How to Make Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu

An elegant but simple adaptation of a delicious French meal, baked instead of fried. This recipe serves four but can be modified easily for more. Glazed carrots and salad make excellent side dishes.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 2 1/2 cups flour
• 1 egg white
• 1 tsp. water
• 2 cups bread crumbs
• 1 pinch pepper
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 4 slices of deli ham
• 3 tblsp. butter
• 2 tblsp. lemon juice
• 4 wooden toothpicks

1. Slice open the chicken with a knife and insert a slice of Swiss and a slice of ham in each one. Carefully skewer them closed with the toothpicks.

2. Stir the egg white and water together; in a separate bowl, combine flour and pepper until well blended. The bowls should be big enough to lay the individual chicken breasts flat for coating.

3. Grease a glass casserole dish or a baking pan for the chicken and set nearby.

4. Dip each chicken breast in the egg, then roll in flour. Dip in the egg again, then roll in breadcrumbs. Set each finished piece of chicken on the pan.

5. Repeat with each chicken breast until they are thoroughly coated. Bake the chicken on 350 until it reaches the desired temperature (180) or until brown and crispy.

6. Combine butter and lemon in a saucepan until they melt together. Pour over top of chicken cordon bleu as a sauce.

Tips & Warnings

• Provolone and Bruschietta make excellent alternatives for the swiss and ham.
• If you prefer, the chicken breasts can be tied closed with clean, new embroidery thread; simply snip and remove before serving.
• Make sure the meat thermometer is inserted in the chicken meat itself, since the cheese heats quickly and conveys a higher temperature when measured.

[westernmom]

on 3/27/2009 I'm making this tonight! Great recipe and a favorite of ours. 5* and a recommend!