How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu

Serve the rich chicken cordon bleu with a side of steamed vegetables.

Chicken cordon bleu is a rich main course consisting of meat, usually chicken or veal, wrapped with rich cheese and ham then breaded and cooked. The "cordon bleu" means "blue ribbon" in French and refers to the fact that this dish is high quality - at least when prepared correctly. Serve the chicken bundle with steamed vegetables and rice to offset the richness of the cheese. Add an Italian twist by substituting prosciutto for the traditional ham slices.

Things You'll Need

• Wax paper
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Rolling pin
• 8 slices Swiss or Gruyere cheese
• 8 slices ham, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp. parsley
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 4 tbsp. butter

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place four boneless skinless chicken breasts between two pieces of waxed paper. Use a heavy rolling pin to flatten the breasts, pressing over them repeatedly until they reach a thickness of about 1/4 inch.

2. Place flattened chicken in a glass baking dish coated with cooking spray. Salt and pepper both sides of the breasts, to taste. Place two slices of cheese and two slices of ham on the top of each breast. Top with a sprinkling of parsley.

3. Beat two eggs in a small bowl. Pour 1 cup panko bread crumbs in another small bowl. Roll one chicken breast, starting at one end and rolling in toward the other end so that the cheese and ham ends up inside. Hold the roll shut and dip it first into the egg and then into the bread crumbs, pressing to coat well. Place the coated roll back in the pan, seam side down. Repeat with the other chicken breasts.

4. Put 1 tbsp. of butter on each of the rolled chicken breasts. Place in the oven and cook for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the bread crumbs are well browned but not burnt. Serve warm.

References

• Food Network: Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
• Easy French Food: Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe