Chicken Cordon Bleu with Herb Butter
Chicken Cordon Bleu with Herb Butter is a delightful take on a classic dish that combines savory flavors with a hint of fresh herbs. This recipe gives a modern twist to the traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu by incorporating a luscious herb butter. It's a perfect choice if you're looking to impress with minimal fuss.
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Ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu with Herb Butter
Chicken breasts are the star of the dish, providing a lean protein base that's easy to work with. Swiss cheese and prosciutto are classic pairings in Chicken Cordon Bleu, offering a melty, savory center. The herb butter made with unsalted butter, parsley, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper brings a fresh and flavorful aroma. Flour, eggs, and a panko breadcrumb and Parmesan cheese mix create layers of coating for a crispy exterior. Finally, olive oil is used for browning, adding a light Mediterranean flavor.
Chicken Cordon Bleu with Herb Butter Tips & Tricks
- Ensure the butter is well-softened for easy mixing but not melted. This keeps the herb butter properly incorporated.
- If you don’t have prosciutto, thinly sliced ham is a great substitute.
- For an extra crispy texture, try air-frying the chicken instead of pan-frying.
Serving Ideas for Chicken Cordon Bleu with Herb Butter
Serve your Chicken Cordon Bleu with a side of steamed asparagus or a fresh garden salad to balance the richness. A glass of chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, pairs wonderfully with the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the chicken up to the browning step, then refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
- What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
- Regular breadcrumbs can be used, but the texture might be slightly less crispy.
- How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
- The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). A meat thermometer is your best friend here!
Chicken Cordon Bleu with Herb Butter Recipe Walkthrough
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that's warming up, let's tackle the herb butter. In a small bowl, mix together your softened butter with parsley, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set this aside; it will soon work its magic inside your chicken.
Next, grab your chicken breasts. You want to cut a pocket into each one — think of it like a little pouch waiting to be filled with goodness. Into each pocket, slide a slice of Swiss cheese, a slice of prosciutto, and about a tablespoon of the herb butter you made earlier.
Now for the coating: Dredge each stuffed chicken in flour, making sure it's evenly covered. Dip it into the beaten eggs, and then roll it in a mix of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese until it's fully coated.
Heat your olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet. You want to brown them for about 3 minutes on each side until they're golden and crispy. The aroma at this stage is fantastic!
Transfer the browned chicken to a baking dish and pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’re aiming for cooked-through chicken, so check for a nice, even doneness.
Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices settle and the flavors to meld perfectly.
Why This Chicken Cordon Bleu with Herb Butter Works
- The herb butter adds a fresh and aromatic twist to the traditional flavors.
- Combines crispy, cheesy, and savory elements in every bite.
- Easy to prepare ahead, making it perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings.
- Uses simple ingredients you likely have at home.
Ingredients
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 4 slices of prosciutto
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Step-by-step Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 2. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, parsley, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the herb butter.
- 3. Cut a pocket into each chicken breast and fill with a slice of Swiss cheese, a slice of prosciutto, and a tablespoon of herb butter.
- 4. Dredge each stuffed chicken breast in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- 5. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chicken breasts on each side until golden, about 3 minutes per side.
- 6. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
- 7. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.