Chicken Cordon Bleu is a tasty dish featuring chicken stuffed with cheese and ham, then breaded and baked to a golden perfection. It’s like a cozy hug on a plate!
There’s something fun about cutting into that crunchy exterior and finding melty cheese inside. I always enjoy this with some fresh veggies on the side—perfect for a lovely dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the way to go for this recipe. If you want to keep things easier, you could use chicken tenders, but you might need to adjust cooking time since they cook faster.
Ham: I like using deli ham, but you can easily swap it for turkey or prosciutto for a twist. Just make sure any substitute is thinly sliced so it rolls up nicely!
Swiss Cheese: Swiss provides that excellent meltiness. If you’re not a fan, go for mozzarella or provolone. Just keep in mind that flavor will change slightly.
Breadcrumbs: I love using panko for its extra crunchiness, but regular breadcrumbs work too. If you’re gluten-free, try gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for a similar texture.
How Do I Get the Chicken Nice and Flat?
Pounding the chicken is key for even cooking and tenderness. Here’s how to do it right:
- First, flatten the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. This keeps things tidy and prevents splatter.
- Use a meat mallet, rolling pin, or even a heavy skillet. Start from the center and gently pound outward until it’s about 1/4 inch thick.
- This also helps break down the meat fibers, making the chicken more tender when cooked!
Trust me, taking the time to pound your chicken pays off big time with this dish!
Chicken Cordon Bleu
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices of ham (about 4 oz total)
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Breading:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- Cooking spray or 2 tablespoons melted butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at roughly 45 minutes from start to enjoying this mouthwatering dish. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper so the chicken doesn’t stick.
2. Pound the Chicken:
Take a chicken breast and place it between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. Repeat this with the remaining chicken breasts. This helps them cook evenly and makes them tender!
3. Season the Chicken:
Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of each flattened chicken breast. This adds a good flavor base!
4. Add Ham and Cheese:
Place one slice of ham and one slice of Swiss cheese on each chicken breast. Then, roll up the chicken tightly, tucking the sides in as you go to keep the filling inside. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
5. Set Up Your Breading Station:
Ready to bread? Place the flour on one plate, beat the egg with a tablespoon of water in a shallow bowl, and in another plate, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and parsley (if using).
6. Bread the Chicken:
Dip each rolled chicken piece into the flour, shaking off the excess, then into the egg wash, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs on well so they stick!
7. Prepare for Baking:
Lay the breaded chicken rolls seam-side down in your prepared baking dish. Lightly spray or brush with cooking spray or melted butter to help them get golden and crispy during baking.
8. Bake:
Pop your dish in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You want the chicken cooked through (check with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F / 75°C) and the breadcrumbs to be lovely and golden brown.
9. Final Touches:
After baking, don’t forget to remove the toothpicks before serving! Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes to allow the cheese to settle, so it doesn’t spill out when you cut into it.
10. Serving Suggestions:
Serve these delicious little packets of joy warm, along with some steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light salad for a complete meal.
Enjoy your crispy, melty, and delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu! Happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to completely thaw them in the refrigerator before pounding and rolling. To speed up thawing, you can place the sealed chicken in a bowl of cold water for about an hour.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
No problem! Substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with a gluten-free version. There are plenty of gluten-free panko breadcrumbs available, and for the flour, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, which helps maintain the crispiness of the breadcrumbs!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Absolutely! You can roll and bread the chicken the night before and keep it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve. You may need to add an extra few minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.