Quick Chicken Cordon Bleu

  • 3

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and tenders removed
  • 1/4 cup coarse dry whole-wheat breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, divided
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1/3 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped ham (about 1 ounce)
  • 2 tablespoons reduced-fat cream cheese

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Sprinkle chicken with 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper and salt. Combine cheese and cream cheese in a bowl. Combine the remaining 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper with breadcrumbs, parsley (or thyme) and 2 teaspoons oil in another bowl.

Heat the remaining 2 teaspoons oil in a large, ovenproof nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken until browned on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Move the chicken to the center so all pieces are touching. Spread with the cheese mixture, sprinkle with ham, then top with the breadcrumb mixture.

Bake until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and an instant-read thermometer registers 165°F, 5 to 7 minutes.