Gourmet Chicken Cordon Bleu with a Twist 🍗🧀

This gourmet take on the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu elevates your typical dinner into a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen! The combination of succulent chicken, smoky ham, and creamy cheese is enriched with a special herbed crust that makes it irresistibly crunchy. Don’t forget to serve it with a tangy mustard sauce for an extra kick! Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself on a special occasion. 🎉

Ingredients

For the chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 slices of thinly sliced smoked ham
• 8 slices of Swiss cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the mustard sauce

• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the chicken:

   • Butterfly the chicken breasts by cutting them horizontally, but not all the way through, to create a pocket.
   • Season the inside and outside with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

3. Stuff the chicken:

   • Inside each chicken pocket, layer two slices of ham and two slices of Swiss cheese.
   • Fold the chicken over and secure with toothpicks if necessary.

4. Bread the chicken:

   • Dredge each stuffed chicken breast in flour, shaking off the excess.
   • Dip into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
   • Finally, coat with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

5. Bake:

   • Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking tray.
   • Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and the chicken is cooked through (165°F or 75°C internal temperature).

🐔 For an added layer of flavor, try marinating the chicken in buttermilk for a few hours before preparing. This will tenderize the meat and make it even juicier!

6. Make the mustard sauce:

   • While the chicken is baking, whisk together Dijon mustard, Greek yogurt, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
   • Adjust seasoning to taste.

7. Serve:

   • Once the chicken is done baking, remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before slicing into portions.
   • Serve with the mustard sauce drizzled over the top or on the side for dipping.

Variations

• Healthier Version: Swap out the breadcrumbs for crushed almond flour for a gluten-free and lower-carb option! 🥑
• Cheesy Delight: For an extra gooey inside, add an additional layer of cheese like cheddar or pepper jack.
• Vegetarian Cordon Bleu: Substitute the chicken with slices of eggplant or portobello mushrooms and replace the ham with roasted red peppers or spinach for a delicious vegetarian twist! 🌱
• Air Fryer Version: Cook the breaded chicken in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes for a healthier and equally crispy result.

Enjoy your gourmet Chicken Cordon Bleu, and watch your family and friends rave about this tasty dish! 🥳