Soulful Cordon Bleu

Ingredients

While the original Swiss Cordon Bleu is typically made with veal, our soulful adaptation uses chicken breast as the base. Additionally, we incorporate soul food flavors by using smoky ham and a blend of cheeses that complement the dish perfectly. The cooking method remains similar, but the ingredients and flavors are tailored to the soul food cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Cordon Bleu, so you can check it out.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 slices of smoked ham 8 slices of smoked ham
• 4 slices of Swiss cheese 4 slices of Swiss cheese
• 4 slices of cheddar cheese 4 slices of cheddar cheese
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g) 1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
• 2 eggs, beaten 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (120g) 1 cup breadcrumbs (120g)
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories: 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat: 22g (12g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 16g (1g sugar)
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Lay the chicken breasts flat on a cutting board and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
3. 3.
   Place 2 slices of smoked ham on each chicken breast, followed by a slice of Swiss cheese and a slice of cheddar cheese.
4. 4.
   Roll up each chicken breast tightly, securing with toothpicks if needed.
5. 5.
   Dredge each chicken roll in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
6. 6.
   Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken rolls until golden brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
7. 7.
   Transfer the fried chicken rolls to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. 8.
   Remove the toothpicks before serving.
9. 9.
   Serve the soulful Cordon Bleu hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken breasts — Pound them slightly to ensure even thickness for easier rolling.
• Swiss and cheddar cheese — Use high-quality cheese for the best melting and flavor.
• Smoked ham — Opt for a smoky variety to add depth to the dish.
• Breadcrumbs — You can use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunchiness.
• Toothpicks — Soak them in water before using to prevent them from burning in the oven.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
• If you prefer a crispier coating, you can double-coat the chicken rolls by dipping them in the egg and breadcrumbs mixture twice.
• Serve the soulful Cordon Bleu with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and collard greens for a complete soul food experience.
• To make the dish healthier, you can bake the chicken rolls instead of frying them, although the texture may differ slightly.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations, such as pepper jack and mozzarella, to customize the flavors to your liking.

Serving advice

Serve the soulful Cordon Bleu as the main course, accompanied by your favorite soul food sides and a fresh salad. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Presentation advice

To present the dish beautifully, slice the chicken rolls diagonally and arrange them on a platter. Drizzle with a homemade creamy sauce or gravy for an extra touch of indulgence.