bread bowls that can hold the filling without falling apart. Sourdough or artisan rolls work beautifully for this recipe.
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the chicken mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. This makes assembly quick and easy when you're ready to bake.
- Customize Your Filling: Feel free to get creative! Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even a dash of Dijon mustard for an extra flavor kick.
- Perfectly Toasted: Keep an eye on the bread bowls while baking. If they start to brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil to prevent burning.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Serve with a Side: Pair your Chicken Cordon Bleu Bread Bowls with a light salad or a bowl of soup for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg