Description
Savory chicken cordon bleu delivers Swiss cheese and ham wrapped in golden crispy chicken, nestled beside tender roasted asparagus. Succulent flavors and elegant presentation make this classic dish a memorable centerpiece you’ll want to share with friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices of ham (preferably Swiss or Black Forest)
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1 cup fresh asparagus, trimmed
Breading Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (120 grams) breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crunch)
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray for baking
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap and gently pound until uniformly thin, creating an even surface for rolling.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to enhance the flavor profile.
- Layer ham slices, Swiss cheese, and asparagus pieces across each chicken breast, ensuring even distribution of fillings.
- Carefully roll chicken from one end, enclosing the ingredients tightly. Secure each roll with toothpicks or kitchen twine to maintain shape during cooking.
- Create a three-part breading station: one dish with flour, another with beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs for comprehensive coating.
- Dredge each chicken roll first in flour, then dip in eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure adherence.
- Arrange breaded chicken rolls seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Lightly drizzle or spray with olive oil to promote golden browning.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the exterior turns a crisp, golden brown.
- Remove from oven and allow rolls to rest briefly. Carefully remove toothpicks or twine before slicing into rounds.
- Plate and serve immediately, pairing with a complementary side dish to complete the meal.
Notes
- Select chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Pound chicken carefully to prevent tearing, using gentle and consistent pressure for an ideal thickness.
- Opt for high-quality Swiss cheese and ham for richer flavor and better melting properties.
- Keep breading light and even to achieve a crispy golden exterior without overwhelming the delicate chicken.
- Consider using panko breadcrumbs for extra crunchiness and lighter coating.
- Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary in the breading for added aromatic complexity.
- Substitute ham with prosciutto or turkey for alternative protein options.
- For gluten-free adaptation, replace wheat flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Allow chicken to rest after pounding to help proteins relax and prevent meat from becoming tough during cooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 160mg