Cooking Chicken With Ham And Cheese: How Long?

Chicken cordon bleu is a dish that's not only impressive but also easy to make. This mouth-watering meal consists of chicken breasts stuffed with ham and cheese and is cooked in a variety of ways. The chicken is usually sliced to create a pocket for the ham and cheese filling, and the entire dish is cooked in an oven, skillet, or a combination of both. The chicken is often seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and other spices, and the cooking time varies depending on the method, with oven-baked recipes taking around 20 minutes and skillet-cooked recipes taking around 10 minutes.

Chicken prep and stuffing

Selecting the Chicken

Choose large, boneless, skinless, and similar-sized chicken breasts. This ensures they hold the stuffing well, cook evenly, and are easier to cut and stuff.

Creating the Pocket

Using a sharp, thin-bladed knife, carefully make a horizontal cut or incision on the thicker or thinner long side of the chicken breast, creating a pocket for the stuffing. Be sure not to cut all the way through—leave one side attached. Laying the breasts flat on a cutting board can help guide your cut.

The Stuffing

For the filling, you can use a variety of ham and cheese combinations. For the ham, choose thin-sliced honey ham, smoked ham, or your preferred variety. For the cheese, options include provolone, Swiss, American, mild cheddar, sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Colby jack, or even goat cheese. The key is to use cheese that melts well.

Stuff each chicken breast with your chosen combination of ham and cheese, ensuring the ingredients are tucked securely into the pocket. You can add two halves of cheese, a slice of ham, and then two more halved slices for a generous filling. Seal the pockets with toothpicks to prevent the cheese from oozing out. Remember to remove the toothpicks before serving!

Seasoning

In a small bowl, mix your chosen seasonings. This could include onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, or paprika. Sprinkle or pat this seasoning mix on the outside of each chicken breast.

Browning the Chicken (Optional)

Before baking, you can brown the chicken in a skillet for a golden color. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and cook for about 4-6 minutes on each side until browned but not fully cooked. You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your pan.

Baking

Preheat your oven to between 375°F and 400°F. Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet or tray. Drizzle them with olive oil and bake for around 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the center. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F when fully cooked.

Your chicken is now ready to be served! You can pair it with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a salad. Enjoy your delicious, juicy, and flavorful ham and cheese-stuffed chicken!

Browning the chicken

Prepare the Chicken

Before browning, ensure your chicken breasts have been stuffed with your chosen ham and cheese filling. Secure the filling with toothpicks if needed. Also, season the chicken with salt and pepper, or a mixture of spices like onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and garlic powder. You can also try dredging the chicken in flour or breadcrumbs for extra crispness.

Heat the Skillet

Use a large skillet, preferably oven-safe, and heat it over medium-high heat. Add your preferred cooking oil, such as olive oil, and ensure it is hot before adding the chicken. You may need to cook the chicken in batches, depending on the size of your skillet.

Brown the Chicken

Carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Cook for approximately 4-6 minutes on each side, until the chicken is browned and golden. It is not necessary for the chicken to be fully cooked at this stage. If you are working in batches, set the browned chicken aside on a plate while you cook the remaining pieces.

Prepare the Sauce (Optional)

Once all the chicken pieces are browned, you can use the same skillet to prepare a sauce. Add butter and garlic to the skillet and sauté for about a minute. Then, add flour and mix vigorously. Pour in chicken broth, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper, whisking continuously. Simmer the sauce until it starts to thicken.

Finish Cooking

After browning, you have the option to finish cooking the chicken in the oven or on the stovetop.

Oven-Baking Method

Place the browned chicken, with the sauce poured over it, in a preheated oven at 375-400°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast should read 165-170°F when it is done.

Stovetop Method

Return the browned chicken to the skillet with the sauce and simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Again, an internal temperature of 165°F indicates doneness.

Your ham and cheese-stuffed chicken is now ready to be served! Enjoy this delicious and juicy dish with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Making the sauce

While the chicken is cooking, you can make the sauce. In a separate pan, add some butter and garlic and sauté for a minute, stirring frequently. Next, add in some flour and mix vigorously to create a roux. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. Whisk the sauce continuously until it starts to thicken.

Some recipes suggest adding in some Dijon mustard to the sauce for a tangy flavour. You can also add in some heavy cream and grated parmesan to make a creamy mustard sauce. If you want to make the sauce extra smooth, you can use a whisk to break up any lumps.

Once the sauce is ready, add the chicken back into the pan and pour the sauce over the chicken. Cover the pan with foil and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes.

Baking the chicken

There are a few different ways to bake your chicken once it's stuffed with ham and cheese. Some recipes call for the chicken to be browned in a skillet before baking, which gives it a beautiful golden colour. Others suggest sealing the chicken with toothpicks and then baking in a preheated oven.

If you're using toothpicks, remember to remove them before serving!

One recipe recommends baking the chicken at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink in the centre. Another suggests baking at 390 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes.

You'll know your chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you're making a sauce to go with your chicken, you can pop it in the microwave while the chicken is baking, or make it in a saucepan on the stove.

If you're looking for a crispy finish, make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken.

And don't forget, it's important not to overcook the chicken, as this will affect the taste and texture.

Serving suggestions

Ham and cheese stuffed chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Side dishes: This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a salad, or cauliflower. For a healthier option, try serving it with roasted cauliflower or a salad. If you're looking for something more indulgent, mashed potatoes are always a great choice.
• Sauce: Don't forget the sauce! The recipe includes a delicious creamy broth that can be spooned over the chicken before serving. You can also serve the chicken with Dijon or grainy mustard for dipping.
• Garnishes: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or chopped green onions on top of the chicken for a pop of color and extra flavor.
• Carb options: If you're looking for a heartier meal, serve the chicken with a side of rice or your favorite type of bread. For a fun twist, try making baked potato salad, combining all your favorite potato toppings into one delicious side dish.
• Vegetarian option: To accommodate vegetarian guests, you can stuff the chicken with a mixture of cheese, spinach, and jalapeno poppers. This variation will surely be a hit with everyone!
• Presentation: When serving, consider arranging the chicken breasts on a bed of arugula or other leafy greens. This adds a touch of elegance to the dish and provides a nice contrast in texture and color.
• Leftovers: This dish also makes for great leftovers! Simply store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the chicken with foil and bake in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently asked questions