Chicken Cordon Bleu
Makes 12
12 chicken breasts skinless and boneless
12 thin slices prosciutto or salty ham sliced thin
1 pounds Monterrey Jack or Gruyere, grated
1 cup all-purpose flour
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 cup panko bread crumbs
4 T dried thyme leaves or 6-7 sprigs of fresh thyme leaves
4 clove garlic, peeled and finely minced
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
4-5 eggs
Extra-virgin olive oil
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Lay the chicken breast between 2 pieces of plastic wrap. Using the flat side of a meat mallet, gently pound the chicken to 1/4-inch thickness. Remove the top sheet of plastic and lay 1 slice of ham neatly over the top to cover the breast and sprinkle a little of the cheese over the ham. Tuck in the sides of the breast and roll up tight like a jellyroll inside the plastic wrap. Squeeze the log gently to seal and twist both ends tight to form a nice log. Repeat with remaining chicken. Place in the freezer for 1 hour.
Season the flour with salt and pepper. Mix the bread crumbs with thyme, garlic and kosher salt, pepper, and melted butter. The butter will help the crust brown. Beat together the eggs and season so the flour, the eggs and the crumbs are all seasoned.
Remove the chicken from the freezer. Remove the plastic wrap. Lightly dust the chicken with flour, dip in the egg mixture and gently coat in the bread crumbs. Lightly coat a baking pan with olive oil and carefully transfer the roulades onto it. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Cut into pinwheels and garnish with a fruit chutney. (See Plum Chutney Recipe)