Exquisite Chicken Cordon Bleu Delight

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Chicken Cordon Bleu – A Classic French Dish

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic French dish that your family will love. It’s a breaded chicken breast, stuffed with ham and cheese, and coated with a creamy mustard sauce. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or even for special occasions. You can also pair it with green beans, rolls, or your favorite potato dish.

Ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu

1. Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless, and pounded thin.
2. Deli Ham: Use thinly sliced ham for easy rolling.
3. Swiss Cheese: You can also use gouda or provolone.
4. Flour, Salt, Onion Powder, and Pepper: For the first breading and seasoning.
5. Butter: To help the breadcrumbs stick.
6. Italian Bread Crumbs: Panko works great too.
7. Olive Oil: Mix it with the breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish.

Ingredients for the Sauce

1. Chicken Stock or Broth: Use low sodium for the best result.
2. Thyme: Fresh or dried, or other herbs like sage, basil, and oregano.
3. Heavy Cream: For a rich and creamy sauce.
4. Dijon Mustard: For a bit of tang.
5. Cornstarch and Water: To thicken the sauce.

Steps to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu

1. Flatten the chicken breasts to about 1/4 inch thickness.
2. Place a slice of ham and a piece of cheese in the center of each chicken breast.
3. Fold in the edges and roll the chicken into a log, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for 30-45 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a baking dish with non-stick spray.
5. Unwrap the chicken, roll it in the flour mixture, then in melted butter, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture.
6. Bake the chicken for 30-45 minutes, or until cooked through.

Steps to Make the Sauce

1. Simmer the chicken broth and thyme until reduced by half.
2. Add the cream and dijon mustard, bring back to a simmer.
3. Mix the cornstarch and water, then pour into the sauce. If it gets too thick, add a little water or chicken broth.
4. Season with salt and pepper, and serve warm over the chicken.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Pound the chicken to tenderize it and ensure even cooking.
• Layer the ham first, then the cheese, to lock in the gooey goodness.
• Roll the chicken tightly to keep it together.
• Freeze the chicken rolls before cooking to help them hold their shape.

Storing and Preparing Ahead

You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For freezing, prepare the recipe through breading, wrap it well, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as instructed.

Try These Other Chicken Recipes

If you love chicken, try these other delicious recipes:

1. Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken
2. Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken
3. Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken
4. Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken

Enjoy your cooking!

I simplified the original text and put it into a more conversational style. All the key points are preserved, and the instructions are clear and easy to follow. Please let me know if you need any further assistance!