Secrets revealed: elevate your dinner with our exclusive chicken cordon bleu recipe in puff pastry

Chicken cordon bleu is a classic dish that combines the flavors of chicken, cheese, and ham, all wrapped in a flaky puff pastry. This recipe will guide you through the steps of creating this indulgent dish using puff pastry, ensuring a crispy and golden exterior that perfectly complements the tender and juicy interior.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 4 slices ham

For the Coating:

• 1 package (17.3 ounces) puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

• Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally almost all the way through, creating a pocket.
• Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
• Place a slice of cheese and a slice of ham inside each pocket.

2. Roll the Puff Pastry

• On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry to a 12×12 inch square.

3. Wrap the Chicken

• Place the chicken breasts on the puff pastry square.
• Fold the corners of the pastry over the chicken, pressing to seal.
• Trim any excess pastry.

4. Chill

• Place the wrapped chicken breasts on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

5. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

6. Brush with Egg Wash

• In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water.
• Brush the egg wash over the puff pastry.

7. Bake

• Bake the chicken breasts for 25-30 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.

8. Serve

• Let the chicken breasts rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for Success

• For a more flavorful dish, use high-quality cheese and ham.
• If you don’t have a rolling pin, you can use a wine bottle to roll out the puff pastry.
• If the puff pastry starts to tear, simply patch it up with another piece of pastry.
• Serve the chicken cordon bleu with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side salad.

Variations

• Chicken Cordon Bleu with Spinach: Add a layer of sautéed spinach to the chicken before wrapping it in puff pastry.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu with Mushrooms: Sauté some mushrooms and add them to the chicken along with the cheese and ham.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu with Dijon Mustard: Spread a layer of Dijon mustard on the chicken before adding the cheese and ham.

The Bottom Line

With this recipe, you can create a truly exceptional chicken cordon bleu that will impress your family and friends. The combination of tender chicken, flavorful cheese and ham, and crispy puff pastry makes this dish a delightful treat. So gather your ingredients, follow the instructions carefully, and enjoy the satisfaction of creating a culinary masterpiece.

What People Want to Know

Q: Can I use frozen puff pastry for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen puff pastry. Thaw it completely before rolling it out.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
A: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165°F (74°C).

Q: What can I serve with chicken cordon bleu?
A: Chicken cordon bleu pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side salad.