Healthy Chicken Cordon Bleu
Ingredients
- 1 lbboneless
skinless chicken breast, cut into 4 equal pieces
- 4slices swiss cheese)
(thinly sliced
- 2 ozdeli ham)
(thinly sliced
- 1 largeegg
- 1 tbspwater
- ¼ cgrated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cbread crumbs)
(gluten-free if needed
- ½ tspgarlic powder
- ½ tsponion powder
- ½ tspdried parsley
- ½ tsppaprika
- ¼ tspground black pepper
- ¼ tspsalt
Directions
To assemble:
- 1
Preheat the oven or the air fryer to the temperature required for your cooking method (see below). Prepare the egg wash by beating the egg and water in a shallow bowl. Prepare the breading station by mixing the bread crumbs, parmesan, and seasonings together. Set aside.
- 2
Using a mallet, pound each piece of chicken breast into thin slices, about 1/4-1/2" thick. To keep your work station cleaner, you can place the chicken in a gallon-sized plastic bag while you're pounding it, then carefully remove. Very lightly season chicken with salt and pepper.
- 3
Place cheese on top of the chicken breasts - feel free to cut cheese in half or tear into pieces to evenly cover the cheese.
- 4
Layer a thin slice of ham on top of the cheese.
- 5
Carefully roll the chicken. Once rolled, place seam-side down while rolling the remaining pieces of chicken. As long as the chicken stays seam/ open-side down, the chicken will remain rolled without the need of twine or toothpicks.
- 6
Carefully coat each rolled chicken piece in the egg wash, then transfer to the seasoned bread crumbs and coat chicken evenly.
To oven bake:
- 1
Preheat oven to 450°F. Place chicken on a sheet pan (I like to line it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easier clean up). Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with nonstick spray to promote better browning. Bake in a 450°F oven for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is crisp and golden brown and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. Remove from oven, let rest a couple minutes, then serve.
To air fry:
- 1
Preheat air fryer to 400°F (if your air fryer preheats). Lightly spray the rack/ air fryer basket and the tops of the chicken with nonstick spray to promote better browning. Once chicken is placed inside the frying basket (chicken pieces should not be touching), "fry" for 12-15 minutes. When done, chicken should be crisp, golden brown, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F. Remove, let rest a couple minutes, then serve.
Healthy Chicken Cordon Bleu
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About this Recipe
Looking for a healthier twist on a classic, restaurant-quality dish that's ready in just 30 minutes? This Healthy Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe delivers all the savory flavors you crave, perfect for a special date night or a weeknight family dinner.
This recipe stands out by transforming a traditionally fried dish into a healthier, oven-baked or air-fried delight, significantly reducing the calorie count to just 292 per serving. The genius is in the simple technique of rolling the chicken with flavorful ham and cheese, then coating it in a perfectly seasoned breading. This approach ensures a crispy exterior and a juicy, flavorful interior every time, providing all the indulgence without the guilt, and it's easily adaptable for a gluten-free diet.
Imagine slicing into a golden-brown breast to reveal a tender chicken fillet, perfectly cooked, with a savory core of deli ham and exquisitely melted Swiss cheese oozing slightly. Each bite is a symphony of textures and tastes: the satisfying crunch of the seasoned breading, followed by the succulent chicken and the creamy, salty notes of the filling. This main course is surprisingly light yet incredibly flavorful, designed to feel gourmet while being simple enough for any night of the week. Plus, it naturally caters to those seeking a gluten-free option with the right bread crumbs.
This dish is incredibly versatile. For different cheese preferences, consider swapping the classic Swiss for a sharp provolone or a nutty Gruyère. If you're out of deli ham or prefer another meat, thinly sliced turkey breast can be a delicious alternative. And remember, achieving a gluten-free chicken cordon bleu is as simple as using your favorite gluten-free bread crumbs in the coating.
This Healthy Chicken Cordon Bleu makes for an impressive yet achievable main course, perfect for a special evening in or a wholesome family dinner. Serve it alongside a light salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.