Chicken Cordon Bleu for My Funny Valentine

By CarlaKay

A simple, delicious and elegant meal.

Ingredients

• 4 (6-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 1 1/2 pounds)
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 6 ounces sliced Swiss cheese (4 to 6 slices)
• 4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto or Black Forest ham
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons Emeril's Original Essence or Creole Seasoning
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 cup fine unseasoned dried bread crumbs
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 teaspoons good dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons mayonaise

Details

Servings 4

Preparation

Step 1

Cut each piece of chicken in half horizontally and place each piece between 2 sheets of plastic wrap. Using the smooth side of a meat mallet, pound out to a 1/4-inch thickness.

Place the 8 chicken pieces on a baking sheet and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Mix mayonaise and dijon mustard and spread over chicken breasts. Divide cheese evenly between 4 pieces of chicken. Arrange prosciutto ham slices evenly over cheese; top with remaining 4 pieces of chicken. Tuck in any cheese or prosciutto ham that extends over the edges. Secure chicken pieces together using toothpicks along the edges to seal the edges.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.

Place flour in a shallow dish; season with 1 tablespoon essence. In another shallow dish, mix together eggs and milk using a fork. Place bread crumbs in a third shallow dish; season with remaining 2 teaspoons Essence. Dip a chicken bundle in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip chicken in egg mixture, followed by seasoned breadcrumbs; transfer to a plate. Repeat process with remaining chicken bundles.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken bundles in skillet and cook, until browned on one side, about 4 minutes. Turn chicken and cook 2 minutes more

Transfer to prepared baking sheet and place in oven. Cook until cheese is melted and bubbly and chicken is cooked through, about 4 minutes. Remove toothpicks and serve immediately.