Indulge in the tempting flavors of Saucy Chicken Cordon Bleu. This dish takes the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu to the next level by adding a rich and flavorful sauce. Tender chicken breasts stuffed with ham and cheese, topped with a creamy sauce, and baked to perfection. It's a showstopper dish that will impress any dinner guest.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 thin slices of ham
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Butterfly each chicken breast by making a horizontal cut along the side, being careful not to cut all the way through. Open the chicken breasts like a book.
- Place 2 slices of ham and 1 slice of Swiss cheese on each opened chicken breast.
- Fold the chicken breasts closed and secure with toothpicks to hold the filling in place.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard to the skillet. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove the chicken breasts from the oven and pour the sauce over them. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
- Remove the toothpicks from the chicken breasts before eating.
Interesting Facts
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic French dish that originated in Switzerland.
The term 'Cordon Bleu' translates to 'Blue Ribbon', indicating that it is a dish of the highest quality and skill.
Traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu is breaded and deep-fried, while this recipe allows for a healthier baked version.
The combination of chicken, ham, and cheese in this dish creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures.