5 Easy Steps: Chicken Cordon Bleu in Pillsbury Dough

Have you ever craved the irresistible combination of tender chicken, salty ham, and melty Swiss cheese, all wrapped in a golden, crispy exterior? Traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu can take hours to prepare, but what if you could simplify this classic dish? In this post, we're going to show you how to make Chicken Cordon Bleu using Pillsbury dough in just five easy steps. This quick and delicious recipe not only saves time but also brings an exciting twist to your kitchen adventures.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Before you dive into cooking, having everything ready will make the process smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halved
• 4 slices of ham
• 4 slices of Swiss cheese
• 1 can of Pillsbury crescent roll dough
• 1 egg, beaten
• ¹⁄₂ cup of breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Prepping Tip: Flatten the chicken breasts for even cooking by placing them between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pounding with a meat mallet or rolling pin.

Step 2: Layer the Cordon Bleu

Now comes the fun part:

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Place a slice of ham and then a slice of Swiss cheese on each piece of chicken, leaving some space at the edges to prevent overflow.
3. Roll up the chicken pieces, securing them with toothpicks if needed.

Note: If the filling seems to spill out, you can roll the chicken around the cheese and ham more tightly.

Step 3: Encase in Dough

Here’s where Pillsbury dough changes the game:

1. Unroll the Pillsbury crescent dough on a lightly floured surface.
2. Cut the dough into four rectangles, ensuring to seal the perforations.
3. Wrap each piece of chicken in a dough rectangle, ensuring the seams are well sealed to keep the cheese inside during baking.

🔹 Note: For an even more secure wrap, you can brush a little egg wash on the edges of the dough before sealing.

Step 4: Breading and Baking

It’s time to give your Chicken Cordon Bleu that irresistible golden crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Dip each dough-wrapped chicken in the beaten egg, then roll in breadcrumbs for a uniform coating.
3. Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked.

Note: You can add some seasoning to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor, like garlic powder or paprika.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Your Chicken Cordon Bleu is now ready to impress:

• Remove the Chicken Cordon Bleu from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the cheese to set.
• Remove toothpicks if you’ve used them.
• Serve warm with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables or a crisp salad.

This simplified version of Chicken Cordon Bleu using Pillsbury dough transforms this gourmet dish into a weeknight wonder. The dough adds an extra layer of delight, ensuring that the chicken remains moist and the cheese stays wonderfully melty. The crunch of the breadcrumb exterior paired with the soft dough inside provides a textural contrast that's both pleasing and surprising. Experiment with different fillings or flavors of Pillsbury dough to personalize this dish further.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

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Frozen chicken can be used, but make sure it’s completely thawed in the refrigerator before preparing to ensure even cooking. Thaw at least overnight to get the best results.

What can I use instead of Pillsbury dough?

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If Pillsbury dough isn’t available, you can use puff pastry or homemade bread dough as an alternative. Each provides a different texture but will still yield great results.

How do I store leftovers?

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Store any leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to retain its crispiness.