Description
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic, elegant comfort food meal featuring tender chicken breasts stuffed with savory ham and melty Swiss cheese, all wrapped in a crispy, golden breadcrumb crust. This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or meal prepping. Its versatility allows for numerous delicious variations to suit your taste and dietary needs.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Filling
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 thin slices of ham
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free option)
Seasoning and Cooking
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Butter or oil, for frying or baking (approximately 2-3 tablespoons)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Flatten each chicken breast to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin by placing them between plastic wrap or parchment paper to prevent tearing. This ensures even cooking and easier rolling.
- Layer the Ham and Cheese: Place a thin slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on each flattened chicken breast, leaving a small border around the edges to keep the filling sealed inside during cooking.
- Roll and Secure: Carefully roll up the chicken breast around the ham and cheese, tucking in the sides as you go. Secure each roll with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling intact.
- Coat the Chicken Rolls: Lightly dust each rolled chicken breast with flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat generously with breadcrumbs. This triple-layer coating creates a crispy exterior after cooking.
- Cook to Perfection: Heat butter or oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the chicken rolls, turning frequently, until golden brown on all sides. Then transfer the rolls to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted inside.
Notes
- Make sure chicken breasts are pounded evenly to cook uniformly.
- Use thin slices of ham and cheese to prevent overstuffing and leaking.
- Chill rolled chicken in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before cooking to help them keep their shape.
- Use fresh panko or homemade breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Check internal temperature of cooked chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety and juiciness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying and Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Keywords: Chicken Cordon Bleu, comfort food, chicken recipe, ham, Swiss cheese, crispy chicken, baked chicken, fried chicken, easy dinner