Chicken Cordon Bleu Roll-Ups

1. Prepare the Chicken

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch.

2. Assemble the Roll-Ups

• Lay the pounded chicken breasts flat on a clean surface. Place two slices of ham and two slices of Swiss cheese on each chicken breast.
• Starting from one end, tightly roll up each chicken breast and secure it with toothpicks if needed.

3. Coat the Roll-Ups

• Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with bread crumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• Dredge each chicken roll-up in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with the seasoned bread crumbs.

4. Bake the Roll-Ups

• Place the coated chicken roll-ups in a greased baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the outside is golden brown and crispy.

5. Prepare the Sauce (optional)

• While the chicken is baking, make the sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
• Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, cooking until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer.
• Remove from heat and stir in the shredded Swiss cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve

• Remove the chicken cordon bleu roll-ups from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Remove any toothpicks.
• Serve the roll-ups whole or sliced into medallions, drizzled with the optional cheese sauce if desired.

Tips

• Variations: Try using different types of cheese such as Gruyère or mozzarella for a unique twist.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the roll-ups up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Enjoy these delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Roll-Ups for a meal that’s sure to impress with its combination of savory ham, melted cheese, and crispy breaded chicken!