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1
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
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2
Using a sharp knife, split the chicken breasts lengthwise down the center.
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3
This will produce four pieces.
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4
Cut away the peripheral bits of fat from each piece.
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5
Place each piece between sheets of plastic wrap and pound lightly with a flat mallet.
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6
Combine the egg, salt and pepper to taste, and oil in a flat dish.
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7
Beat well to blend.
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8
Put the bread crumbs in another flat dish.
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9
Put the flour in another flat dish.
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10
Dip each chicken piece first in flour, then in egg, and finally in bread crumbs.
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11
Pat lightly with the flat side of a heavy kitchen knife to make the crumbs adhere.
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12
Melt the butter in a heavy skillet and just as it starts to turn brown, add the chicken pieces.
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13
Cook about 4 minutes or until the pieces are nicely browned on one side.
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14
Turn and cook about 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown on the other side.
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15
Arrange the chicken pieces in a baking dish.
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16
Cover each piece with a slice of ham.
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17
Top the ham with a slice of cheese.
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18
Place the dish in the oven and bake 10 minutes.
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19
HOW TO MAKE FINE FRESH BREAD CRUMBS: Put enough coarse-textured French or Italian bread cubes into a container of a food processor to make one cup.
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20
Process until fine.
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21
Put a sieve into a bowl and add the crumbs.
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22
Press and shake the crumbs through the sieve.
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23
Discard the crumbs that do not pass through the sieve.
