Description
Ina Garten’s chicken cordon bleu blends crispy golden chicken with creamy Swiss cheese and savory ham. Crisp breadcrumbs and precise technique create elegant results you’ll want to serve at dinner parties.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 very thin slices smoked ham
- 6 oz (170 g) Lorraine Swiss cheese, cut into four chunks
- 2 cups bread crumbs
- 1 cup (120 g) flour
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 4 tbsps (60 ml) butter
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375°F with the rack centered, simultaneously melting butter in a glass baking dish to create a non-stick surface.
- Chicken Preparation: Position chicken breasts between plastic wrap and gently flatten to 1/4-inch thickness, ensuring uniform texture and even cooking potential.
- Filling Configuration: Layer a slice of ham and chunk of Swiss cheese at the center of each chicken breast, carefully folding the meat to create a sealed parcel, securing edges with toothpicks to lock in the delectable filling.
- Coating Process: Establish a systematic breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs, meticulously coating each chicken pocket by first dredging in flour, fully immersing in egg wash, and thoroughly rolling in breadcrumbs for a crisp, golden exterior.
- Baking Technique: Arrange the breaded chicken breasts in the butter-coated baking dish, maintaining space between each piece, and roast in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the crust transforms into a rich, amber-brown coloration.
- Serving Presentation: Extract toothpicks, plate the Chicken Cordon Bleu with complementary sides of steamed broccoli and parboiled rice, creating an elegant and satisfying culinary experience.
Notes
- Precise Meat Preparation: Flatten chicken breasts uniformly to 1/4 inch thickness for even cooking and consistent texture.
- Secure Filling Technique: Use toothpicks strategically to prevent cheese and ham from leaking during baking, ensuring a perfect sealed pocket.
- Coating Mastery: Create a thorough three-stage breading process (flour, egg, breadcrumbs) to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture.
- Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safe and juicy results without overcooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg