Homemade Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu | Family Favorite
45
min
417
Calories
21g
Fats
9g
Carbs
43g
Protein
Dive into this delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe, a classic dish that combines tender chicken, savory ham, and gooey Swiss cheese for a mouthwatering meal. Perfect for dinner, it's surprisingly easy to prepare!
Ingredients:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then, butterfly your chicken breasts to prepare them for the filling. Butterfly means to slice them in half horizontally, but not all the way through. This technique opens up the chicken breast like a book to be filled with delicious ingredients.
Pro Tip: Ensure your knife is sharp for clean butterflying of the chicken.
Step 2: Flatten Chicken
Place the butterflied chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap. Using a flat meat mallet, gently pound them to an even 1/4-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and perfect rolling later on. Take care not to tear the meat during this process.
Pro Tip: Use gentle, even strokes when pounding to avoid tears.
Step 3: Layer Ingredients
Layer each chicken breast with Swiss cheese, ham, and another layer of cheese, leaving a small margin around the edges. This helps keep the filling from spilling out during the rolling and cooking process. The combination of cheese and ham adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish, making it a timeless favorite.
Pro Tip: Leave a half-inch margin to help seal the roll tightly.
Step 4: Bread and Bake
Mix breadcrumbs with thyme, salt, pepper, and oil to create a flavorful crust. Beat the eggs with water for a smooth, fluid wash. Carefully coat each chicken roll in flour, dip into the egg mixture, then gently coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Arrange the prepared chicken on a baking pan and bake for 20 minutes. The golden crust should be crisp, with the chicken cooked through and cheeses melted to perfection.
Pro Tip: The oil in the breadcrumbs helps to achieve a golden brown crust.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked to a beautiful golden brown, remove from the oven. You can serve these chicken cordon bleu whole or sliced into pinwheels to show off the gorgeous layers inside. This dish is perfect for a comforting family dinner, paired with a light salad or your favorite vegetable side. Its attractive presentation and scrumptious taste are sure to impress!
Pro Tip: Slicing into pinwheels makes for an elegant presentation.