Here’s a classic recipe for Chicken Cordon Bleu, a deliciously crispy breaded chicken breast stuffed with ham and melted Swiss cheese. This dish is perfect for a special dinner or to impress guests!
Chicken Cordon Bleu
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices Swiss cheese (or Gruyère)
- 4 slices deli ham
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs (preferably Panko for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
For the sauce (optional):
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Use a sharp knife to carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the middle (but not all the way through). You should create a flap that can be opened to stuff the chicken.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the chicken:
- Place a slice of ham and a slice of cheese inside each chicken pocket. Fold the chicken over to close it. You can secure the ends with toothpicks if needed.
- Breading the chicken:
- In one shallow dish, place the flour. In another, beat the eggs. In a third, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each stuffed chicken breast in flour, coating evenly, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure each piece is well-coated.
- Fry the chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Transfer the browned chicken to a baking sheet and brush with melted butter.
- Bake:
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted inside.
- Make the sauce (optional):
- While the chicken is baking, you can prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
- Drizzle the sauce over the cooked chicken before serving.
- Serve:
- Remove the toothpicks (if used) and serve the chicken hot with the optional sauce. Pair with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
Tips for Success:
- For an even crispier coating, double-dip the chicken (flour, egg, breadcrumbs, egg, breadcrumbs).
- You can use different cheeses like provolone or mozzarella for a different flavor.
- For a lighter version, try baking the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, spraying with cooking spray instead of frying.
This Chicken Cordon Bleu is rich, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!