Name: Chicken Cordon Bleu
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients: 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 6 to 7 ounces each (Ensure they are similar in size for even cooking.); 8 slices Thinly sliced ham (deli or Black Forest) (Avoid thick ham steaks for easier rolling.); 4 slices Swiss or Gruyère cheese (Can be sliced or shredded; both melt well.); 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs (For an extra crunch.); 1/2 cup All-purpose flour (For the breading process.); 2 large Eggs, beaten (For binding the breading.); 1 teaspoon Salt (For seasoning.); 1 teaspoon Pepper (For seasoning.); 1 teaspoon Garlic powder (For seasoning.); 1 teaspoon Paprika (For seasoning.); 2 tablespoons Butter or oil (For browning or baking.); 2 tablespoons Butter (For the sauce base.); 2 tablespoons Flour (For thickening.); 1 cup Warm milk (For the sauce.); 1/2 cup Chicken broth (For the sauce.); 1-2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (Adjust for taste.); 1 pinch Salt (To taste.); 1 pinch Black pepper (To taste.); optional Cream (For extra richness.)

Description

A comforting yet fancy dinner option that combines juicy chicken, salty ham, and gooey cheese, all encased in a crispy panko crust.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 6 to 7 ounces each (Ensure they are similar in size for even cooking.)
8 slices Thinly sliced ham (deli or Black Forest) (Avoid thick ham steaks for easier rolling.)
4 slices Swiss or Gruyère cheese (Can be sliced or shredded; both melt well.)
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs (For an extra crunch.)
1/2 cup All-purpose flour (For the breading process.)
2 large Eggs, beaten (For binding the breading.)
1 teaspoon Salt (For seasoning.)
1 teaspoon Pepper (For seasoning.)
1 teaspoon Garlic powder (For seasoning.)
1 teaspoon Paprika (For seasoning.)
2 tablespoons Butter or oil (For browning or baking.)

For the Creamy Dijon Sauce

2 tablespoons Butter (For the sauce base.)
2 tablespoons Flour (For thickening.)
1 cup Warm milk (For the sauce.)
1/2 cup Chicken broth (For the sauce.)
1-2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (Adjust for taste.)
1 pinch Salt (To taste.)
1 pinch Black pepper (To taste.)
optional Cream (For extra richness.)

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Instructions

Preparation

Set up your station with one plate of flour, one bowl of beaten eggs, and one plate of seasoned panko. Keep paper towels nearby and line a baking sheet with parchment.
Butterfly the chicken breasts and pound them gently to about a quarter inch thick. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Assembly

Fill each chicken breast with ham and cheese, then roll tightly, tucking in the edges. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
Coat the stuffed chicken with flour, dip in beaten eggs, and roll in seasoned panko. Let rest for 10 minutes.

Cooking

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) for baking, or prepare an air fryer at 380°F (193°C).
Bake for 22 to 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C) or air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, turning once.

For the Sauce

In a small pan, melt the butter, add flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in warm milk and chicken broth until thickened.
Stir in Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to taste. Keep warm until serving.

Notes

For a healthier twist, bake instead of pan-frying and consider using turkey instead of ham. Make ahead by assembling the rolls in the morning and refrigerating them until ready to bake.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food, French