Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

1. Prepare the Chicken:

1. Flatten the Chicken Breasts:
   • Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness of about ¼ inch (6 mm).
2. Season the Chicken:
   • Lightly season both sides of each chicken breast with salt and pepper.

2. Assemble the Cordon Bleu:

3. Layer the Ham and Cheese:
   • Place a slice of ham on each flattened chicken breast, followed by a slice of Swiss cheese.
4. Roll the Chicken:
   • Starting from one end, tightly roll up the chicken breast, securing it with toothpicks if necessary to keep the filling in place.

3. Bread the Chicken:

5. Set Up a Breading Station:
   • Place the flour in one shallow dish. In a second dish, beat the eggs with 1 tablespoon of water. In a third dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
6. Coat the Chicken:
   • Dredge each rolled chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to adhere.

4. Cook the Chicken:

7. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
8. Sear the Chicken:
   • In a large ovenproof skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken rolls, seam side down, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
9. Bake the Chicken:
   • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

5. Make the Sauce:

10. Prepare the Roux:
    • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and bubbling.
11. Add the Liquids:
    • Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
12. Add Cheese and Seasonings:
    • Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the grated Swiss cheese and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

6. Serve:

13. Slice and Plate:
    • Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Carefully remove the toothpicks and slice the chicken into rounds.
14. Serve with Sauce:
    • Arrange the chicken slices on a serving plate and drizzle with the warm cheese sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.

Tips for Success:

• Even Thickness: Ensure the chicken breasts are evenly flattened to cook uniformly and make rolling easier.
• Bread Coating: For extra crispiness, you can double-coat the chicken by dipping it in the egg and breadcrumbs twice.
• Sauce: The sauce can be prepared in advance and reheated just before serving.

Conclusion

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a show-stopping dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. The combination of tender chicken, savory ham, and melty Swiss cheese, all wrapped in a crispy breadcrumb coating, is simply irresistible. Paired with a creamy cheese sauce, this dish is perfect for a comforting and elegant meal that’s sure to impress!