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Chicken Cordon Bleu

Chicken Cordon Bleu
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Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic, elegant dish featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with savory ham and rich, melting Swiss or Gruyère cheese, coated in crispy golden breadcrumbs. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Learn how to make the ultimate crispy and juicy Chicken Cordon Bleu with easy steps to impress any table.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts (even-sized)
  • 4 slices thin-sliced ham
  • 4 slices Swiss or Gruyère cheese

Breading Components

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko or homemade breadcrumbs

Seasonings and Cooking

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter or oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Carefully pound each boneless chicken breast to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. This ensures quick, even cooking and makes rolling easier without tearing the meat.
  2. Layer with Ham and Cheese: Place a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss or Gruyère cheese on each flattened chicken breast. Leave edges clear to prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.
  3. Roll and Secure: Tightly roll each chicken breast around the ham and cheese, tucking in the edges. Use toothpicks or kitchen twine if necessary to keep the rolls intact.
  4. Coat the Rolls: Dredge each roll lightly in all-purpose flour, then dip into beaten eggs, and finally roll thoroughly in breadcrumbs. This triple-step breading creates the signature crispy crust.
  5. Cook to Perfection: Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Pan-fry the chicken rolls for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Alternatively, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes for a lighter preparation.
  6. Rest and Serve: Allow the cooked Chicken Cordon Bleu to rest for a few minutes to lock in juices. Remove toothpicks or twine, then slice diagonally to reveal the melted cheese and ham filling. Garnish as desired and serve.

Notes

  • Even Thickness Matters: Pounding chicken ensures even cooking without drying out.
  • Keep it Secure: Toothpicks or kitchen twine keep cheese and ham inside during cooking.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs Rock: Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy crust.
  • Don’t Skip Resting: Resting the rolls retains moisture and makes slicing easier.
  • Use a Meat Thermometer: Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety and juiciness.
  • For Gluten-Free: Substitute breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.
  • Baking Option: For a healthier option, bake rolls and lightly oil breadcrumbs beforehand.
  • Flavor Variations: Swap ham with turkey, prosciutto, or smoked salmon; replace cheese with mozzarella, provolone, or cheddar; add fresh herbs to breadcrumbs for extra aroma.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Cordon Bleu, Stuffed Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Cheese-Stuffed Chicken, Ham and Cheese Chicken, Elegant Chicken Dish, Comfort Food

Find it online: https://eazyummy.com/chicken-cordon-bleu/