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To make easy chicken cordon bleu, you need a few simple items. Here’s what you will gather: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 4 slices of Swiss cheese - 4 slices of ham (choose between smoked or honey) - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil or cooking spray With these ingredients, you can create a dish that is both delicious and impressive. The chicken breasts serve as a tender base, while the ham and cheese bring creamy, savory goodness. The flour, eggs, and panko breadcrumbs create a golden crust. This recipe uses simple flavors, but they come together beautifully. You can find the full recipe to guide you through each step. - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Place each chicken breast between plastic wrap. - Pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. - Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. - Lay one slice of ham on each chicken breast. - Add a slice of Swiss cheese on top of the ham. - Roll the chicken from the short end tightly. - Secure each roll with toothpicks to hold it together. - Set up a breading station with three bowls: flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. - Dip each roll first in flour, shaking off the extra. - Next, coat it in the eggs, letting the excess drip off. - Finally, roll it in breadcrumbs, pressing gently for a good coat. - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. - Add the chicken rolls seam-side down when the oil is hot. - Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden. - Transfer the rolls to a baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes. - Check that the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) inside. - Remove toothpicks before serving and let rest for a few minutes. For the full recipe, refer to the section above. - Use a meat mallet for even pounding. This helps the chicken cook evenly. - Ensure good seasoning for flavor. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika are key. - Maintain the optimal frying temperature. This should be medium heat, around 350°F (175°C). - To check the internal temperature, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). - Slice each roll in half to show the melted cheese and ham inside. This makes it look appealing. - Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley and lemon wedges. This adds color and freshness to your dish. For the full recipe, check out the crispy chicken cordon bleu above. {{image_4}} You can change the cheese in Chicken Cordon Bleu. Instead of Swiss cheese, try cheddar for a sharp taste. Gouda gives a creamy flavor that many love. You can also switch the ham for turkey if you want a lighter meal. Chicken bacon works well too, adding a crispy bite to the dish. For a gluten-free version, swap panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives like crushed rice cereal. Almond flour is a great choice instead of regular flour. It adds a nice nutty flavor and keeps the dish gluten-free. Always check labels to ensure your ingredients meet gluten-free standards. Want to kick up the taste? Add herbs like thyme or rosemary to your breadcrumb mixture. This gives your Chicken Cordon Bleu a fragrant twist. You can also use flavored oils for frying. Garlic-infused olive oil brings a lovely aroma. Try using chili oil for a spicy kick, making the dish your own. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To store leftovers safely, place the chicken cordon bleu in an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and prevents drying out. Always let your chicken cool to room temperature first. Then, cover it and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. This helps keep it fresh. For best practices to maintain freshness, consume leftovers within three days. Reheating multiple times can reduce quality. If you plan to eat it later, just take out what you need. To freeze cooked rolls, first, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap. After wrapping, place them in a freezer bag. This keeps air out and prevents freezer burn. When you're ready to eat, thaw the rolls overnight in the fridge. For reheating, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. This ensures they heat evenly and stay crispy. Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to three days. After that, they may not taste as good. Signs the dish may no longer be good include a sour smell, off-color, or slimy texture. If you see any of these signs, it's best to throw it away. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. To make Chicken Cordon Bleu from scratch, start with chicken breasts. Pound them flat to about 1/2 inch thick. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Lay a slice of ham and cheese on each piece of chicken. Roll them up and secure with toothpicks. Bread the rolls in flour, eggs, and panko. Fry them in oil until golden, then bake to finish cooking. You can find the full recipe for more details. Yes, you can bake Chicken Cordon Bleu for a healthier option. To do this, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). After breading the chicken rolls, place them in a baking dish. Lightly spray the rolls with cooking spray for a crispy texture. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Many side dishes pair well with Chicken Cordon Bleu. Here are a few ideas: - Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans - Mashed potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes - A fresh side salad with vinaigrette - Rice or quinoa for a hearty option To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be 165°F (75°C). You can also cut into the roll and look for clear juices. If the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink, your chicken is ready to serve. In this post, we covered how to make Chicken Cordon Bleu from scratch. You learned about the key ingredients like chicken, Swiss cheese, and ham. I walked you through easy steps, from prepping the chicken to cooking it perfectly. We explored tips for beginners and variations to suit your taste. Remember to store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. Enjoy making this dish and impressing your friends and family with your cooking skills! This recipe is fun and rewarding. Happy cooking!

Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu

Discover the ultimate Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe that will impress your family and friends! This delicious dish combines tender chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese for a flavor explosion. With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, you'll have a restaurant-quality meal at home. Don’t miss out on the crispy, golden goodness—click through to explore the recipe and elevate your dinner tonight!

Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

4 slices of Swiss cheese

4 slices of ham (choose between smoked or honey)

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten until smooth

1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for a delightful crunch)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil or cooking spray for frying

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is ready for the chicken once fried.

    Prepare each chicken breast by placing it between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or a rolling pin, gently pound the chicken until it is an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures even cooking.

      Generously season both sides of each chicken breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for flavorful depth.

        On each seasoned chicken breast, lay one slice of ham followed by a slice of Swiss cheese, ensuring to leave a small border around the edges to prevent spilling when rolled.

          Starting from the short end, carefully roll up the chicken tightly, creating a neat log. Secure each roll with toothpicks to hold everything in place during cooking.

            Set up a breading station by placing the flour in one shallow bowl, the beaten eggs in a second bowl, and the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl. This will streamline the coating process.

              Take each chicken roll and first dip it in the flour to coat, shaking off any excess. Next, immerse it in the beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip off, and finally roll it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well.

                Heat a skillet over medium heat and add enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan generously. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the chicken rolls seam-side down. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they achieve a golden, crispy exterior.

                  Once fried, transfer the chicken rolls to a baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

                    After removing the chicken from the oven, carefully take out the toothpicks used for securing it. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the cheeses set a bit.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

                        - Presentation Tips: To present the chicken cordon bleu beautifully, slice each roll in half to showcase the oozy cheese and savory ham inside. Arrange the slices on a plate and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges to add a vibrant touch to your dish.