Description
Crispy Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu combines tender chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese in a golden breadcrumb coating. Home cooks can easily prepare this classic dish with simple ingredients and minimal kitchen effort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 4 slices Swiss cheese (or provolone)
- 4 slices ham (thinly sliced)
- 1 lg egg, beaten
- ¾ cup (90 g) panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
- ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tbsp (15 g) butter
- 1 tbsp (8 g) flour
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) salt
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) black pepper
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) garlic powder
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) paprika (optional, for color)
- ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) garlic powder
- ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) salt
- ¼ cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preparation: Unfold chicken breasts between plastic wrap, then flatten evenly using a meat mallet to create uniform thickness across each piece.
- Seasoning: Generously coat both sides of chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, massaging spices thoroughly into the meat’s surface.
- Layering: Place a slice of ham flat on the interior side of each chicken breast, then top with a precise slice of cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
- Rolling: Tightly roll the chicken from one end to the other, forming a compact cylindrical shape that completely envelops the ham and cheese filling.
- Securing: Position the rolled chicken with the seam facing downward, using toothpicks strategically to maintain the roll’s structure and prevent unraveling.
- Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F and transfer the prepared chicken rolls to a lightly greased baking dish, cooking for approximately 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the exterior develops a golden-brown crust.
- Resting: Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, tender final result.
Notes
- Prevent Meat Tearing: Use heavy-duty plastic wrap and apply gentle, even pressure when flattening chicken to avoid creating holes or uneven surfaces.
- Secure Rolling Technique: Insert toothpicks at slight angles to maintain roll structure and prevent filling from spilling during baking.
- Season Generously: Massage seasonings deeply into chicken to enhance flavor absorption and create a more robust taste profile.
- Temperature Control: Let chicken rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and more consistent cooking results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg