Chicken Cordon Bleu with Garlic Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Cordon Bleu:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 slices of ham (thinly sliced)
• 4 slices of Swiss cheese or Gruyère
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crispiness)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for cooking)

For the Garlic Bread:

• 1 baguette or Italian loaf (sliced in half lengthwise)
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

For the Chicken Cordon Bleu:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• Lay each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper.
• Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken to an even ¼-inch thickness.

Step 2: Assemble the Filling

• Place a slice of ham and a slice of cheese on each chicken breast.
• Roll the chicken tightly from the narrow end and secure with toothpicks.

Step 3: Prepare the Coating

• In a shallow bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
• In a third bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and dried parsley (if using).

Step 4: Dredge the Chicken

• Coat each rolled chicken breast in the flour mixture, dip it into the egg mixture, and then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Heat olive oil or melted butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Sear the chicken rolls until golden brown on all sides (about 2-3 minutes per side).
• Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

For the Garlic Bread:

Step 1: Prepare the Butter Mixture

• In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and grated Parmesan cheese (if using).

Step 2: Assemble the Garlic Bread

• Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the cut sides of the baguette or Italian loaf.

Step 3: Bake the Garlic Bread

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Place the bread halves on a baking sheet, buttered side up.
• Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy. For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end.

Serve:

• Serve the Chicken Cordon Bleu hot with a side of crispy Garlic Bread for a delicious and satisfying meal!