Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu
Ingredients :
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 thin slices deli ham
4–8 slices Swiss cheese
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
¼ cup vegetable oil, for frying
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Wooden toothpicks
Instructions :
1. 
Flatten the chicken: Place each chicken breast between sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound until evenly thin. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. 
Add the filling: Place ham and Swiss cheese in the center of each flattened chicken breast. Fold the sides inward and roll tightly from one end to the other. Secure each roll with toothpicks.
3. 
Prepare the coating: Place flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and combine panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan in a third dish.
4. 
Bread the chicken: Coat each chicken roll in flour, dip into the beaten eggs, then press firmly into the panko mixture until completely covered.
5. 
6. 
Finish cooking: Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and finish in a 375°F (190°C) oven if needed, until the center reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. 
Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, remove the toothpicks, then slice into thick pieces. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve while the cheese is warm and melted.