If you’re looking to impress your dinner guests or simply want to try something new in the kitchen, cordon bleu stuffed chicken breast is the perfect dish to try. This classic French recipe combines tender chicken breast with a delicious filling of ham and cheese, resulting in a mouthwatering and flavorful main course. Best of all, it’s surprisingly easy to make!
To start, you’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced ham, and your choice of cheese. Swiss or Gruyère are traditional options, but feel free to experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite combination. The chicken breasts should be pounded to an even thickness, which will help ensure that they cook evenly. This also creates a nice, flat surface for rolling.
Next, lay a slice of ham and a slice of cheese over each chicken breast. Be generous with the filling, as this is what gives cordon bleu its signature taste. Roll up the chicken breast, securing it with toothpicks to hold its shape during cooking. The toothpicks can be removed before serving, so don’t worry about them being a hassle.
Once your chicken breasts are rolled and secured, it’s time to cook them. Heat some olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Make sure to adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
After the chicken is cooked, you can serve it immediately or let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Cordon bleu stuffed chicken breast pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted potatoes or steamed vegetables. It’s a versatile dish that is sure to impress and satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. So why not give it a try and elevate your next dinner to restaurant-quality levels?
Preparation of cordon bleu stuffed chicken breast
To prepare the cordon bleu stuffed chicken breast, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices of ham
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Here are the steps to prepare the cordon bleu stuffed chicken breast:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Place a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on each chicken breast.
- Roll up the chicken breast tightly, making sure that the filling is enclosed.
- In a shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Dip each chicken breast into the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured chicken breast into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Roll the chicken breast in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it is evenly coated.
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the breaded chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Transfer the browned chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the cordon bleu stuffed chicken breasts from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Once the cordon bleu stuffed chicken breasts are cooked and rested, you can serve them with your favorite side dishes such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad. Enjoy!
Gather the necessary ingredients
Before you begin cooking cordon bleu stuffed chicken breast, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here is a list of what you’ll need:
Ingredients for the chicken: | |
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts | |
4 slices of ham | |
4 slices of Swiss or Gruyere cheese | |
1/4 cup all-purpose flour | |
1/2 teaspoon salt | |
1/4 teaspoon black pepper | |
1/2 teaspoon paprika | |
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder | |
1/4 teaspoon onion powder | |
2 eggs | |
2 tablespoons milk | |
1 cup breadcrumbs | |
Ingredients for the sauce: | |
2 tablespoons butter | |
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour | |
1 cup milk | |
1 cup shredded Swiss or Gruyere cheese | |
Salt and pepper to taste |
Make sure you have all these ingredients before starting the cooking process.
Pound the chicken breast to flatten it
Before stuffing the chicken breast with delicious cordon bleu goodness, it’s important to pound the chicken breast to make it flat. This not only helps to tenderize the meat, but it also allows for even cooking.
Start by placing the chicken breast on a clean cutting board. Cover the chicken breast with plastic wrap to prevent any juices from splattering. Using a meat mallet or a rolling pin, gently pound the chicken breast until it is about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Be careful not to pound too hard, as you don’t want to tear the meat.
Pounding the chicken breast will help to ensure that it cooks evenly and that the stuffing stays securely inside. Plus, it’s a great way to relieve some stress!
Tip: If your chicken breast is particularly thick, you can also butterfly it before pounding. To butterfly the chicken breast, make a lengthwise cut along one side, being careful not to cut all the way through. Open it up like a book and then proceed to pound it.
Now that your chicken breast is flattened and ready to go, it’s time to stuff it with all the delicious cordon bleu ingredients!
Prepare the filling for the cordon bleu
To make the filling for the cordon bleu stuffed chicken breasts, you will need the following ingredients:
- Ham: Choose your favorite type of ham, such as smoked or honey-glazed. Slice it into thin pieces.
- Swiss cheese: Use high-quality Swiss cheese and slice it into thin pieces.
- Mustard: Dijon mustard works great for this recipe.
- Salt and pepper: Add salt and pepper to taste.
