Traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 25 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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If you're looking for a dish that's perfect for impressing guests or just elevating your everyday dinner, Traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu is your go-to. This classic recipe combines tender chicken, savory ham, and creamy Swiss cheese into a delightful roll that’s crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.

Ingredients for Traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu

For this dish, you'll start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. These serve as the canvas for your fillings. The Swiss cheese provides a mild, creamy flavor that pairs beautifully with the salty richness of the ham. The all-purpose flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs make up the coating, giving the chicken that perfect crispy exterior. Seasonings like salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder add depth to the flavor profile. You'll use vegetable oil and a touch of unsalted butter for frying, and fresh parsley as a garnish to add a pop of color and freshness.

Tips & Tricks

  • Pound the chicken evenly to prevent uneven cooking.
  • Use toothpicks to secure the rolls well; just remember to remove them before serving!
  • Don’t skip the searing step; it locks in juices and adds flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Chicken Cordon Bleu with a side of buttery mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad. For a lighter option, roasted vegetables like asparagus or brussels sprouts make an excellent pairing. A drizzle of homemade cream sauce or a light mustard sauce can also enhance the flavor profile wonderfully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyere or even cheddar for a different flavor twist.
What if I don’t have a meat mallet?
No worries! A rolling pin or even a heavy skillet will work to flatten the chicken.

Traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it's ready to go once you've seared your chicken rolls. Next, take your chicken breasts and pound them to about 1/4 inch thickness. This step ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and is thin enough to roll easily. Place each breast between two sheets of plastic wrap to keep your workspace clean and the chicken intact.

Once your chicken is flattened, place a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese onto each breast. Roll them up tightly and secure with toothpicks. This will keep the fillings intact while you work through the rest of the process. Season your flour with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, then dredge each chicken roll in this seasoned flour.

Beat the eggs in a shallow dish. Dip each floured roll into the eggs, ensuring they are fully coated. Then, press each roll into breadcrumbs, making sure they're well-covered to form that crispy outer layer. Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken roll, placing them seam side down first, until they are golden brown on all sides. This should take about 5 minutes per roll.

Transfer the seared rolls to a baking dish and pop them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. You’ll want to ensure the chicken is cooked through and the cheese inside is nicely melted. Once done, remove the toothpicks and serve with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of flavors and textures — crispy, savory, and cheesy.
  • Great for special occasions or a fancy weeknight treat.
  • Easy to make ahead and bake when you're ready.
  • Customizable with different cheeses or meats.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
4 slices of Swiss cheese
4 slices of ham
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Pound each chicken breast to about 1/4 inch thickness between two sheets of plastic wrap.
3. Place a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on each breast, then roll it up tightly and secure with toothpicks.
4. Season the flour with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Dredge each chicken roll in the seasoned flour.
5. Beat the eggs in a shallow dish. Dip each floured roll into the eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs, pressing to adhere.
6. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken roll, seam side down, until golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes per roll.
7. Transfer the rolls to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
8. Remove toothpicks before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.

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