Chicken Cordon Bleu

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 4 slices ham
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Toothpicks for securing

Preparation Steps:

1. Prep Chicken Breasts:
   • Lay each chicken breast flat and season with salt and pepper. Place a slice of Swiss cheese and a slice of ham on top.
2. Roll and Secure:
   • Carefully roll each chicken breast, enclosing the cheese and ham inside. Secure with toothpicks to maintain the shape.
3. Coat in Flour:
   • Dredge each chicken roll in flour, ensuring an even coating. Shake off any excess flour.
4. Dip in Eggs:
   • Dip the floured chicken rolls into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
5. Breadcrumbs and Parmesan Coating:
   • In a separate bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and garlic powder. Roll each chicken roll in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating.
6. Chill and Set:
   • Place the coated chicken rolls in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps the coating adhere and sets the shape.
7. Heat Oil and Fry:
   • Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry each chicken roll until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes per side.
8. Remove Toothpicks:
   • Once cooked, carefully remove toothpicks from the Chicken Cordon Bleu rolls.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Slice the Chicken Cordon Bleu rolls into rounds and serve hot. Revel in the exquisite combination of succulent chicken, melted cheese, and savory ham.

Delight in the culinary sophistication of Chicken Cordon Bleu – a dish that transcends time and remains a symbol of culinary finesse.