Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes stand out quite like Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu. Imagine tender chicken wrapped around layers of savory ham and rich Swiss cheese, all enveloped in a crispy breadcrumb coating. It’s a classic that never fails to impress and is sure to please everyone at the dinner table. This dish is perfect for special occasions or even a cozy weeknight meal, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Why should you give this dish a try? For starters, Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu combines simplicity with elegance. It’s a budget-friendly choice that brings a gourmet feel to your home cooking without the headaches of fine dining. This recipe is also kid-approved, meaning even your pickiest eaters are likely to ask for seconds! It’s a wonderful option for many occasions—from family dinners to festive gatherings, delight your guests with understated sophistication.
"These rolls of chicken, ham, and cheese were melt-in-your-mouth delicious! My family couldn’t get enough of them. I’ll definitely be making this again." – Satisfied Home Cook
Preparing Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu
Mastering this beloved dish isn’t as daunting as it seems. With a clear step-by-step process, you’ll find it easy to pull together some impressive flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll start by prepping the chicken, followed by creating your breading station, and finish with a crispy bake that fills the house with an irresistible aroma. Let’s walk you through this delightful culinary journey.
What You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients for a scrumptious meal:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 4 slices of ham
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for searing
The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability; for instance, you can swap out Swiss cheese for Gruyère or use turkey ham to cater to dietary preferences.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lay the chicken breasts flat on a clean surface. Place a slice of ham and cheese on each, rolling them up tightly and securing with toothpicks.
- Create a breading station: one plate with flour, another with beaten eggs, and a third with breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each chicken roll in flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear each roll until golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Arrange the chicken rolls in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- For the creamy sauce, combine Dijon mustard and cream in a small saucepan and gently heat until warm.
- Serve the chicken rolls hot, drizzled with the creamy sauce.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
How you serve your Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu can elevate the dining experience. Consider plating the chicken over a bed of sautéed spinach or alongside a vibrant salad for a splash of color. Roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes also create delightful sides. If you’re feeling fancy, add a sprig of parsley on top for presentation.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers? No problem! To keep your Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu fresh, allow it to cool completely before wrapping it in foil or placing it in an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, these delicious rolls freeze well; simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. When it’s time to eat, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Helpful Cooking Tips
Here are some tips to ensure your chicken rolls turn out perfectly:
- Pound the chicken breasts slightly for even cooking and easier rolling.
- For extra crunch, you might consider adding some grated Parmesan to the breadcrumbs.
- Be sure to let the skillet get hot enough before searing the chicken; this will help achieve a beautiful golden crust.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? You could try adding spinach or sun-dried tomatoes inside the rolls for an Italian-inspired version. For a spicy kick, consider adding a slice of pepper jack cheese instead of Swiss, or even making a herb-infused breadcrumb coating with Italian seasonings.
Your Questions Answered
-
What is the prep time for this recipe?
The preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, with an additional 30 minutes for baking. -
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap Swiss cheese for any cheese you prefer, such as provolone or cheddar. -
How can I ensure the chicken is cooked through?
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). -
Are there any good sides to serve with this dish?
Popular side dishes include green beans, a fresh garden salad, or rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
This Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe can become your go-to for easy, delicious meals that impress. Give it a try, and watch how quickly it becomes a family favorite!
Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken breasts Pound slightly for even cooking
- 4 slices ham Can substitute with turkey ham
- 4 slices Swiss cheese Can substitute with Gruyère or other cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs Consider adding grated Parmesan for extra crunch
- 1/2 cup flour For dredging
- 2 pieces eggs Beaten for breading
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard For the creamy sauce
- 1/2 cup cream For the creamy sauce
- to taste none Salt and pepper
- as needed none Olive oil For searing
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lay the chicken breasts flat on a clean surface. Place a slice of ham and cheese on each, rolling them up tightly and securing with toothpicks.
- Create a breading station: one plate with flour, another with beaten eggs, and a third with breadcrumbs.
Cooking
- Dredge each chicken roll in flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear each roll until golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Arrange the chicken rolls in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- For the creamy sauce, combine Dijon mustard and cream in a small saucepan and gently heat until warm.
- Serve the chicken rolls hot, drizzled with the creamy sauce.
