Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu

Can you think of stuffing chicken with anything better then ham and cheese? Well, I really can't either! - Ana

Well said, mom!

I always loved her cooking, but there was one dish I especially looked forward to: her Chicken Cordon Bleu. She recently told me about how she made this for my 13th birthday years ago, a detail I hadn't remembered. She wanted to make something elegant and fancy as for a party, but not overkill for a family of six; she wanted something that needed little work.

I looked forward to making this recipe with her, not just because of how delicious it would turn out, but because as a young girl, I loved pounding the chicken. Then afterwards, I would layer a slice of ham and cheese and rolled it up.

We both hope that you enjoy this recipe, as well as pounding that chicken out as much as you will enjoy eating it! :)

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BAKED CHICKEN CORDON BLEU

Ingredients:

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, sliced in half (you should have a total of 8 pieces)

• 2 large eggs

• 1/2 cup Italian-style seasoned breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder

• 8 slices smoked ham

• 8 slices Swiss cheese

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)

• Cooking spray

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450°F. In a small bowl, whisk eggs to make an egg wash. In another medium bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Set both aside.

2. Wash and dry the chicken; Place chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap and lightly pound it to make thinner, about 1/4-inch thick. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Place a slice of ham on top of the chicken, then the cheese and roll it up, setting it seam-side down.  Repeat with the remaining chicken. After all chicken is rolled up, dip each one into the egg wash, then into the breadcrumb mixture, being careful not to unroll the chicken.

3. Spray a large non-stick baking sheet with cooking spray. Place stuffed chicken onto the baking sheet seam-side down. Spray the top of the chicken with more cooking spray and bake about 28-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

4. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Serving Recommendation:

Side salad and roasted garlic mashed potatoes.