Chicken Cordon Bleu

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

• Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, tossing to coat evenly.
• On a cutting board, place a chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound until about ½ inch (1 cm) thick with a meat mallet, rolling pin, or heavy pan.

2. Layer the Ingredients

• Remove the plastic wrap and place 2 slices of Swiss cheese, then 2 slices of ham, then another layer of Swiss cheese, and another layer of ham on the chicken breast.
• Evenly roll the chicken and place it onto a new sheet of plastic wrap.

3. Chill the Chicken

• Wrap the chicken in the plastic wrap tightly and use the excess plastic on the sides to twist, firming up the roll of chicken cordon bleu as you work. Tie the excess plastic.
• Repeat with the remaining ingredients, then chill the rolls in the fridge to set for 30 minutes.

4. Preheat the Oil

• Meanwhile, preheat a tall-sided pan with 2 inches (5 cm) of oil to 325°F (170°C).

5. Bread the Chicken

• After the rolls are set, prepare 3 separate large, wide dishes with the flour, beaten egg, and bread crumbs.
• Dredge the chicken first in the flour, then the egg, and then bread crumbs.

6. Fry the Chicken

• Place the breaded chicken cordon bleu in the oil and cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until the outside is an even golden brown.
• If a good color is achieved and the chicken’s center is still not 165°F (75°C), place the chicken cordon bleu on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and finish the chicken in the oven at 325°F (170°C) until that temperature is reached.