Begin by laying the chicken breasts flat on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket into each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the side of the breast but not all the way through. Be careful not to cut all the way through as you want to create a pocket to hold the filling.
Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard inside each pocket, then layer a piece of ham and Swiss cheese on top. Repeat this process for each chicken breast. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken breasts.
Once you have filled each chicken breast, use toothpicks to secure the pockets closed and prevent the filling from falling out during cooking.
Your cordon bleu filling is now ready to be cooked and enjoyed!
Stuff the chicken breast with the filling
To make cordon bleu stuffed chicken breast, you will need to stuff the breasts with a delicious filling. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Using a sharp knife, make a horizontal cut in each chicken breast to create a pocket.
- Season the inside of the pocket with salt and pepper.
- Fill each pocket with a slice of ham and a slice of cheese, ensuring that the fillings are evenly distributed.
- Close the pocket by inserting a toothpick or using kitchen twine to secure the opening.
- Season the outside of the chicken breast with salt and pepper.
- Repeat the process for each chicken breast.
By stuffing the chicken breast with ham and cheese, you will create a burst of flavor in every bite when you cook the cordon bleu stuffed chicken breast. Now that the chicken breasts are stuffed, you are ready to move on to the next step in the recipe.
Coat the stuffed chicken breast with breadcrumbs
Once the chicken breasts are stuffed with ham and cheese, it’s time to coat them with breadcrumbs. This step is important as it adds a crispy texture to the dish.
Start by spreading a layer of breadcrumbs onto a plate or shallow dish. You can use regular breadcrumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs for added flavor. Spread the breadcrumbs evenly so that they cover the entire surface of the chicken breast.
In a separate bowl, beat one or two eggs. The eggs will act as a binding agent and help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the beaten eggs for extra seasoning.
Dip each stuffed chicken breast into the beaten eggs, making sure it is fully coated. Allow any excess egg mixture to drip off before transferring the chicken to the breadcrumbs.
Coating Tips:
Use one hand for wet and one hand for dry: To avoid getting your hands too messy, it’s best to use one hand for dipping the chicken into the egg mixture and the other hand for coating it with breadcrumbs. This will help keep the breadcrumbs dry and prevent them from clumping.
Press the breadcrumbs firmly: After dipping the chicken in the egg mixture, gently press it into the breadcrumbs. This will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken and create a nice, even coating.
Once the chicken breast is fully coated in breadcrumbs, place it on a clean plate or wire rack. Repeat the process for the remaining stuffed chicken breasts.
Note: If you prefer a thicker coating, you can repeat the dipping and coating process a second time, starting with the egg mixture and ending with the breadcrumbs.
Now that your stuffed chicken breasts are coated with breadcrumbs, they are ready to be cooked. Follow the next steps in the recipe to finish preparing your delicious cordon bleu stuffed chicken breast.
FAQ
How long does it take to cook cordon bleu stuffed chicken breast?
The cooking time for cordon bleu stuffed chicken breast varies depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breast. However, on average, it takes about 25-30 minutes to cook in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C).
What ingredients are needed to make cordon bleu stuffed chicken breast?
To make cordon bleu stuffed chicken breast, you will need boneless, skinless chicken breast, Swiss cheese, ham slices, breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, eggs, salt, pepper, and oil for frying.
Can I use different types of cheese in cordon bleu stuffed chicken breast?
Yes, you can use different types of cheese in cordon bleu stuffed chicken breast, depending on your taste preferences. Swiss cheese is traditionally used, but you can also use Gruyère, provolone, or even cheddar cheese.
Is it possible to make a vegetarian version of cordon bleu stuffed chicken breast?
Yes, it is possible to make a vegetarian version of cordon bleu stuffed chicken breast. Instead of using chicken breast, you can use tofu, seitan, or even Portobello mushrooms as a substitute. You can also replace the ham with vegetarian bacon or skip it altogether.
Can I use a different cooking method instead of frying for cordon bleu stuffed chicken breast?
Yes, you can use a different cooking method instead of frying for cordon bleu stuffed chicken breast. You can bake it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes until golden and cooked through. This method is healthier and reduces the amount of oil used in the recipe.