Chicken Cordon Bleu

Every time I make this Chicken Cordon Bleu, it takes me back to those lovely family gatherings we used to have on Sunday afternoons. I can almost hear the laughter ringing through the house and the faint sounds of clinking glasses as we raised a toast to every moment shared. The aroma of crispy chicken mingling with ham and Swiss cheese envelops my kitchen, filling it with warmth and comfort. When I serve it to my family, their eyes light up, and I know I’ve created something special. You’re going to love how easy it is to make this tender dish—it’ll become a delightful staple in your kitchen too!

How to make Chicken Cordon Bleu

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts: These are the stars of the dish! You want them nice and juicy.
• 4 slices of ham: The saltiness of the ham adds a delightful flavor contrast.
• 4 slices of Swiss cheese: Melty cheese is essential. You might even want to add extra!
• 1 cup breadcrumbs: These will give the chicken that beautiful crispy coating we all love.
• 2 eggs: A binding agent for your breadcrumbs. They help the coating stick perfectly.
• 1/2 cup flour: This is key for that initial dredging, which helps create the perfect crispy layer.
• 1/2 cup mustard: A wonderful tangy sauce that complements the dish beautifully.
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese: Because everything’s better with cheese, right?
• Salt and pepper to taste: Just a pinch for seasoning.
• Fresh garden salad (optional for serving): A lovely side to balance out the richness.
• Asparagus (optional for serving): A classic pairing that brings a fresh crunch.
• Roasted Rosemary Potatoes (optional for serving): These complement the dish perfectly!

I love adding fresh herbs like rosemary while roasting the potatoes—it makes everything smell and taste amazing!

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Trust me, this is key for that crispy skin!

2. While the oven is warming up, take those lovely chicken breasts out. You’ll want to pound them to an even thickness. This ensures that they cook evenly, and no one likes a dry piece of chicken, right?

3. Now comes the fun part! Take a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese and lay them flat on each chicken breast. Make sure every bit is covered. You want that cheesy goodness in every bite.

4. Roll up the chicken breasts tightly, making sure the ham and cheese are snug inside. Secure them with toothpicks so they hold their shape. You can even use kitchen twine if you prefer!

5. Set up a dredging station with three shallow dishes: one for flour, one for the beaten eggs, and one for breadcrumbs mixed with a pinch of salt and pepper.

6. First, dredge each chicken roll in the flour, making sure to shake off any excess. This helps the egg to stick better.

7. Next, dip the chicken in the beaten eggs, ensuring every part is well-coated. This is where the magic happens!

8. Finally, roll the chicken in the breadcrumbs. Press gently so they adhere nicely. You want those breadcrumbs to cling on for a crunchy finish.

9. Place your coated chicken rolls in a baking dish. Drizzle with a mix of mustard and Parmesan cheese. This is where the flavor really intensifies, so don’t skip this step!

10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. I can’t wait for you to smell that flavor wafting through the kitchen!

11. Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes—this helps keep it juicy. While it’s resting, you can prepare your garden salad, asparagus, or potatoes if you wish!

12. When you’re ready, slice the chicken rolls in half to reveal that beautiful cheesy center. Serve them with your chosen sides and watch everyone’s faces light up!

Why I Love Making This Dish

There’s something truly comforting about Chicken Cordon Bleu. For me, it’s more than just a meal; it’s a symbol of home. Every time I prepare it, I can feel the spirit of family and togetherness that has always been central to my life. It’s also fun to watch my grandchildren helping me in the kitchen. They love to help with the rolling and can’t wait to taste their handiwork. It’s a wonderful dish that brings everyone back to the table, sharing not just food but laughter and love too!

What You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy to whip up this meal; just your standard kitchen tools will do! Here’s a little list:

• A large wooden cutting board for prepping your chicken.
• A meat mallet or rolling pin for pounding the chicken.
• Three shallow bowls for dredging.
• A baking dish to bake the chicken, preferably one that’s large enough to fit all your rolls.
• Toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure your chicken rolls.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. First, preheat the oven to 375°F. Trust me, this is key for that crispy skin!
2. Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
3. Place ham and Swiss cheese on each chicken breast.
4. Roll the chicken and secure with toothpicks.
5. Dredge the chicken in flour, then dip in beaten eggs.
6. Coat with breadcrumbs and place in a baking dish.
7. Drizzle with mustard and Parmesan.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
9. Let rest before slicing and serving!

Tips for Perfect Results

• For an extra crispy coating, try letting your breadcrumbs toast in the oven for a few minutes before using them—this makes all the difference!
• Don’t be shy with the seasoning. A little extra salt and pepper can elevate the flavor beautifully.
• If you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese like cheddar or pepper jack for a spicy twist.

Serving Suggestions and Sides

I adore serving Chicken Cordon Bleu with a fresh garden salad sprinkled with generous bits of cucumber and cherry tomatoes for a pop of color. Asparagus roasted with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt adds texture and health benefits too! And let’s not forget about those roasted rosemary potatoes—I promise you, they pair together like a dream.

Leftovers

Now, if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they can easily be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. When reheating, I suggest doing it in the oven to regain that lovely crispiness. A few minutes should do the trick—you might even want to cover them with foil to keep them moist.

FAQ Section

Can I use boneless chicken?
You can, but trust me, the bone-in version is so much more flavorful. I’ve tried both, and bone-in is always juicier!

What dipping sauce pairs well with Chicken Cordon Bleu?
I love serving a simple mustard sauce on the side. It complements the flavors beautifully and adds a nice tang!

Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken rolls and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to eat.

Is Chicken Cordon Bleu kid-friendly?
Oh, definitely! My grandkids love it! The cheesy center makes it a hit with the little ones, and it’s an excellent way to get them involved in cooking.

This dish has become a favorite in my house, and I’m so excited for you to try it. With its warm, comforting flavors and its deliciously crisp exterior, I know you’ll love it just as much as I do! When you make this for your family, I bet they won’t stop talking about it—just like mine doesn’t! Let me know how it turns out, and don’t be surprised if they start asking for seconds. Happy cooking!