Chicken Cordon Bleu

📝 Ingredients

• 4 8 oz boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 4 1/4 inch thick slices honey ham
• 4 thick cut slices Swiss cheese
• 1 1/2 tsp salt (divided use)
• 1 tsp black pepper (divided use)
• 2/3 cup all purpose flour
• 1 tsp granulated garlic
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1 large egg beaten with 3 Tbsp milk
• 1 3/4 cups Italian seasoned panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
• Sauce: (Optional)
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 Tbsp all purpose flour
• 1 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 3 Tbsp Dijon mustard
• 3 Tbsp finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1-2 Tbsp chopped fresh chives

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Preheat oven to 400°F. Fit an oven-safe wire rack inside a rimmed baking sheet and spray. Set aside.
2. 2Sprinkle the chicken pieces evenly with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper. Use a sharp knife to cut a pocket in each chicken breast without cutting all the way through the other side.
3. 3Place two slices of cheese on top of two slices of ham and tightly roll. Stuff inside the chicken breasts and secure the pocket with toothpicks.
4. 4Dredge: 1st Bowl - Whisk together flour, remaining salt and black pepper, granulated garlic and onion powder in a shallow bowl. 2nd Bowl - Beaten egg and milk. 3rd Bowl - Panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
5. 5Working with 1 chicken breast at a time dredge in flour, then dip in egg wash letting excess drip off. Dredge in panko-parmesan to coat, pressing to adhere. Place on prepared wire rack.
6. 6Drizzle the chicken pieces with melted butter. Be gentle so as not to disturb the breading.
7. 7Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the juices run clear and an instant read thermometer registers 160°F when inserted into the thickest portion of the chicken. Broil at the end of baking to brown further.
8. 8Dijon Cream Sauce: Melt butter over medium heat in a small heavy bottomed saucepan. Whisk in flour, cooking for 1 minute. Next, whisk in cream, Dijon mustard, Parmesan cheese and nutmeg. Simmer on low for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.
9. 9Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu drizzled with sauce garnished with fresh chives.