1. Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
- Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until about 1/4 inch thick. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Place a slice of Swiss cheese and a slice of ham on each chicken breast. Roll up tightly and secure with toothpicks.
3. Dredge and Coat:
- Prepare three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with paprika.
- Dredge each chicken roll first in flour, shaking off the excess. Dip next into the egg, and finally, coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure the chicken is well-coated.
4. Bake:
- Place the coated chicken rolls on the prepared baking sheet. Mix the melted butter and olive oil together and drizzle over the chicken.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown.
5. Prepare the Sauce (optional):
- While the chicken bakes, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together chicken broth and Dijon mustard. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook until the sauce has thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve:
- Remove the toothpicks from the chicken cordon bleu. Serve hot with the sauce drizzled over the top or on the side for dipping.
Tips:
- Securing the Chicken: Make sure to roll the chicken breasts tightly and secure them well with toothpicks to prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking.
- Sauce Variations: The sauce for chicken cordon bleu can be varied according to preference. Some might prefer a simple white wine reduction, while others might enjoy a creamy mustard sauce as provided.
- Serving Suggestions: Chicken cordon bleu pairs beautifully with a light salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
Enjoy your homemade Oven Chicken Cordon Bleu, a dish that promises elegance and flavor in every bite!