Chicken Cordon Bleu
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic dish featuring chicken breasts stuffed with ham and cheese, then breaded and baked or fried until golden and crispy. This dish combines savory flavors with a delightful crunch, making it a favorite at dinner tables.
Equipment
- 1 meat mallet or rolling pin
- 1 plastic wrap
- 3 shallow bowls
- 1 baking sheet or frying pan
- 1 toothpicks or kitchen twine
- 1 oven
- 1 cooking thermometer (optional)
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts About 1.5 pounds total.
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 slices ham
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs Preferably panko.
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- as needed tablespoons cooking oil For frying, optional.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) if you are baking the chicken.
- Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to about ½ inch thickness.
- Lay 1 slice of ham and 1 slice of Swiss cheese on top of each flattened chicken breast.
- Carefully roll each breast tightly from the bottom up, keeping the filling secure inside. Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the ends.
- Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour mixed with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika; one with beaten eggs; and one with breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each chicken roll first in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess, then dip it in the egg wash, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- If baking, place the breaded chicken rolls on a greased baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C). If frying, heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat and cook each roll for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove toothpicks or twine before serving. Slice the rolls to reveal the ham and cheese inside.
Notes
For a richer flavor, you can use Gruyere cheese instead of Swiss.
Serve with a side of vegetables or a salad for a complete meal.
You can prepare the chicken rolls in advance and refrigerate them before cooking, which allows for easier meal preparation.