Chicken Cordon Bleu

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 thin slices deli ham
• 8 thin slices swiss cheese
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.75 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 0.25 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, for sauce
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, for sauce
• 1.5 cups whole milk
• 0.5 cup shredded swiss cheese, for sauce
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 F and set a wire rack over a baking sheet.
2. Place each chicken breast between plastic wrap and pound to an even 1/4-inch thickness, being careful not to tear the meat.
3. Season both sides of each breast with salt and pepper, then lay 2 slices of ham and 2 slices of Swiss cheese on top of each.
4. Starting from one end, roll each breast tightly around the filling and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
5. Set up a breading station with flour in one dish, beaten eggs in a second, and panko mixed with garlic powder and paprika in a third.
6. Roll each stuffed chicken breast in flour, then dip in egg, then coat thoroughly in the seasoned panko, pressing to adhere.
7. Place the breaded rolls seam-side down on the wire rack and drizzle with the melted butter.
8. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, until the coating is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 F in the center of the chicken.
9. While the chicken bakes, melt the 3 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in the flour, and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
10. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook, whisking constantly, for 4 to 5 minutes until thickened and smooth.
11. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded Swiss cheese and Dijon mustard until melted and smooth; season with a pinch of salt.
12. Remove the toothpicks or twine from the chicken, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve topped with the warm Swiss cheese sauce.

Nutrition

Calories	620
Protein	52 g
Fat	32 g
Carbs	30 g
Fiber	1 g
Sodium	980 mg

Estimated per serving