Description

Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu is a comforting, elegant dish featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with savory ham and melted Swiss cheese, breaded and fried to a golden crisp, then finished in the oven to melt the cheese perfectly. This ultimate comfort food combines crispy texture with rich, creamy flavors, ideal for a satisfying family meal or special occasion.

Ingredients

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Chicken and Filling

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 slices Swiss cheese (or Gruyère cheese)
4 slices deli ham

Breading

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

Seasonings and Cooking

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the chicken rolls later.
Pound Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even 1/2-inch thickness, ensuring uniform cooking.
Season Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Assemble Rolls: Lay a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on each flattened chicken breast. Carefully fold the chicken over the fillings to create a tight roll, securing the edges with toothpicks to prevent the cheese and ham from spilling out during cooking.
Prepare Breading Station: Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. This will allow for an efficient breading process.
Bread Chicken Rolls: Coat each chicken roll first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs stick well for a crisp crust.
Brown Chicken Rolls: Heat the olive oil and melted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken rolls in the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
Bake to Finish: Transfer the browned chicken rolls to a baking dish. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese inside is melted and gooey.
Serve: Carefully remove toothpicks from the chicken rolls before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Notes

For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
You can substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyère for a nuttier flavor.
Ensure chicken breasts are pounded evenly for consistent cooking and easy rolling.
If preferred, bake the chicken rolls without frying, but browning adds great flavor and texture.
Handle toothpicks carefully and remove before serving to avoid choking hazards.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently in the oven.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French