Oven-baked Cordon Bleu

Delicious Baked Cordon Bleu Recipe

If you're looking for a simple yet spectacular recipe that will impress family and friends, baked Cordon Bleu is the perfect choice. This dish combines the juiciness of chicken breast with the savory flavor of ham and cheese, all wrapped in a crispy, golden crust that will delight your senses.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 1 large piece of chicken breast
- 4 slices of ham (preferably Prague ham or a smoked variant)
- 4 slices of cheese (you can use aged cheese or mozzarella for a creamier texture)
- 1-2 eggs (depending on their size)
- Breadcrumbs (about 100g)
- Chicken seasoning (salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder)

Step by step for a perfect Cordon Bleu:

1. Preparing the chicken breast:
Start by washing the chicken breast well. Use a sharp knife to slice the breast into thin pieces, being careful not to cut all the way through. If you prefer, you can cut the breast in half lengthwise to get two thinner pieces.

2. Tenderizing the meat:
Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken slices until they are thin and evenly distributed. This step is essential for achieving a tender texture and allowing the filling to melt perfectly inside.

3. Seasoning:
Season each chicken slice with a mix of chicken seasoning. You can use salt, pepper, paprika, and a little garlic powder for extra flavor. Make sure each piece is well coated with spices.

4. Filling:
Place a slice of ham and a slice of cheese on each piece of chicken. Gently fold the edges to prevent the filling from leaking during baking. Roll each piece of chicken to form a tight roll.

5. Dipping in egg and breadcrumbs:
Beat the eggs in a bowl and prepare the breadcrumbs in another container. Dip each chicken roll in the egg, ensuring it is well covered, then roll it in breadcrumbs to achieve a crispy crust.

6. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the rolls on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with oil. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and crispy, turning them halfway through for even browning.

Serving suggestion:
Serve the Cordon Bleu warm, alongside a fresh salad of greens or grilled vegetables. You can also add a mustard or yogurt sauce to complement the flavors.

Useful tips:
- Feel free to experiment with fillings! Replace the ham with bacon or add some sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean taste.
- If you want a lighter Cordon Bleu, you can grill it using the same ingredients but without breadcrumbs.
- Make sure the oven temperature is consistent for even baking.

This baked Cordon Bleu is not only a simple and quick recipe, but it will surely become a favorite in your household! Enjoy every bite and relish the appreciation of your loved ones!