Chicken Cordon Bleu

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 oz thinly sliced deli ham
• 4 oz Swiss cheese
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Butterfly each chicken breast, then pound to about 1/4-inch thickness.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on each chicken breast, if using.
3. Place 1 slice of ham and 1 slice of Swiss cheese on one half of each chicken breast. Fold the other half over and secure with toothpicks.
4. Set up a breading station: one shallow dish with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with bread crumbs.
5. Dredge each stuffed chicken breast in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat thoroughly with bread crumbs.
6. Melt butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove toothpicks before serving.