Ingredients
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 4 slices of Swiss cheese
– 4 thin slices of deli ham
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 large egg, beaten
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Preparation
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Lay each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a rolling pin or meat mallet, gently pound the chicken to about 1/4-inch thickness.
3. Place a slice of cheese and a slice of ham on each chicken breast, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Carefully roll up each breast, securing with toothpicks if necessary to keep them closed.
5. In a shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
6. Brush each chicken roll-up with Dijon mustard, then dredge in flour, dip into the beaten egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
7. Arrange the breaded roll-ups in the prepared baking dish and drizzle with melted butter.
8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
9. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. And remember to remove those toothpicks!
Variations & Tips
For the little ones or those with simpler tastes, try using just cheese in the roll-up, or swap the Swiss for a milder cheese like mozzarella. If you’re short on time, you don’t need to pound the chicken breasts flat; just make a pocket in each one and stuff with the ham and cheese. For an extra crispy crust, consider mixing in some grated Parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs. And for a gluten-free version, almond flour and crushed gluten-free cereal make great substitutes for the breadcrumbs and flour. Remember, cooking is all about making each recipe feel like your own, so don’t be afraid to tweak things to suit your family’s tastes. Enjoy, and let the warmth of a home-cooked meal bring everyone together at the table tonight.