Imagine sinking your teeth into a golden-brown, crispy delight that bursts with flavor in every bite! Our Crispy Baked Basil Chicken Cordon Bleu is not just any ordinary dish; it’s a culinary masterpiece that combines tender chicken, savory ham, and gooey Swiss cheese, all wrapped up in a crispy breadcrumb coating infused with fresh basil. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a gourmet meal at home, this recipe is both simple and satisfying. With just 45 minutes from prep to plate, you’ll be serving up a restaurant-quality dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 4 slices ham
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the chicken breasts by placing them between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch. This ensures even cooking.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken.
- Lay a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on each chicken breast. If desired, you can add a few fresh basil leaves on top of the cheese for extra flavor.
- Carefully roll each chicken breast tightly, starting from the end with the ham and cheese, and secure the roll with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling inside during baking.
- In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs and chopped fresh basil. This will create a flavorful coating for the chicken.
- In another shallow dish, beat the eggs until well mixed. This will be used to help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
- Dip each chicken roll first into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, then roll it in the breadcrumb and basil mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
- Place the coated chicken rolls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out evenly. You can lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to encourage browning.
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
- Carefully remove the toothpicks or kitchen twine from the chicken rolls before slicing them into pinwheels for serving.
- Serve the crispy baked basil chicken cordon bleu warm, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your delicious and flavorful dish!
Tips
- Pound the Chicken Evenly: Make sure to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking. This prevents some parts from drying out while others are undercooked.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper! Seasoning the chicken well enhances its flavor and complements the rich filling of ham and cheese.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil not only adds a delightful aroma but also brightens the dish. If possible, use fresh Swiss cheese for a creamier texture.
- Secure the Rolls: Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the chicken rolls tightly. This keeps the delicious filling intact during baking and ensures a beautiful presentation.
- Coat Evenly: When breading the chicken, make sure to coat it thoroughly in the egg and breadcrumb mixture. This will create a crispy crust that is full of flavor.
- Don’t Rush the Baking: Allow the chicken to bake until it’s golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures that the chicken is fully cooked and the coating is perfectly crispy.
- Rest Before Slicing: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful when you slice it.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh basil on top before serving not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a fresh burst of flavor. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of making Crispy Baked Basil Chicken Cordon Bleu that will impress everyone at your table!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 140mg
