Imagine cutting into a perfectly golden-brown chicken roll, revealing a molten center of creamy Swiss cheese and savory ham that oozes with every slice. Chicken Cordon Bleu is not just a dish; it's a gourmet experience that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal that will impress your family and dinner guests alike. Whether you're a cooking novice or a seasoned chef, this classic French-inspired recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food that promises restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen!
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 flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by placing each between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet, 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.
- Place one slice of ham and one slice of Swiss cheese in the center of each chicken breast, ensuring they do not extend to the edges.
- Carefully roll the chicken breast tightly around the ham and cheese, tucking in the sides to create a neat package. Secure each roll with toothpicks to prevent unrolling during cooking.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each chicken roll first in flour, coating completely and shaking off excess.
- Next, dip the floured chicken roll into the beaten eggs, ensuring full coverage.
- Finally, roll the chicken in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even, complete coating.
- For Once A Month Cooking (OAMC) preparation, place the breaded chicken rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
- When ready to cook, thaw the chicken rolls in the refrigerator overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the chicken rolls on a greased baking sheet, removing toothpicks before cooking.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Remove toothpicks, slice diagonally, and serve hot with your choice of side dishes.
Tips
- Use plastic wrap when pounding chicken to prevent tearing and ensure even thickness
- Ensure your chicken is completely sealed to prevent cheese from leaking during cooking
- Use toothpicks strategically to keep the rolls tight and compact
- For extra crispiness, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to retain maximum juiciness
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F
- For make-ahead convenience, this recipe is perfect for Once A Month Cooking (OAMC) and freezes beautifully
- Experiment with different cheese types like Gruyère for a unique flavor twist
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 706kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 78g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 369mg
