Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu: A Delicious and Elegant Dish

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a timeless dish that combines tender chicken, savory ham, and melted cheese, all wrapped in a golden breadcrumb crust. This updated version features a few extra ingredients to elevate the flavors, making it a perfect centerpiece for any dinner party or family meal. Easy to prepare yet irresistibly delicious, it’s guaranteed to impress!

Ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu

• 2 large skinless, boneless chicken breasts, butterflied
• Dijon mustard, as needed
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (mixed peppercorns recommended)
• Ground Himalayan sea salt, to taste
• 4 slices thin Black Forest ham (or substitute with Prosciutto di Parma)
• 4–6 slices thin Jarlsberg cheese, or as needed
• 2 tbsp unbleached all-purpose flour (15 g)
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (0.5 g)
• 1 large free-run egg, beaten
• 3/4 cup Panko® breadcrumbs (40 g)
• 1/2 tsp Herbes de Provence (1 g)
• 1/4 tsp garlic salt (0.5 g)
• 1 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (20 g)
• 2 tbsp canola oil, or more as needed (30 mL)

Instructions for Making Chicken Cordon Bleu

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lay a sheet of plastic wrap over the butterflied chicken breasts. Using a meat tenderizer, pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm).
3. Spread Dijon mustard over the entire surface of each chicken breast and season with freshly ground black pepper and Himalayan sea salt.
4. Lay 2 slices of ham on each chicken breast, followed by slices of Jarlsberg cheese. Tuck in the ends of the chicken, then roll tightly into a roulade.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

1. In a small bowl, mix the flour with smoked paprika. Set aside.
2. Beat the egg in a shallow bowl. In another shallow dish, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, Herbes de Provence, garlic salt, and melted butter. Stir well.
3. Lightly dust the chicken roulades with the flour mixture using a small sieve. Dip the chicken into the beaten egg, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Transfer to a plate.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat canola oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken roulades.
2. Sear until golden brown on all sides, including the ends, about 3 minutes per side.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

1. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 170°F (77°C).

Serving Suggestions

Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu with buttery couscous, herbed rice, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded and elegant meal.

Tips for Success

• Tenderizing the Chicken: Pounding the chicken evenly ensures it cooks uniformly and is easy to roll.
• Cheese Options: Jarlsberg provides a nutty flavor, but Swiss or Gruyère are excellent substitutes.
• Crust Perfection: Adding melted butter to the breadcrumbs ensures a crispy, golden crust.

Bon appetite!