Kitty'S Chicken Cordon Bleu
Kitty's Chicken Cordon Bleu features tender chicken breasts stuffed with ham and cheese, then baked with a rich, creamy sauce and a crispy Parmesan and breadcrumb topping. Perfect for a comforting dinner, it combines savory flavors with a hint of nuttiness and a delightful cheesy crust that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
- 6 chicken breast halves, skinned, boned and pounded to 1/2 inch thickness ⓘ
- 6 slices Prosciutto or favorite ham ⓘ
- 6 slices Provolone or Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 6 stalks fresh broccoli (optional) ⓘ
- 8 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 6 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups light cream ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. nutmeg ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded white Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup dry vermouth (optional) ⓘ
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. paprika ⓘ
Instructions
- Lay 1 slice of ham and 1 slice of cheese on each chicken breast.
- Place a broccoli spear on top of the cheese if using, then roll up from the short end and secure with toothpicks. Lay seam side down in a shallow baking dish.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter and stir in the flour.
- Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- In a separate pan, heat chicken broth and light cream until warm.
- Add the heated broth and cream to the flour mixture and whisk over medium heat until thickened.
- Stir in salt, pepper, nutmeg, and shredded Cheddar cheese until cheese melts.
- Add dry vermouth if using and pour the sauce over the chicken rolls.
- Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and paprika.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Cover with foil or the lid of the baking dish and bake as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute the cream with half-and-half or a mixture of Greek yogurt and milk. If you prefer a different cheese, Gruyère works wonderfully in place of Provolone or Mozzarella. Make sure to pound the chicken evenly for consistent cooking. For added flavor, marinate the chicken in herbs or lemon juice beforehand.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Kitty's Chicken Cordon Bleu with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal. It pairs beautifully with a light wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or rice pilaf, which complement the rich cheese sauce.
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 in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Avoid using the microwave to maintain the crispiness of the breadcrumb topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kitty'S Chicken Cordon Bleu contains roughly 1406 calories, with 68g protein, 142g carbohydrates, and 76g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (197% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (194% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1419mg per serving (62% 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 use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used for this recipe. They will provide a juicier texture and richer flavor. Just ensure they are pounded to the same thickness for even cooking, and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this dish?
For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with eggplant or portobello mushrooms. Layer the vegetables with cheese and prosciutto alternatives, like smoked tofu or thinly sliced roasted peppers, to achieve a similar flavor profile.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken rolls and sauce in advance, then assemble them in the baking dish. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add the breadcrumb topping and cook as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
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).