Chicken Cordon Bleu

My Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu: A Recipe From My Teen Years

This Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe holds a special place in my heart. I found it tucked away in the pages of a 17 magazine back when I was a teenager, and it’s been a staple in my kitchen ever since. It's a dish that’s both elegant and surprisingly simple to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Over the years, this recipe has become more than just a meal; it’s a culinary time capsule, transporting me back to those carefree days of my youth. The satisfying crunch of the perfectly browned chicken, the rich, creamy sauce, and the melt-in-your-mouth cheese – it’s a symphony of flavors that never fails to impress.

I remember the first time I attempted this recipe. I was so nervous, meticulously following each step, ensuring that every chicken roll was perfectly formed and evenly browned. The aroma that filled my kitchen as it simmered was intoxicating, a promise of the delicious meal to come. The end result? Pure culinary magic! My family devoured it, and it quickly became a family favorite, requested time and time again. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can easily adapt it to your liking. Experiment with different cheeses – Gruyère, Fontina, or even a sharp cheddar could all add a unique twist. Feel free to add other vegetables to the sauce, such as asparagus, peas, or bell peppers, to create a more vibrant and colorful presentation. This Chicken Cordon Bleu is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity, allowing you to personalize it to suit your preferences and the seasons.

Beyond its deliciousness, this recipe is also a testament to the power of simple ingredients. With just a few pantry staples and some readily available fresh produce, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that will leave your family and friends wanting more. It’s a recipe that’s both satisfying and comforting, a reminder that the most delicious meals often come from the simplest of recipes. The joy of creating something delicious from scratch, of sharing a meal with loved ones, is something that I cherish. This recipe isn't just about the food; it's about the memories, the moments, and the love that goes into every bite.

Over the years, I’ve made this recipe countless times, each time savoring the taste and the memories associated with it. It's a recipe that's traveled with me, from my childhood home to my own kitchen. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, wholesome ingredients and the joy of creating a delicious meal for those you love. This recipe isn't just a meal; it's a story, a tradition, a celebration of simple pleasures.

So, if you're looking for a classic recipe that's easy to make, always delicious, and full of wonderful memories, look no further than this Chicken Cordon Bleu. It's a true culinary treasure, a recipe that I’m happy to share with all of you. Enjoy!

Step-by-step

• Flatten each chicken breast: spread the breasts on a sheet of plastic wrap or waxed paper. Cover with a second sheet. Using a mallet or the edge of a sauce pan, pound each breast until flat (1/4 inch thick).
• Sprinkle one side of cutlets with salt and pepper.
• Top each with a slice of ham.
• Cut cheese into 4 bars. Place one bar of cheese at one short end of each ham slice.
• Fold long edges of cutlet over ends of bar of cheese. Then, starting at the short end of the cutlet, roll up, jelly-roll style.
• To hold each chicken roll together, fasten with a wooden toothpick.
• Measure flour onto a plate or sheet of plastic wrap or waxed paper. Lightly coat each chicken roll with flour.
• In a large skillet, melt 2 Tbsp butter over medium heat. Add chicken rolls and brown on all sides.
• Remove from pan; set aside.
• Melt remaining Tbsp of butter in skillet. Add mushrooms and onion, sauté until tender.
• Add water, chicken bouillon, parsley and bring to a boil.
• Return chicken rolls to sauce. Lower heat, cover skillet and simmer 30 minutes.
• Transfer chicken rolls from pan to serving platter, keep warm while finishing sauce.
• Bring sauce to a boil. Stir in cream, lower heat, and simmer several minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
• Pour sauce over chicken rolls.
• Serve with rice. Serves 8