Easy Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu

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   1.

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   Preheat oven to 400 F. 2.

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   In a small bowl mix together the panko bread crumbs, herbs de Provence or Italian seasoning, and about 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper.

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   Set aside.

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   3.

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   Place a chicken breast between 2 pieces of plastic wrap.

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   Use a mallet or similar to pound the chicken to an even thickness, about 3/4 of an inch thick.

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   Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.

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   4.

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    Using a very sharp knife cut a pocket along the length of the chicken breast.

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    Make the pocket as large as you can without cutting all the way through the chicken breast.

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    5.

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    Season both sides of the chicken breast with salt and pepper, theres no need to season inside of the pocket.

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    6.

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    Start an assembly line to stuff and top each chicken breast.

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    The directions are for one breast, but do it for all 4.

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    7.

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    Spread about 1 teaspoon of mustard inside of the pocket you made in the chicken breast.

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    8.

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    Lay 1 1/2 slices of cheese in the pocket.

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    9.

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    Then add 1 slice of ham that had been cut into quarters (use all four quarters).

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    10.

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    Then layer in another 1 1/2 slices of cheese.

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    11.

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    Now use 3 or 4 toothpicks to close up the pocket nice and tight, you dont want that ham and cheese to escape.

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    12.

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    Spread about another 1 1/2 teaspoons of mustard over just the top of the chicken.

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    13.

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    Top with about 2 1/2 tablespoons of the seasoned panko bread crumbs.

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    Gently press the bread crumbs down into the mustard.

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    14.

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    Spray the bread crumbs on the top of the chicken with cooking spray, or if you have an oil mister then mist with oil.

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    This will allow the bread crumbs to get a golden color.

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    Place the chicken into a greased baking dish and repeat with the remaining pieces of chicken.

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    15.

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    Put the pan in the 400 F oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes.

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    16.

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    Then remove it from the oven and let it stand for about 10 minutes before serving.

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    Make sure that you remember to pull the toothpicks out.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.