Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic dish that combines tender chicken, savory ham, and gooey Swiss cheese, all coated in seasoned breadcrumbs. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The flavors in this dish are a perfect balance of salty ham, creamy cheese, and juicy chicken.
- With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Chicken Cordon Bleu is a great option for meal prep, as it can be made ahead of time and reheated easily.
Ingredient Notes:
- Nonstick cooking spray: Prevents the chicken from sticking to the pan.
- Skinless, boneless chicken breast halves: The base of the dish, ensure they are evenly pounded for even cooking.
- Salt and ground black pepper: Seasonings to enhance the flavor of the chicken.
- Swiss cheese: Adds a creamy and nutty flavor to the dish.
- Cooked ham: Provides a salty and savory contrast to the cheese.
- Seasoned bread crumbs: Adds a crispy coating to the chicken.
Step-By-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then layer Swiss cheese and ham on each breast.
- Roll up the chicken and secure with toothpicks, then coat each roll in seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Place the chicken rolls in the baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Helpful Tips:
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for even cooking.
- If you don’t have Swiss cheese, you can substitute with Gruyere or mozzarella.
- To save time, use store-bought cooked ham slices.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of paprika or garlic powder to the breadcrumbs.
- To ensure the cheese stays inside the chicken rolls, use toothpicks to secure them tightly.
Serving Suggestions:
Chicken Cordon Bleu pairs well with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. For drinks, try serving with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, place the cooled chicken rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
- Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or brie.
- How can I make this dish gluten-free?
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers as a coating.
- Can I freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu?
- Yes, you can freeze the unbaked chicken rolls for up to 3 months. Thaw before baking.
- What can I serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu?
- This dish goes well with a variety of sides like rice pilaf, steamed broccoli, or a simple side salad.
Conclusion:
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. Try making this recipe for your next dinner and enjoy the delicious combination of chicken, ham, and cheese. Don’t forget to share your feedback and tips for making this dish even better!
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Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
Indulge in this classic French dish with tender chicken breasts stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, then breaded and baked to perfection.
Ingredients
– Nonstick cooking spray
– 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 6 slices Swiss cheese
– 4 slices cooked ham
– 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly coat a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place 1 slice of Swiss cheese and 1 slice of ham on each breast.
3. Roll up chicken and secure with toothpicks. Roll in bread crumbs to coat.
4. Place in baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in the center.
Notes
– For a crispy coating, you can lightly spray the breaded chicken with cooking spray before baking.
– Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite cheese or add some herbs for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 105mg