Breaded chicken stuffed with ham and cheese sounds pretty pedestrian, but it tastes extraordinary. This recipe includes an easy cream sauce to boot.
INGREDIENTS (for 6 servings):
- 8 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 8 slices cooked ham
- 4 slices Swiss cheese, cut into 1 inch pieces
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/2 cup cornflakes cereal crumbs
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
PREPARATION:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Place each chicken breast half between sheets of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet to about 1/8 inch thickness. Place a finger of cheese on each ham slice and sprinkle lightly with thyme and salt and pepper to taste. Roll up seasoned ham and cheese 'jellyroll-style', then roll each chicken breast with ham and cheese inside. Tuck in ends and fasten with toothpicks.
Place melted butter in a small bowl and place cereal crumbs in a shallow dish or bowl. Dip each chicken roll in butter or margarine, then roll in crumbs, turning to coat thoroughly. Place coated rolls in a lightly greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
Bake at 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) for about 40 minutes or until chicken is golden brown and juices run clear. Serve with cordon bleu sauce, if desired.
To Make Cordon Bleu Sauce: In a small saucepan mix together the soup, sour cream and lemon juice. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, and serve hot over chicken rolls. Makes about 2 cups; 8 servings of 1/4 cup each.