Oh my, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dish—oven chicken cordon bleu! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, with juicy chicken breasts stuffed with savory ham and gooey Swiss cheese, all baked to golden perfection. I remember the first time I made this for my family; the aroma wafting through the house was enough to make everyone gather in the kitchen! It quickly became a go-to for our weeknight dinners and even special occasions. Trust me, once you try this dish, you’ll see why it’s a favorite; it’s not just delicious, but incredibly easy to whip up on a busy day!
Ingredients List
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices of deli ham
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1 cup of fresh bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
These ingredients come together to create a mouthwatering combination of flavors and textures that your family will love!
How to Prepare Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the sweet spot for cooking chicken to ensure it’s juicy and perfectly cooked without drying out. Trust me, starting with a hot oven makes all the difference!
Prepare the Chicken
Now, let’s get to the chicken! Take each boneless, skinless chicken breast and carefully butterfly it. What that means is you’ll slice it horizontally, but don’t cut all the way through—just enough to create a pocket. This is where the magic happens! Stuff a slice of ham and Swiss cheese into each pocket, then fold the chicken back over to seal in all that deliciousness. If you’re worried about it opening up, feel free to use a toothpick to secure it.
Set up the Breading Station
Next, it’s time to set up your breading station. Grab three shallow bowls. In the first, add the flour; in the second, beat your eggs; and in the third, place the fresh bread crumbs. To bread each chicken piece, start by dredging it in the flour, making sure to coat it evenly. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat it with the bread crumbs—don’t skimp here! You want a nice, thick layer for that crunchy texture.
Baking Instructions
Once all your chicken is breaded, place them in a greased baking dish, making sure they’re not touching. This helps them cook evenly! Pop them in the oven for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is golden brown and the juices run clear. Use a meat thermometer if you have one—it should read 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
Rest and Serve
After baking, let your chicken cordon bleu rest for about 5 minutes. This step is super important because it allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite tender and juicy! Serve it up with a fresh side salad or some roasted veggies for a complete meal. Enjoy that delightful crunch and melty cheese—it’s pure bliss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Delicious combination of savory ham and melted Swiss cheese.
- Crunchy breading adds a delightful texture to each bite.
- Customizable with your favorite herbs and seasonings.
- A crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress family and friends!
Tips for Success
To ensure your oven chicken cordon bleu turns out perfectly, here are a few handy tips! First, choose high-quality chicken breasts; they make a big difference in flavor and texture. If you can, look for free-range or organic chicken. Also, don’t skimp on the seasoning in your bread crumbs—adding dried herbs like thyme or oregano can elevate the dish immensely. Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking; this helps achieve that lovely golden crust. Lastly, be patient when letting the chicken rest after baking; it really allows those juices to settle, giving you the juiciest bites!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of oven chicken cordon bleu. You’re looking at about 350 calories, with 15g of fat, 30g of protein, and 25g of carbohydrates. It also contains 600mg of sodium and 1g of sugar. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy this delicious dish while keeping an eye on your nutritional goals!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of cheese? Absolutely! While Swiss cheese is traditional, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, provolone, or even cheddar for a different flavor twist.
Can I make oven chicken cordon bleu ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the chicken, bread it, and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just be sure to adjust the baking time if it comes straight from the fridge.
What can I serve with this dish? This chicken pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad, roasted veggies, or even some fluffy mashed potatoes. It’s all about what you love!
How do I know when the chicken is done? The best way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. If you don’t have one, look for clear juices when you cut into it.
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can! Just wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in the freezer for up to two months. Reheat in the oven for the best results!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), let the chicken cool completely before storing. Place the chicken in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It should keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container and it’ll last for about 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating in the oven is best to maintain that delicious crunch. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Enjoy your tasty meal again!
For more tips on cooking chicken, check out this food safety guide to ensure your meals are both delicious and safe!
Looking for more chicken recipes? Try this creamy garlic butter chicken for a delightful twist!
For a delicious side, consider making creamy garlic parmesan pasta to complement your oven chicken cordon bleu!
Print
Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu: 5 Ways to Indulge Tonight
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Oven chicken cordon bleu is a delicious dish made with chicken breasts stuffed with ham and cheese, then baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 4 slices of ham
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1 cup of bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Butterfly the chicken breasts and place a slice of ham and cheese inside each.
- Fold the chicken over to seal the filling.
- Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and bread crumbs.
- Dredge each stuffed chicken in flour, dip in eggs, then coat with bread crumbs.
- Place the breaded chicken in a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use toothpicks to secure the chicken if needed.
- Serve with a side salad or vegetables.
- For extra flavor, season the bread crumbs with herbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: oven chicken cordon bleu, chicken recipe, baked chicken
