ADVERTISEMENT
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Cordon Bleu Roll-Ups
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each breast horizontally to create a pocket (be careful not to cut all the way through). Alternatively, you can pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This will help them cook evenly.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. The seasoning gives the chicken a flavorful base before rolling up.
3. Assemble the Roll-Ups:
- Lay a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on top of each chicken breast. If the cheese is too big, feel free to trim it to fit. Roll the chicken up tightly, securing the filling inside. Use toothpicks to hold the roll-ups together if needed.
4. Bread the Chicken:
- In one shallow bowl, add the flour. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, place the bread crumbs, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Dip each chicken roll-up first into the flour, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure the chicken is well-coated on all sides.
5. Bake the Roll-Ups:
- Arrange the breaded roll-ups in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the olive oil or melted butter over the top to help them crisp up in the oven.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C)) and the breading is golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve and Garnish:
- Once the roll-ups are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Remove the toothpicks, if used, before serving.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Tips for the Best Chicken Cordon Bleu Roll-Ups
- Evenly Flatten the Chicken: For an even cook and a tender result, it’s important to either slice the chicken horizontally or pound it to an even thickness. This will ensure that each roll-up cooks at the same rate.
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give the roll-ups an extra crispy texture. If you prefer a finer, softer crust, you can use regular breadcrumbs instead.
- Don’t Overstuff: It’s tempting to load up the chicken with extra cheese and ham, but it’s important not to overstuff the roll-ups. Too much filling could cause them to leak out while baking or make them harder to seal.
- Add a Sauce: If you like, serve your chicken cordon bleu roll-ups with a simple white sauce, mustard sauce, or a drizzle of hollandaise sauce for extra richness.
- Make Ahead: These roll-ups can be assembled ahead of time, then stored in the fridge for up to 1 day before baking. This makes them perfect for meal prep or for making a stress-free dinner the next day.
Why Chicken Cordon Bleu Roll-Ups Are a Must-Try
Chicken Cordon Bleu Roll-Ups are a fantastic twist on the classic dish, offering the same delicious combination of ham, cheese, and crispy chicken, but in an easier-to-make, more accessible form. The crispy breadcrumbs give each bite a satisfying crunch, while the melted cheese and savory ham create the perfect creamy filling.
Not only are these roll-ups delicious and easy to make, but they’re also a great way to serve a crowd-pleasing meal that looks impressive yet requires very little hands-on time. The melt-in-your-mouth combination of flavors is sure to leave your family or guests asking for seconds!
Final Thoughts
Chicken Cordon Bleu Roll-Ups are the perfect solution when you want all the flavor of the classic dish without the complicated preparation. The tender, seasoned chicken paired with melted Swiss cheese and savory ham is a combination that never fails to delight. With their crispy golden crust and cheesy filling, these roll-ups make for an easy yet elegant meal that’s ideal for both busy weeknights and special occasions.
So why not give this fun and flavorful recipe a try? Whether you’re looking for a new family favorite or a dish to impress your guests, Chicken Cordon Bleu Roll-Ups are sure to become a new staple in your kitchen. Enjoy! 🍽️🐔🧀
ADVERTISEMENT
