Introduction
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a delicious and elegant dish that combines tender chicken breast, ham, and cheese in a crispy coating. Perfect for special occasions or a satisfying family dinner, this recipe is both simple to follow and impressive to serve. In this article, you’ll find a detailed recipe along with step-by-step instructions to help you create this classic dish at home.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Chicken Cordon Bleu:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– 6 slices Swiss cheese (or Gruyère, if preferred)
– 4 slices deli ham
– 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon butter
For the Sauce:
– 1 can cream of chicken soup
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Prep Time
Preparation time for this Chicken Cordon Bleu is approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on your kitchen skills and experience with handling chicken.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is around 30-35 minutes. Therefore, the total time from start to finish is approximately 50-55 minutes. This recipe yields 4 servings, making it ideal for a family meal or small gathering.
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Gently pound them with a meat mallet until they are about ¼-inch thick. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Dip each flattened chicken breast into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated. Lay one slice of ham and one slice of Swiss cheese on top of each piece. Roll up the chicken tightly, tucking in the sides, and secure with toothpicks.
4. Spread the seasoned bread crumbs evenly on a plate. Roll each chicken bundle in the bread crumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
5. Place the rolled chicken in the prepared baking dish. Top each piece with a small pat of butter. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
6. Remove the dish from the oven. Place an additional half-slice of Swiss cheese on each roll. Return to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts.
7. While the chicken bakes, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and lemon juice. Heat until warm and smooth, then reduce the heat to low to keep warm.
8. Remove the toothpicks from the chicken rolls. Serve immediately, drizzling the creamy sauce over the top or serving it on the side.
Enjoy your homemade Chicken Cordon Bleu!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Gently pound them with a meat mallet until they are about ¼-inch thick. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolls
Dip each flattened chicken breast into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated. Lay one slice of ham and one slice of Swiss cheese on top of each piece. Roll up the chicken tightly, tucking in the sides, and secure with toothpicks.
Step 4: Bread the Rolls
Spread the seasoned bread crumbs evenly on a plate. Roll each chicken bundle in the bread crumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
Step 5: Bake
Place the rolled chicken in the prepared baking dish. Top each piece with a small pat of butter. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
Step 6: Add Cheese Topping
Remove the dish from the oven. Place an additional half-slice of Swiss cheese on each roll. Return to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts.
Step 7: Prepare the Sauce
While the chicken bakes, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and lemon juice. Heat until warm and smooth, then reduce the heat to low to keep warm.
Step 8: Serve
Remove the toothpicks from the chicken rolls. Serve immediately, drizzling the creamy sauce over the top or serving it on the side.
Notes
Note 1:
Make sure to pound the chicken evenly to ensure even cooking.
Note 2:
Feel free to substitute the Swiss cheese with Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
Note 3:
The sauce can be adjusted with more lemon juice for added zest, depending on personal taste.
Note 4:
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven to enhance juiciness before serving.
Cook techniques
Pounding Chicken
Pounding chicken helps to tenderize the meat and ensure even cooking. Place the chicken between plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently pound with a meat mallet until about ¼-inch thick.
Rolling Chicken
When assembling the rolls, lay the ham and cheese on top of the flattened chicken and roll it tightly, tucking in the sides to prevent the filling from escaping during cooking.
Breading
To bread the chicken, dip each roll in the beaten egg before coating it in seasoned bread crumbs. This ensures an even and crisp outer layer when baked.
Baking
Bake the chicken in a preheated oven to allow the heat to cook the meat through. Adding a small pat of butter on top enhances flavor and helps achieve a golden-brown crust.
Melting Cheese
For the final touch, add a slice of cheese on top of the baked rolls during the last few minutes in the oven. This technique helps achieve a perfectly melted and gooey cheese topping.
Preparing Sauce
For the sauce, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Heating it gently on medium-low ensures a smooth consistency without curdling.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyère or even mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
Can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and assemble the rolls in advance. Just refrigerate them and bake when ready to serve.
Is there a substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream, providing a similar texture and tang.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear.
Can I freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled rolls before baking. Just thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
Conclusion
The Chicken Cordon Bleu is a delightful dish that combines the savory flavors of chicken, ham, and cheese, all wrapped up in a crispy coating. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also impressive enough to serve at any dinner gathering. With the creamy sauce enhancing the overall experience, it’s a perfect comfort food that everyone will love.
Cheesy Chicken Parmesan
A classic twist on a favorite, use breaded chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese for an Italian-inspired meal.
Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Spinach and Feta
For a lighter option, fill chicken breasts with a mixture of sautéed spinach, feta cheese, and herbs, then bake for a delicious Mediterranean flavor.
Chicken and Mushroom Alfredo
Create a rich and creamy pasta dish by adding sautéed chicken and mushrooms to fettuccine tossed in Alfredo sauce.
Herbed Lemon Grilled Chicken
Marinate chicken breasts in lemon juice, garlic, and your favorite herbs before grilling for a fresh, zesty flavor that pairs well with summer sides.
BBQ Chicken Roll-Ups
Spread BBQ sauce over flattened chicken breasts, add a slice of cheese and roll tight. Bake for a smoky-sweet flavor that’s perfect for picnics.
Buffalo Chicken Rolls
Fill chicken breasts with buffalo sauce and cream cheese, then roll and bake for a spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with blue cheese dressing.
