Description
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic dish featuring juicy chicken breasts stuffed with ham and melted Swiss cheese, coated in crispy breadcrumbs, and baked or fried to golden perfection. This elegant yet easy-to-make dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions and delivers incredible flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices of ham
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese (or Gruyère)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or butter for frying (if frying)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
- Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally without cutting all the way through. Flatten with a meat mallet to an even thickness, about 1/4 inch.
- Lay a slice of ham and cheese on one side of each chicken breast. Fold the chicken over the filling and secure with toothpicks.
- Set up a breading station with three bowls:
- Bowl 1: Mix flour, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bowl 2: Beat the eggs.
- Bowl 3: Combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Dredge each stuffed chicken breast in the flour mixture, then dip in the eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- If Baking: Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- If Frying: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden, then transfer to a baking dish and finish in the oven for 10–15 minutes.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Remove toothpicks and slice to reveal the cheesy, savory filling.
Notes
- Chill Before Cooking: Refrigerate the breaded chicken for 20 minutes to help the coating stick and prevent the cheese from leaking.
- Alternative Fillings: Use prosciutto instead of ham or Gruyère instead of Swiss cheese for a gourmet twist.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating Tips: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes to retain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking or Frying
- Cuisine: European