Description
Savory baked chicken cordon bleu brings Swiss and French culinary traditions together in one delightful dish. Ham and Swiss cheese nestled inside golden chicken create a satisfying meal that delights home cooks and dinner guests alike.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 oz Swiss cheese (or Gruyere)
- 4 slices ham
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.
- Chicken Preparation: Butterfly chicken breasts horizontally, creating a flat surface for stuffing without completely separating the halves.
- Filling Assembly: Layer Swiss cheese and ham inside the opened chicken breast, distributing evenly across the interior.
- Rolling Technique: Carefully roll the chicken breast to encase the filling, securing with toothpicks to prevent unraveling during cooking.
- Coating Creation: Mix breadcrumbs with dried herbs to develop a flavorful, crisp exterior coating.
- Breading Process: Dip each chicken roll into whisked eggs, ensuring complete coverage, then coat thoroughly with the herbed breadcrumb mixture.
- Baking: Arrange breaded chicken rolls in the prepared baking dish, allowing space between pieces for optimal heat circulation.
- Cooking: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the exterior turns golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Finishing: Remove toothpicks and let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes to preserve moisture and enhance serving ease.
Notes
- Maintain Precise Chicken Thickness: Slice chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
- Control Moisture Levels: Pat chicken breasts dry before butterflying to help breadcrumbs adhere better and achieve a crispier exterior.
- Secure Filling Technique: Use sturdy toothpicks or kitchen twine to prevent cheese and ham from leaking during baking, maintaining a neat presentation.
- Adapt for Dietary Needs: Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives or almond meal for low-carb or celiac-friendly variations, ensuring the same delicious crispy coating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg