Spicy Chicken Cordon Bleu with Jalapeño and Pepper Jack

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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If you're a fan of classic Chicken Cordon Bleu but crave a bit more heat, this Spicy Chicken Cordon Bleu with Jalapeño and Pepper Jack is just for you. It's a delightful twist on a traditional dish that balances the savory flavors of ham and cheese with the spicy kick of jalapeños. Perfect for those who love a little adventure in their meals.

Ingredients for Spicy Chicken Cordon Bleu with Jalapeño and Pepper Jack

You'll start with juicy chicken breasts, which provide a solid base for the dish. The ham adds a touch of salty goodness, perfectly complementing the creamy and spicy pepper jack cheese. By finely chopping jalapeños, you introduce a delightful heat that cuts through the richness. The breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese create a crispy, savory coating, while spices like smoked paprika and cayenne pepper enhance the overall flavor profile. Finally, olive oil is used for browning, giving the chicken a beautiful golden color before baking.

Tips & Tricks

  • Pounding chicken evenly ensures uniform cooking and tenderness.
  • Secure rolls tightly with toothpicks to prevent filling from leaking out.
  • For extra crispiness, double-coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
  • If the cheese starts to ooze out while baking, it's a sign they’re almost done!

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a light garden salad. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside garlic mashed potatoes or a creamy risotto. A crisp, chilled white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc complements the spicy flavors beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Swiss cheese can be used for a more traditional flavor, or try cheddar for a different twist.
How can I make this less spicy?
Simply reduce or omit the jalapeños and cayenne pepper for a milder version.
Can this be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the chicken rolls a day before and store them in the fridge. Bake them when you're ready to serve.

Spicy Chicken Cordon Bleu with Jalapeño and Pepper Jack Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it's ready to go once your chicken is prepared. Take your chicken breasts and pound them to an even thickness; this ensures they cook uniformly and stay juicy. Next, layer each breast with a slice of ham, followed by a slice of pepper jack cheese, and a sprinkle of jalapeños for that spicy kick.

Roll up each chicken breast tightly and secure it with toothpicks to keep everything in place. Now, set up your dredging station with three bowls: one with flour, another with beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Dredge each chicken roll in flour, then dip it in the egg, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring every part is well-covered.

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown each chicken roll on all sides; this will take about 4-5 minutes. Once browned, transfer them to a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Let them rest for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines the classic comfort of Chicken Cordon Bleu with a spicy twist.
  • Uses pepper jack cheese for a creamy texture and extra kick.
  • Easy to prepare yet impressive enough for guests.
  • Bakes to perfection with a crispy, flavorful crust.

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 slices of ham
4 slices of pepper jack cheese
2 jalapeños, finely chopped
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
3. Layer each breast with a slice of ham, a slice of pepper jack cheese, and a sprinkle of jalapeños.
4. Roll up the chicken breasts and secure with toothpicks.
5. Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
6. Dredge each rolled chicken in flour, dip in egg, and coat with breadcrumb mixture.
7. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown each chicken roll on all sides.
8. Transfer to a baking dish and bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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