Indulge In Culinary Delight: Unbreaded Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe For Epicureans

The unbreaded chicken cordon bleu recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic dish, creating a healthier and more flavorful version. This recipe eliminates the breading, allowing the natural flavors of the chicken, cheese, and ham to shine through. The result is a juicy, succulent chicken breast stuffed with melted cheese and savory ham, all wrapped in a crispy prosciutto blanket.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 slices prosciutto
• 8 slices Swiss cheese
• 8 slices Black Forest ham
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup white wine
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
• Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

2. Assemble the Cordon Bleu:

• Lay a slice of ham on a piece of plastic wrap.
• Top with a slice of Swiss cheese and a chicken breast.
• Roll the chicken breast up tightly in the ham and cheese, using the plastic wrap to help you.
• Secure the roll with toothpicks.

3. Dredge the Cordon Bleu:

• In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper.
• Dredge the chicken rolls in the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.

4. Sear the Cordon Bleu:

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Sear the chicken rolls for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.

5. Bake the Cordon Bleu:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Transfer the seared chicken rolls to a baking dish.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.

6. Make the Sauce:

• In a small saucepan, combine the chicken broth, white wine, Dijon mustard, and parsley.
• Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
• Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.

7. Serve the Cordon Bleu:

• Remove the toothpicks from the chicken rolls.
• Slice the chicken rolls into rounds and arrange them on a serving platter.
• Pour the sauce over the chicken rolls and garnish with additional parsley.

Tips for a Perfect Unbreaded Chicken Cordon Bleu:

• Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
• Pound the chicken breasts evenly to ensure they cook evenly.
• Roll the chicken rolls tightly to prevent the filling from falling out.
• Sear the chicken rolls over high heat to create a crispy crust.
• Bake the chicken rolls until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
• Make sure the sauce is simmered for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
• Serve the chicken rolls immediately while they are hot and crispy.

Variations:

• Try using different types of cheese, such as Gruyère or Emmental.
• Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the filling.
• Wrap the chicken rolls in bacon instead of prosciutto.
• Bake the chicken rolls in a puff pastry crust for a more elegant presentation.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the unbreaded chicken cordon bleu with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side salad.
• Drizzle the chicken rolls with additional sauce or melted butter.
• Garnish the chicken rolls with fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives.

Nutritional Information:

One serving of unbreaded chicken cordon bleu contains approximately:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 20 grams
• Protein: 30 grams
• Carbohydrates: 10 grams

Health Benefits:

The unbreaded chicken cordon bleu recipe offers several health benefits:

• It is lower in calories and fat than traditional breaded chicken cordon bleu.
• It is a good source of protein, which is essential for building and maintaining muscle mass.
• It contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

“Beyond the Basics” Unbreaded Chicken Cordon Bleu:

• Experiment with different cooking methods, such as grilling or pan-frying, to create a unique flavor profile.
• Try using different types of protein, such as turkey or tofu, for a healthier alternative.
• Get creative with the filling by adding different herbs, spices, or vegetables.
• Serve the unbreaded chicken cordon bleu with a variety of dipping sauces, such as honey mustard or barbecue sauce.

Answers to Your Questions

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

• Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. However, they may take a few minutes longer to cook.

2. What can I use instead of prosciutto?

• You can use bacon, ham, or even turkey bacon as a substitute for prosciutto.

3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

• Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.