This dish tastes rich to me and I've never met anyone who didn't love it

There's something truly comforting about making a meal that's a little bit special for the family, and Chicken Cordon Bleu is one of those dishes that can transform your dinner table into a fine dining experience. Hailing from Switzerland, this dish is a fancy-sounding but oh-so-simple entrée that's perfect for when you want to serve up some love on a plate. Chicken Cordon Bleu is that delightful combination of tender chicken, savory ham, and melting cheese, all wrapped up in a crispy breadcrumb coating. It's a wonderful way to surprise your loved ones with a meal that feels gourmet but is actually quite manageable, even on a busy weeknight.

"Chicken Cordon Bleu" is a flexible main dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. If you're aiming for a lighter meal, consider a crisp green salad tossed with a vinaigrette, or steamed green beans almondine. For something heartier, why not a potato gratin or roasted vegetables? And of course, a simple buttered noodle side dish sprinkled with parsley always goes down a treat. Sometimes, I'll even put out a basket of warm dinner rolls — they're just the thing for sopping up any extra cheesy sauce.

Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu
Servings: 4

- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 4 thin slices of deli ham
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.

2. Lay each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a rolling pin or meat mallet, gently pound the chicken to about 1/4-inch thickness.

3. Place a slice of cheese and a slice of ham on each chicken breast, leaving a small border around the edges.

4. Carefully roll up each breast, securing with toothpicks if necessary to keep them closed.

5. In a shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

6. Brush each chicken roll-up with Dijon mustard, then dredge in flour, dip into the beaten egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture.

7. Arrange the breaded roll-ups in the prepared baking dish and drizzle with melted butter.

8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

9. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. And remember to remove those toothpicks!

For the little ones or those with simpler tastes, try using just cheese in the roll-up, or swap the Swiss for a milder cheese like mozzarella. If you're short on time, you don't need to pound the chicken breasts flat; just make a pocket in each one and stuff with the ham and cheese. For an extra crispy crust, consider mixing in some grated Parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs. And for a gluten-free version, almond flour and crushed gluten-free cereal make great substitutes for the breadcrumbs and flour. Remember, cooking is all about making each recipe feel like your own, so don't be afraid to tweak things to suit your family's tastes. Enjoy, and let the warmth of a home-cooked meal bring everyone together at the table tonight.