Carolyn'S Chicken Cordon Bleu
Tender chicken breasts stuffed with ham and mozzarella, coated with crushed cereal and baked to crispy perfection, making a savory and crowd-pleasing main dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place each piece of chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap and flatten to 1/4-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Sprinkle with pepper.
- Top each chicken piece with a half slice of ham and 3 tablespoons of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Roll up each chicken piece in a jelly roll fashion, tucking in the sides.
- Secure each roll with a wooden toothpick.
- Combine crushed cornflakes cereal, paprika, and garlic powder in a shallow dish.
- Dip each chicken roll in milk.
- Dredge the milk-coated rolls in the cereal mixture, pressing lightly to coat.
- Place the coated chicken rolls in a baking dish coated with vegetable cooking spray.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on classic flavors, consider using turkey or chicken ham in place of regular ham. If you prefer a crunchier texture, try using panko breadcrumbs instead of cornflakes for the coating. To enhance the flavor, marinate the chicken in a bit of lemon juice or Italian seasoning before rolling. Remember to press the coating firmly to ensure it sticks during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken cordon bleu with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. Mashed potatoes or a light pasta dish, such as Pot Of Pasta, also make excellent accompaniments. For added flavor, drizzle with a homemade herb sauce or serve with a tangy dipping sauce on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chicken cordon bleu can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. For best results, avoid microwaving to maintain the crispiness of the coating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Carolyn'S Chicken Cordon Bleu contains roughly 337 calories, with 13g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (98% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare these chicken rolls in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. Simply roll and coat the chicken as directed, then cover and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake them just before serving for a fresh, hot meal.
What can I use instead of mozzarella cheese?
If you don't have mozzarella on hand, you can substitute it with other cheeses like provolone or Swiss cheese, which will also melt beautifully. For a sharper flavor, consider using cheddar cheese, keeping in mind it may alter the overall taste of the dish.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F (74°C). Additionally, the juices should run clear when the chicken is pierced, and the coating should be golden brown and crispy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).