Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu:
Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu is a delightful twist on the classic French dish, bringing together tender chicken breasts, savory ham, and creamy Swiss cheese in a culinary masterpiece that is as elegant as it is comforting. In this delectable rendition, succulent chicken breasts are carefully pounded to perfection, ensuring even cooking and a tender texture that melts in your mouth with every bite.
The chicken breasts serve as the canvas for this culinary masterpiece, providing a hearty base for the layers of flavor that follow. Thin slices of premium ham are delicately draped over each chicken breast, adding a savory depth that perfectly complements the tender meat. Next comes a generous layer of creamy Swiss cheese, its mild and nutty flavor intertwining with the other ingredients to create a symphony of taste.
Once assembled, the chicken breasts are lovingly rolled, enveloping the ham and cheese in a cozy embrace that promises a burst of flavor with every forkful. Carefully secured with toothpicks or kitchen twine, the chicken parcels are then placed in the oven to bake to golden perfection, allowing the flavors to meld together and the cheese to become gloriously molten.
As the Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu bakes, the aroma of roasting chicken, savory ham, and melting cheese fills the kitchen, tantalizing the senses and whetting the appetite. When the dish emerges from the oven, its golden exterior beckons with the promise of culinary delight, while the melted cheese oozes from within, creating a tempting display that is as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Each bite of Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu is a revelation, a harmonious blend of tender chicken, savory ham, and creamy cheese that dances on the palate and satisfies the soul. The flavors are rich and complex, yet comforting and familiar, evoking memories of home-cooked meals and cherished family gatherings. With its combination of elegance and simplicity, Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu is sure to become a beloved favorite in any kitchen, delighting diners of all ages with its irresistible charm and irresistible flavor.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 4 slices of Swiss cheese
– 4 thin slices of deli ham
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Lay each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a rolling pin or meat mallet, gently pound the chicken to about 1/4-inch thickness.
3. Place a slice of cheese and a slice of ham on each chicken breast, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Carefully roll up each breast, securing with toothpicks if necessary to keep them closed.
5. In a shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
6. Brush each chicken roll-up with Dijon mustard, then dredge in flour, dip into the beaten egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
7. Arrange the breaded roll-ups in the prepared baking dish and drizzle with melted butter.
8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
9. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. And remember to remove those toothpicks!
Variations & Tips
For the little ones or those with simpler tastes, try using just cheese in the roll-up, or swap the Swiss for a milder cheese like mozzarella. If you’re short on time, you don’t need to pound the chicken breasts flat; just make a pocket in each one and stuff with the ham and cheese. For an extra crispy crust, consider mixing in some grated Parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs. And for a gluten-free version, almond flour and crushed gluten-free cereal make great substitutes for the breadcrumbs and flour. Remember, cooking is all about making each recipe feel like your own, so don’t be afraid to tweak things to suit your family’s tastes. Enjoy, and let the warmth of a home-cooked meal bring everyone together at the table tonight.
