Swiss Cordon Bleu with a Twist

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 8 slices Swiss cheese 8 slices Swiss cheese
• 8 slices ham 8 slices ham
• 1 cup breadcrumbs 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 eggs, beaten 2 eggs, beaten
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil 4 tablespoons vegetable oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 2g
• 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 use a meat mallet to pound them until they are about 1/4 inch thick.
3. 3.
   Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
4. 4.
   Place 2 slices of Swiss cheese and 2 slices of ham on each chicken breast.
5. 5.
   Roll up the chicken breasts tightly, securing them with toothpicks if necessary.
6. 6.
   In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
7. 7.
   Dip each chicken breast roll into the beaten eggs, then roll them in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
8. 8.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
9. 9.
   Cook the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
10. 10.
    Transfer the chicken breasts 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.
11. 11.
    Remove the toothpicks before serving.
12. 12.
    Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken breasts — Pound the chicken breasts evenly to ensure they cook uniformly and remain tender.
• Swiss cheese — Opt for a high-quality Swiss cheese with a good melting capability for a creamy and flavorful filling.
• Breadcrumbs — Use fresh breadcrumbs or make your own by processing stale bread in a food processor. This will result in a better texture for the coating.

Tips & Tricks

• To ensure the chicken stays moist, avoid overcooking it. Check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, which should read 165°F (74°C).
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyère or Emmental, to add unique flavors to your Cordon Bleu.
• For a healthier alternative, bake the chicken breasts instead of pan-frying them.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Serve the Cordon Bleu with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a tangy twist.

Serving advice

Serve the Swiss Cordon Bleu hot, accompanied by a side of roasted potatoes or a fresh green salad. The combination of the crispy coating, melted cheese, and juicy chicken makes for a satisfying and flavorful main course.

Presentation advice

For an appealing presentation, slice the Swiss Cordon Bleu into thick rounds and arrange them on a plate. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, to add a pop of color.