Chicken Cordon Bleu
This quick and easy Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe combines tender chicken breasts with savory ham, melty Swiss cheese, and a crispy breadcrumb coating for a comforting and flavorful meal. Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and can be adapted with variations like gluten-free ingredients or different cheeses to suit your preferences.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: French-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free bread crumbs and flour)
Main Ingredients
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 4 slices of ham (thinly sliced)
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
Breading Station
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour alternative)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup bread crumbs (or gluten-free bread crumbs)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, a pinch
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil for frying
- Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Pound each chicken breast to an even thickness of about ¼ inch to ensure even cooking and easy rolling without tearing.
- Layer the Filling: Place one slice of ham and one slice of Swiss cheese on each flattened chicken breast. Make sure the cheese fully covers the ham without spilling over the edges to avoid leakage during cooking.
- Roll and Secure: Gently roll up each chicken breast tightly around the ham and cheese filling. Tuck in the edges and secure the rolls using toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- Coat with Breading: Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with bread crumbs. Dredge each chicken roll first in the flour, then dip in the eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with bread crumbs.
- Cook to Perfection: Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the chicken rolls on all sides until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the browned rolls to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C) and the cheese inside is melted.
Notes
- Even Thickness: Ensure chicken breasts are pounded evenly for consistent cooking and easier rolling.
- Secure Tightly: Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold rolls firmly and prevent filling from escaping.
- Double Breading: For extra crispy coating, dip the coated chicken back into egg and breadcrumbs before cooking.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow Chicken Cordon Bleu to rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in juices and prevent cheese from spilling out.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Check internal temperature to ensure chicken is fully cooked yet juicy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
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