Original Chicken Cordon Bleu
Ingredients
- 4 large boneless and skinless chicken breast halves
about 1 1/2 pounds
- 4 thin slices smoked ham
- 2 ounces Swiss cheese
cut into 4 equal strips
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon table salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
beaten
- 3/4 cup fresh bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons chicken stock
- 3/4 cup white wine
heavy cream or additional chicken stock
Directions
- 1
Lay the chicken breasts between pieces of wax paper and use a mallet to pound them to 1/4-inch to 1/8-inch thick. Take care not to pound holes in the chicken. Layer each breast with the ham, then place a strip of cheese in the center. Roll up to completely enclose the ham and cheese and secure with toothpicks.
- 2
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, salt and pepper. Lightly dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour, then dip in the egg and coat with bread crumbs. Place on a baking sheet and chill at least 15 minutes and up to 4 hours.
- 3
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the butter. Add the chicken and cook, turning carefully with tongs, until browned, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of the stock to the skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, 10 to 15 minutes. Move the chicken to a warm platter.
- 4
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of stock to the skillet, raise the heat to high, and cook, stirring up browned bits clinging to the bottom, for 1 minute. Add the wine (or heavy cream or additional stock), lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, until the consistency of gravy, about 45 seconds. Pour over the chicken breasts and serve.
Original Chicken Cordon Bleu
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Based on 1,145 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a classic dish that impresses without the fuss? This Original Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe elevates your dinner table, delivering gourmet flavors that are surprisingly easy to achieve. Forget complicated techniques; this dish lives up to its "blue ribbon" name by making sophisticated cooking accessible.
What makes this recipe truly stand out is its clever simplicity. By pounding the chicken breast thin, it cooks evenly and creates the perfect canvas for wrapping around savory smoked ham and creamy Swiss cheese. This technique ensures every bite is balanced, featuring tender chicken, salty ham, and melted cheese, all within a golden, crispy crust.
Expect a truly satisfying culinary experience. Each roulade features a perfectly pan-fried exterior, golden brown and delicately crisp, giving way to succulent chicken and a rich, melty center of ham and Swiss. The dish is then finished with a luscious white wine cream sauce that ties all the flavors together with a silky, elegant touch. You'll love how the rich, savory components are balanced by the delicate sauce, making for a sophisticated yet comforting meal.
- To tailor the sauce to your preference, you can swap the white wine for heavy cream or additional chicken stock, depending on the richness you desire or ingredients you have on hand.
- For dietary adjustments, consider using a lower-sodium ham or a different variety of cheese, though Swiss is traditional.
This Original Chicken Cordon Bleu is ideal for a special weeknight dinner or for entertaining guests, offering a refined meal that feels both indulgent and wonderfully approachable. Serve it alongside your favorite simple vegetable for a complete and elegant presentation.