Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu

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If you’re looking for a cozy dinner that’s packed with flavor and sure to impress, look no further than this Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu.

It’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a delightful surprise of melty cheese and savory meat each time you take a bite.

Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this dish combines classic flavors and easy preparation.

Imagine juicy chicken breasts stuffed with turkey and Swiss cheese, all wrapped in crispy panko breadcrumbs.

Baking instead of frying makes this recipe lighter and healthier, so you can enjoy all that deliciousness without the guilt.

Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a spot in your dinner rotation!

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

This Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu ticks all the boxes for a perfect meal.

It’s easy to prepare, uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen, and it tastes absolutely fantastic.

The crispy panko topping provides a wonderful crunch that pairs beautifully with the savory filling of turkey and cheese.

Plus, baking instead of frying makes cleanup a breeze! Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (40 g) panko breadcrumbs
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Olive oil spray
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 8 slices of turkey turkey or deli-sliced turkey
• 8 ounces (225 g) Swiss cheese slices or shredded
• ½ cup (113 g) butter, melted

These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and delightful.

Let’s get cooking!

How To Make Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).

This ensures that your chicken will cook evenly and the breadcrumbs will become lovely and crispy.

Step 2: Prepare the Panko Coating

In a medium bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme.

Mix everything together until well combined.

This flavorful coating will give your chicken that amazing crunch.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Breasts

Take the chicken breasts and place them between two sheets of plastic wrap.

Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness, about ½ inch thick.

This helps the chicken cook evenly and makes it easier to roll.

Step 4: Season the Chicken

Once your chicken is pounded, season both sides with kosher salt and ground black pepper.

This step adds flavor to the chicken itself before we stuff it.

Step 5: Assemble the Stuffing

Lay out the chicken breasts and place two slices of turkey turkey on each breast, followed by a slice of Swiss cheese.

If you prefer shredded cheese, sprinkle a generous amount on top of the ham.

Step 6: Roll the Chicken

Starting from one end, carefully roll the chicken up tightly around the filling.

Use toothpicks to secure the ends if needed.

This will help keep all that delicious filling inside while it bakes.

Step 7: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken roll into the melted butter and coat it well.

Then roll it in the panko mixture, ensuring that it’s evenly coated all over.

This is what creates that beautiful, crispy exterior.

Step 8: Prepare to Bake

Place the coated chicken rolls in a greased baking dish, seam-side down.

Give them a light spray of olive oil to help the breadcrumbs get golden and crispy while baking.

Step 9: Bake in the Oven

Pop the dish in the oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

The panko should be a lovely golden-brown color when it’s ready to come out.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Once your chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

This helps retain all those delicious juices.

Serve it up with your favorite sides, and enjoy the fantastic flavors!

Expert Tips

• For an even crispier coating, consider adding a little paprika or cayenne pepper to the panko mixture for a kick of flavor.
• If you’re short on time, you can skip pounding the chicken, but it will result in a thicker roll that may take longer to cook.
• To prevent the cheese from oozing out during baking, make sure to roll the chicken tightly and secure it well.
• Feel free to experiment with other types of cheese, like Gouda or cheddar, for a different flavor profile!

Variations and Customizations

• Try adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil into the filling for an extra burst of flavor.
• Switch up the meat! You can use chicken deli slices or smoked turkey instead of ham.
• Make it even healthier by stuffing the chicken with spinach or roasted vegetables along with or instead of the turkey and cheese.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely because this dish is so good!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

This will help maintain the crispy texture of the breadcrumbs.

FAQ

Can I freeze Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu?

Yes, you can freeze the chicken before baking.

Wrap each chicken roll tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.

They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to cook, you can bake them from frozen, but be sure to increase the baking time.

What can I serve with Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.

You could also serve it over a bed of rice or quinoa to make it a complete meal.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the chicken rolls a day ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them.

Just allow extra cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The best way to ensure your chicken is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer.

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken to check that there is no pink meat inside.

Conclusion

This Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu is a simple yet elegant dish that everyone will love.

With its crispy coating and delicious stuffing, it’s a delightful twist on a classic.

Try this recipe for your next family dinner or special occasion, and prepare to enjoy every bite.

It’s flavorful, satisfying, and just plain fun to eat.

Happy cooking!

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