Indulge your taste buds with a culinary delight that brings the classic French bistro experience right to your kitchen—Skillet Chicken Cordon Bleu! This mouthwatering dish features tender chicken breasts stuffed with savory ham and gooey Swiss cheese, all enveloped in a crispy, golden-brown coating. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a gourmet meal, this recipe is not only delicious but also quick to prepare, taking just 40 minutes from start to finish. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into the art of creating this irresistible dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 4 slices ham
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Lay out the chicken breasts, ham slices, Swiss cheese, breadcrumbs, flour, eggs, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is within reach for an efficient cooking process.
- Preheat your skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to warm up while you prepare the chicken.
- Take each chicken breast and place it between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This will help the chicken cook evenly and tenderize it.
- Once the chicken is flattened, season both sides with salt and pepper to taste. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken.
- On one side of each chicken breast, layer a slice of ham followed by a slice of Swiss cheese. Fold the chicken over to encase the ham and cheese, creating a pocket. Secure the edges with toothpicks if necessary to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.
- Prepare a breading station: in one shallow dish, place the flour; in a second dish, beat the eggs; and in a third dish, add the breadcrumbs. Season the flour and breadcrumbs with a little salt and pepper.
- Take each stuffed chicken breast and first coat it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
- Once all chicken breasts are breaded, carefully place them in the preheated skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps retain the juices and makes for a more tender bite.
- Before serving, remove any toothpicks from the chicken. Slice each chicken breast in half to reveal the melted cheese and ham inside. Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for added flavor.
- Pair your Skillet Chicken Cordon Bleu with a side of vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal. Enjoy your delicious homemade dish!
Tips
- Pound the Chicken Evenly: Ensure that the chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps them cook uniformly and stay juicy, so don’t rush this step!
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper! Season both the chicken and the breading ingredients to enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best results, opt for fresh ham and Swiss cheese. This will make a noticeable difference in taste and texture.
- Create a Breading Station: Set up your flour, egg, and breadcrumb stations in a row to streamline the breading process. This will save time and keep your workspace organized.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lower the skillet’s temperature, resulting in soggy breading instead of that desired crispiness.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety.
- Let it Rest: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon can elevate the dish visually and add a burst of flavor just before serving.
- Pair Wisely: Complement your Skillet Chicken Cordon Bleu with a light salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.
- Enjoy Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, they make for a delicious sandwich the next day—just reheat and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 150mg
