Chicken Cordon Bleu For One
Juicy chicken breast stuffed with ham, Gruyere cheese, garlic, and thyme, then breaded and fried to perfection—an elegant, flavorful dish perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 thin slice cooked ham, finely chopped
- 1 oz. triangle process Gruyere cheese ⓘ
- sliver fresh garlic, crushed ⓘ
- dash of black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 whole chicken breast, boned and skinned ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. fine dry bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1 egg, beaten ⓘ
- 2 tsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- pinch of thyme leaves ⓘ
- 2 tsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix chopped ham, Gruyere cheese, crushed garlic, black pepper, and thyme to make the stuffing.
- Use the mixture to stuff the chicken breast in the pocket left by boning.
- Fold the ends of the chicken over to form a roll.
- Roll the chicken in flour, ensuring an even coating.
- Dip the floured chicken in beaten egg.
- Coat the chicken thoroughly with bread crumbs.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful stuffing, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of white wine to the ham and cheese mixture. If Gruyere is unavailable, Swiss cheese can be a good substitute. To keep the chicken moist, you can also brine it for a couple of hours before cooking. Ensure the chicken is well-sealed after stuffing to prevent any leakage during cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Cordon Bleu with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. A light white wine, such as a Chardonnay, complements the flavors nicely. For a comforting touch, consider pairing it with mashed potatoes or a creamy risotto. This dish also pairs beautifully with Chicken In Puff Pastry for a delightful dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps maintain the crispy texture of the breading while ensuring the chicken stays juicy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Cordon Bleu For One contains roughly 480 calories, with 29g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (59% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1181mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
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 make Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Chicken Cordon Bleu up to the baking stage and store it in the refrigerator for a day. Just ensure it's covered tightly to prevent it from drying out. When you're ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's chilled.
What can I use instead of ham in this recipe?
If you're looking for a substitute for ham, smoked turkey or prosciutto works well for a similar flavor profile. For a vegetarian option, consider using sautéed mushrooms or a mixture of spinach and cheese, adjusting the seasonings to your taste.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
To check if the Chicken Cordon Bleu is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Additionally, the juices should run clear when the chicken is pierced. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
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).