Elevate your dining experience with our culinary masterpiece, the Baked Gourmet Chicken Cordon Bleu Extravaganza. This exceptional dish boasts Panko-crusted chicken breasts, generously filled with the harmonious duo of Swiss cheese and ham, all crowned with a luscious Parmesan-Dijon cream sauce. Balancing simplicity and sophistication, this recipe is not only perfect for a quick weeknight dinner but also makes a stunning centerpiece for your most elegant gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved lengthwise
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups Panko bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 slices deli-sized baby Swiss cheese
- 4 slices deli-style ham
Parmesan-Dijon Cream Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped Italian parsley (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. If needed, use a meat mallet to pound chicken breasts to a 1/2-inch thickness. Season with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Whisk eggs and 1 tablespoon of milk in a small bowl. Place flour on a shallow plate. Combine Panko bread crumbs, basil, and oregano on a separate shallow plate.
- Lay one piece of Swiss cheese on each chicken piece, topping it with a slice of ham. Roll up the chicken breasts, securing them with toothpicks.
- Dip each rolled chicken stack in the egg mixture, then in flour, back in the egg mixture, and finally in the Panko breadcrumbs.
- Place the prepared chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spritz each piece with cooking spray. Bake for 25-35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Cover loosely with aluminum foil.
- In the meantime, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, whisking constantly. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until slightly thickened (about 2 minutes). Reduce heat to low and whisk in Dijon mustard and Parmesan cheese. Cook until the cheese is melted, whisking constantly.
- Carefully remove toothpicks, slice the chicken into rounds, drizzle with the cheese sauce, and sprinkle with parsley if desired.
Conclusion:
Savor the symphony of flavors in each bite of this Baked Gourmet Chicken Cordon Bleu Extravaganza. Whether it’s a casual weeknight or a special celebration, let this dish be the star of your dining experience, bringing together simplicity, elegance, and culinary brilliance.