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To make Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu, you need a few key items. Start with: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 4 slices of ham (preferably Swiss or prosciutto) - 4 slices of Swiss cheese - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted These ingredients create a tasty and satisfying dish. Choose fresh chicken for the best flavor. Swiss cheese melts beautifully, adding creaminess. Ham gives a nice savory touch. Breadcrumbs add texture that you will love. You can enhance the taste even more with optional items. Try adding: - Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor - A pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat For dipping sauces, consider: - Honey mustard for sweetness - A lemony aioli for a fresh kick These additions will make your dish more personal and fun. You can find the full recipe above to guide you through each step. Enjoy experimenting! Preparing the chicken Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking. Next, take each chicken breast and place it between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or a rolling pin to flatten the chicken to about 1/2-inch thick. This step helps the chicken cook evenly and makes rolling easier. Assembling the filling Now, lay a slice of ham on each piece of chicken. I prefer Swiss or prosciutto for a rich flavor. Next, add a slice of Swiss cheese on top of the ham. Roll the chicken tightly around the filling. Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the rolls. This keeps everything inside as it cooks. Breading technique Set up your breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first, add all-purpose flour. In the second, beat two large eggs. In the third bowl, mix breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken roll in flour first. Shake off the excess. Then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to help it stick well. Baking instructions Place the breaded chicken rolls on a lined baking sheet. Drizzle melted butter over the tops for extra flavor and crunch. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You want the chicken to be cooked through and the coating to turn golden brown. Resting and slicing After baking, remove the rolls from the oven. Let them rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside. Carefully remove the toothpicks or twine before slicing. Cut each roll in half to show the melty cheese inside. Presentation tips For a beautiful presentation, serve the chicken on a platter. Add lemon wedges and a simple green salad on the side. This adds color and freshness to the meal. For the full recipe, check out the details provided. Enjoy your delicious creation! To make the best Chicken Cordon Bleu, focus on two key areas: even cooking and a crispy coating. - Ensuring even cooking: Start by pounding the chicken to an even thickness. This helps the chicken cook uniformly. Use a meat mallet or a rolling pin for this. When cooking, check the thickest part of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe to eat. - Achieving a crispy coating: Use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture. Before breading, make sure the chicken is dry. This helps the coating stick better. Drizzle melted butter on top before baking. This adds flavor and aids in browning. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your Chicken Cordon Bleu is perfect. - Over or underbaking the chicken: Keep an eye on the cooking time. If you bake too long, the chicken can dry out. If you bake too little, it may not be safe to eat. Aim for 25-30 minutes at 400°F (200°C) for best results. - Incorrect rolling techniques: Roll the chicken tightly but not too tight. If you roll too loosely, the filling might spill out. Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the rolls. This keeps the filling inside during cooking. Making these adjustments can elevate your dish. Use these tips to create a delightful Chicken Cordon Bleu. For the complete guide, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can mix things up by using different cheese and meat. Instead of Swiss, try mozzarella or cheddar. Each cheese brings its unique taste. For the meat, swap ham for turkey or even bacon. This change adds a new flavor twist to your dish. You can also add veggies for extra nutrition. Spinach or roasted red peppers work great inside the chicken. They add color and flavor while boosting health benefits. Just make sure to chop them small so they fit well. You have options on how to cook Chicken Cordon Bleu. Pan-frying gives a nice crisp outside. Heat oil in a pan and cook each roll until golden brown. This method is quick but requires attention to avoid burning. Baking is another great choice. It is hands-off and healthier. You still get a crispy coating when you bake at 400°F. Just follow the steps in the Full Recipe for perfect results. For a modern twist, use an air fryer. This method cooks the chicken quickly and gives it a crunchy texture. Set your air fryer to 375°F and cook for about 15-20 minutes. Check for doneness and enjoy a lighter version of this classic dish. To keep your Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu fresh, store leftovers properly. First, let the chicken cool completely at room temperature. Then, wrap each piece in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps prevent them from drying out. Place the wrapped chicken in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Label and date the container for easy tracking. For best taste, eat the leftovers within three days. If you need to store them longer, freeze the chicken. Wrap it tightly and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen chicken can last up to three months without losing quality. Reheating your chicken can be tricky. You want to avoid dryness while ensuring it’s hot. The best method is to use the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave in 30-second intervals until hot. This method is quick but may not keep the crispiness of the coating as well. For the full recipe, refer to the Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu section above. Can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare Chicken Cordon Bleu in advance. You can bread the chicken rolls and store them in the fridge. Just remember to bake them right before serving. This saves time on busy nights. What sides pair well with Chicken Cordon Bleu? Great sides include: - Steamed green beans - Mashed potatoes - Simple green salad - Roasted vegetables These options balance the rich flavors of the chicken. How can I modify the recipe for dietary preferences? To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. For a lower-fat option, use turkey ham and part-skim cheese. You can even add spinach for extra nutrition. What should I do if the cheese isn’t melting? If the cheese isn’t melting, it may be too thick. Thin it out by using a softer cheese. Also, ensure the chicken is cooked through. A longer bake time can help. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? Check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). You can also cut into the chicken. It should be white and juices should run clear. This tells you it’s ready to eat. We covered how to make Chicken Cordon Bleu from start to finish. You learned about the key ingredients and the step-by-step process for preparation, breading, and cooking. I shared helpful tips to avoid common mistakes and offered variations to suit your taste. Lastly, we discussed storage and reheating for later enjoyment. With this guide, you can create a delicious meal to impress family or friends. Enjoy your cooking and make it your own!

Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu

Indulge in the deliciousness of Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu with this easy recipe! Learn how to create tender chicken rolls filled with savory ham and melted Swiss cheese, all perfectly coated in a crispy panko breadcrumb layer. With simple steps and quick prep, you'll impress your family and friends at dinner. Click through to discover the full recipe and presentation tips for this mouthwatering meal that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

4 slices of ham (preferably Swiss or prosciutto)

4 slices of Swiss cheese

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to about 1/2-inch thickness.

      Lay a slice of ham followed by a slice of Swiss cheese on each flattened chicken breast. Roll the chicken tightly around the filling, securing it with toothpicks or kitchen twine.

        Set up a breading station: in one shallow bowl, place the flour. In a second bowl, add the beaten eggs. In a third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

          Dredge each chicken roll first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

            Transfer the breaded chicken rolls to the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the melted butter over the tops of the rolls.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown.

                Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before carefully removing the toothpicks or twine.

                  Slice the chicken rolls in half to reveal the melty cheese inside. Garnish with chopped parsley.

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve on a platter with a side of lemon wedges and a simple green salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!