Welcome back, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, I’m excited to share a culinary adventure inspired by my recent escapade to the French side of Saint Martin. Picture this: a charming waterfront café, a gentle Caribbean breeze, and the most exquisite Chicken Cordon Bleu that left me craving for more.
During my stay, I had the pleasure of conversing with the chef behind this delectable dish, who graciously shared his secrets, particularly his ingenious use of fresh garden herbs. Now, armed with this knowledge, I’m eager to transport you to a place where French flair meets Caribbean charm, right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 4 slices of ham
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Herbaceous Twist:
- A handful of fresh basil leaves
- A handful of fresh thyme leaves
- A handful of fresh rosemary leaves
- A handful of fresh parsley leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sides:
- Fresh mixed vegetables of your choice
- Mashed Parmesan potatoes (recipe below)
Instructions:
Prepare the Herb Blend:
Finely chop the basil, thyme, rosemary, and parsley leaves.
In a small bowl, combine the chopped herbs with minced garlic, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Prepare the Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lay each chicken breast flat on a cutting board and carefully slice a pocket into the side, being careful not to cut all the way through.
Stuff each pocket with a slice of Swiss cheese and ham.
Season the stuffed chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Coat the Chicken:
Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess.
Dip them into the beaten eggs, ensuring they’re fully coated.
Finally, coat each breast with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Add the Herbaceous Twist:
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven.
Spoon the prepared herb blend over the top of each chicken breast, allowing the heat to slightly wilt the herbs and release their aromatic flavors.
Prepare the Sides:
While the chicken is cooking, steam or roast your favorite mixed vegetables until tender.
For the mashed Parmesan potatoes, simply boil potatoes until fork-tender, mash them with butter and milk, and fold in grated Parmesan cheese until creamy.
Serve and Enjoy:
Plate the herb-infused Chicken Cordon Bleu alongside the fresh mixed vegetables and a generous serving of mashed Parmesan potatoes.
Bon appétit! Indulge in the delightful fusion of French elegance and Caribbean vibrancy right at your dining table.
There you have it, folks – a taste of paradise encapsulated in every bite. With a little bit of culinary magic and a handful of garden-fresh herbs, you can recreate the enchanting flavors of the French Caribbean right in your own home. Until next time, happy cooking and may your adventures in the kitchen be as delightful as mine!
