Chicken Cordon Bleu - Recipe

I love CCB (Chicken Cordon Bleu).  Just was to afraid to tackle making it homemade.  Until my newest cookbook had simple ingredients and the best step by step directions.  This recipe is a keeper and oh so yummy!!

CCB - Our Best Bites Cookbook
**are my notes
-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-1/2 t. garlic powder
-1/2 t. onion powder
-1/4 t. black pepper
-1 c. shredded mozzarella, provolone, or Swiss cheese **I used mozz but next time will try with provolone
-6-12 slices thinly sliced ham **our ham was smoked ham
-1/2 c. all purpose flour
-2 eggs, lightly beaten
-1 c. panko bread crumbs
-1/2 c. freshly shredded Parmesan cheese **I used my Kraft green bottle that is grated since all on hand
-1 1/2 T. melted butter

-Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray baking sheet with nonstick spray

-Place breast on cutting board and place your non-dominant hand on top of chicken breast.  Using sharp knife, cut each breast completely in half-horizontally.  Place each piece between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound until breasts are about /4-1/2 in. thick.  Repeat for remaining chicken (6 total pieces). **Make sure to pound out as much as possible or it is very difficult to roll and keep insides inside.

-Combine seasonings and sprinkle over one side of chicken breasts.  Divide cheese among all chicken breasts evenly, then lay 1-2 slices of ham, and roll chicken up to secure with toothpicks

-Place flour, eggs, and bread crumbs/parm cheese all in separate shallow bowls

-Working with one chicken piece at a time, drudge into flour, then egg, and finally bread crumb mixture.  Coat all sides and use fingers to press bread crumbs on **no pictures here because fingers were covered in yummy goodness

-Place chicken on baking sheet, drizzle with melted butter, and bake 25-35 minutes

-Cool 10 minutes before serving and remove toothpicks. 

-Serving with some veggies and warm sourdough bread....Enjoy!!!!