Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices of ham
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Special equipment needed:
- Meat mallet
- Plastic wrap
- Toothpicks
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper

Step-by-step instructions:
a. Preheat oven to 400°F.
b. Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet until they are an even thickness.
c. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
d. Place a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on each chicken breast.
e. Roll up the chicken breasts and secure with toothpicks.
f. In a shallow dish, mix together flour, salt, and black pepper.
g. In another shallow dish, whisk together eggs and water.
h. In a third shallow dish, mix together breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
i. Dip each chicken breast in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and finally the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to coat well.
j. Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
k. Drizzle melted butter over the chicken breasts.
l. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
m. Remove toothpicks before serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
5. Temperature:
400°F
Serving size:
4 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 480
Fat: 23g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 45g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of ham, you can use prosciutto or bacon.
- Instead of Swiss cheese, you can use Gruyere or cheddar cheese.
- Instead of seasoned breadcrumbs, you can use panko breadcrumbs.

Variations:
- Instead of chicken breasts, you can use chicken thighs or pork tenderloin.
- Instead of ham and cheese, you can use spinach and feta cheese for a vegetarian option.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to pound the chicken breasts evenly so they cook evenly.
- Use toothpicks to secure the chicken rolls so they don't unravel.
- If the breadcrumbs are not sticking well, you can dip the chicken in flour again before dipping in the egg mixture.

Storage instructions:
Store leftover chicken cordon bleu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat chicken cordon bleu in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve chicken cordon bleu on a bed of mashed potatoes or with a side of roasted vegetables.

Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives.

Pairings:
Pair chicken cordon bleu with a crisp green salad or a side of garlic bread.

Suggested side dishes:
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, garlic bread, green salad.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the chicken is not cooked through after 25-30 minutes, you can cover it with foil and continue baking until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- If the breadcrumbs are burning before the chicken is cooked through, you can cover the chicken with foil and continue baking.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
Chicken cordon bleu is a classic French dish that originated in Switzerland.

Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, and salty.

Serving suggestions:
Serve chicken cordon bleu with a glass of white wine or a cold beer.

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Region: Swiss/French

Taste: Crispy, Savory, Cheesy, Tangy, Rich, Creamy