Chicken Cordon Bleu

Tender chicken breast, flavorful ham, and oozy cheese come together in this traditional French-inspired meal, chicken cordon bleu, to create a pleasant gastronomic experience. With the help of this recipe, you can easily duplicate this classic in your own home.

Tasting Notes

Expect a symphony of flavors with each bite – the succulent chicken, the smoky ham, and the melted cheese create a perfect harmony. The golden-brown crust adds a satisfying crunch, making this dish a true crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 8 slices Swiss cheese
• 8 slices ham
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups breadcrumbs
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
• Toothpicks (to secure the rolls)

Kitchen Equipment

• Meat mallet
• Plastic wrap
• Toothpicks
• Three shallow bowls (for flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs)
• Frying pan
• Cooking thermometer
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Instructions

1. Prepare Chicken: Place each chicken breast between sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet to an even thickness. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
2. Layer Ingredients: Lay a slice of Swiss cheese and a slice of ham on each chicken breast.
3. Roll Chicken: Starting from one end, tightly roll each chicken breast, securing the ends with toothpicks.
4. Coat Chicken Rolls: In three separate shallow bowls, place flour in one, whisk together eggs and milk in another, and put breadcrumbs in the third. Roll each chicken roll in the flour, dip in the egg mixture, and coat with breadcrumbs.
5. Preheat Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
6. Fry Chicken Rolls: Carefully place the chicken rolls in the hot oil and fry until golden brown on all sides, about 4-5 minutes per side.
7. Bake: Transfer the fried chicken rolls to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for an additional 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Rest and Serve: Allow the Chicken Cordon Bleu to rest for a few minutes before removing toothpicks and slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!

Pro Tips

• Use toothpicks to secure the rolls tightly, ensuring they maintain their shape during frying.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Variations

• Turkey Cordon Bleu: Substitute chicken with turkey for a lighter alternative.
• Vegetarian Twist: Create a vegetarian version using eggplant slices, provolone cheese, and roasted red peppers.

FAQs