De-Constructed Chicken Cordon Bleu

alligirl's Note:

EASY! I found a recipe (or idea) from Paula Deen, and switched up a few things to suit myself. It is much simpler than original cordon bleu and the flavor is GREAT! I use country (salty) ham, as that is what I prefer...you may substitute your favorite deli ham, of course....This is great for company and pretty quick to throw together...so tasty, and they'll think you worked for hours!

• Total Time: 1 hrs
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 4

Yield: 4.0 breasts

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons italian seasoning
• 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 4 slices country ham
• 4 slices baby swiss cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Pound chicken breasts flat.
3. Combine flour, garlic powder, kosher salt and pepper in shallow pan.
4. Mix eggs and milk to make egg wash in shallow bowl.
5. Combine bread crumbs, Italian seasoning and parmesan in separate shallow pan.
6. Dredge chicken breasts in flour mixture, then egg wash mixture, then coat breasts in bread crumb mixture.
7. Place olive oil and butter in skillet over medium heat; place chicken breasts in skillet and brown on both sides.(3-4 minutes per side)
8. Remove from skillet and place on baking sheet for 20 minutes to finish cooking in oven.
9. Place ham and cheese on top of chicken breasts and return to oven 'til cheese is melted. (approximately 5 minutes).

Reviews

[AZPARZYCH]

So easy and had a great flavor! Both my DSs ate this all! The only change I made was to use shredded cheese instead of sliced. Will use this breading recipe often, it has a great flavor. Made for ZWT8.

[Charmie777]

Delicious!!!! Only problem was I didn't make enough!!!!! Will make again.

[Chicagoland Chef du Jour]

Very good! We really enjoyed it. I will be making again. A quick and easy dinner. The breading is fabulous. Just a word of caution, because of the parmesan cheese in the breading, it has a tendency to brown quickly in the skillet. Watch your heat! I used very thick chicken breasts which required additional baking time. I didn't bother to pound them flat, call me lazy :^P /