Ultimate Stuffed Chicken Cordon Bleu Rolls
Experience a gourmet twist on the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu with these decadently stuffed and perfectly baked chicken rolls. Delightfully balanced with savory ham, melted cheese, and a crispy golden crust, they make for an impressive dinner centerpiece. Perfect for entertaining or a special family meal.
8
Servings
350
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
double boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 (7-ounce each)
kosher salt
to taste (n/a)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (n/a)
deli ham
8 slices (thin)
gruyere or swiss cheese
16 slices (thin)
fresh thyme leaves
2 teaspoons (n/a)
flour
1/4 cup (for dredging)
panko breadcrumbs
2 cups (seasoned)
olive oil
1 teaspoon (mixed in breadcrumbs)
eggs
3 (beaten)
water
2 teaspoons (mixed with eggs)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Place each chicken breast between two layers of plastic wrap.
3
Gently pound the chicken with the flat side of a meat mallet to an even 1/4-inch thickness, taking care not to tear the meat.
4
Place two slices of cheese on each flattened chicken breast, followed by two slices of ham, and top with another two slices of cheese. Leave a 1/2-inch border around the edges to make rolling easier.
5
Fold in the sides of the chicken and roll it tightly into a log, resembling a jelly roll. Give it a gentle squeeze to ensure the roll is sealed.
6
Combine the flour, a pinch of kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper on a plate or waxed paper.
7
In a separate dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs with fresh thyme, a touch of kosher salt, black pepper, and olive oil to help achieve a crispy golden-brown crust.
8
Beat the eggs and water together in a bowl until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy.
9
Dredge each chicken roll lightly in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
10
Dip the flour-coated chicken rolls into the egg mixture, ensuring they are fully covered.
11
Finally, coat the rolls with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
12
Place the coated chicken roulades on a baking pan, seam side down, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
13
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and cooked through to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
14
Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing each roll into pinwheels.
15
Serve immediately to enjoy the perfectly melted cheese and savory flavors.
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
12.5g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Stuffed Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe?
It is a gourmet version of the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu featuring chicken breasts rolled with thin slices of deli ham and Gruyere or Swiss cheese, coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs, and baked until golden.
How many calories are in one serving of this chicken recipe?
Each serving contains 350 calories.
What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for four double boneless skinless chicken breasts, approximately 7 ounces each.
How thin should the chicken be pounded?
The chicken should be pounded to an even thickness of 1/4 inch using the flat side of a meat mallet.
What is the best cheese to use for Chicken Cordon Bleu?
This recipe recommends using 16 thin slices of either Gruyere or Swiss cheese for the richest flavor.
How do I prevent the chicken from tearing while pounding?
Place each chicken breast between two layers of plastic wrap before gently pounding it with the meat mallet.
How many slices of ham and cheese go into each roll?
Each flattened chicken breast should be topped with two slices of cheese, followed by two slices of ham, and topped with two more slices of cheese.
What is the secret to rolling the chicken successfully?
Leave a 1/2-inch border around the edges when placing the ham and cheese, then fold in the sides and roll tightly like a jelly roll.
What ingredients are used for the breading mixture?
The breading consists of panko breadcrumbs mixed with fresh thyme leaves, kosher salt, black pepper, and a teaspoon of olive oil.
Why is olive oil added to the breadcrumbs?
Mixing a touch of olive oil into the panko breadcrumbs helps the crust achieve a crispy, golden-brown finish during baking.
What is the order of the dredging process?
Dredge first in seasoned flour, then dip into the egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly with the panko breadcrumb mixture.
How do I make the egg wash?
Beat 3 eggs with 2 teaspoons of water until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the chicken need to bake?
The chicken rolls should bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
How do I ensure the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How should the chicken rolls be placed on the baking pan?
Place the rolls seam side down on the pan to ensure they stay closed while baking.
Why should I let the chicken rest after baking?
Resting for a few minutes allows the juices to redistribute and the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to slice into clean pinwheels.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 8 servings.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 30 grams of protein per serving.
What are the carbohydrate and fat contents?
Each serving contains 12.5g of carbohydrates and 17.5g of fat.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
While fresh thyme leaves are recommended for the best flavor, you can use dried thyme as a substitute, typically using about one-third of the amount.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, it is described as an impressive dinner centerpiece that is perfect for entertaining or special family meals.
What tools do I need to prepare this?
You will need a meat mallet, plastic wrap, mixing bowls, plates for dredging, and a baking pan.
Can I use different types of ham?
Yes, although thin-sliced deli ham is easiest to roll without making the chicken too bulky.
What is the best way to serve these rolls?
Serve them immediately after resting, sliced into pinwheels to show off the stuffed center.
Does this recipe include a sauce?
The core recipe focuses on the stuffed rolls, though Chicken Cordon Bleu is traditionally served with a creamy Dijon or Hollandaise sauce if desired.
Can I prepare these rolls in advance?
Yes, you can roll and bread the chicken ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until you are ready to bake them.
What makes this the 'Ultimate' version?
The combination of double-layering the cheese, using panko for extra crunch, and adding fresh thyme and olive oil to the crust elevates the traditional recipe.
How much flour is needed for dredging?
You will need 1/4 cup of flour, seasoned with kosher salt and black pepper.
What are the suggested tags for this dish?
Common tags include chicken, cordon bleu, stuffed chicken, ham and cheese, baked chicken, entertaining, and gourmet.