It’s Garrett’s birthday! The only occasion that I will allow myself to eat this much meat – chicken AND ham?! Marriage is compromise, people.

Pre-paleo pandemic of 2014, Garrett ordered chicken cordon bleu almost everywhere we went.

I wanted to treat him AND break his diet. I wish I was more supportive, I really do.

The man got these cheesy bad boys AND I baked him cakies (yes, cakies). Like, used a hand mixer and everything.

However, I did forget birthday candles so he made his wish on a holiday scented Glade one.

Time: 35 minutes (prep + cooking)

Serves: 2-4 depending on how normal your stomach is

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut in half
• 4 slices of ham, cut in half
• 8 slices of Swiss cheese
• 1/2 cup of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese
• 2 egg whites
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tbsp. of water
• S+P, to taste
• 1 tbsp. of olive oil

How to:

• Preheat oven to 450 and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper (clean up will be much easier)
• Wash and pat dry chicken
• Lay chicken on cutting board and place plastic wrap on top
• Lightly pound the chicken until thin enough for easy rolling
• Remove plastic and lay a slice of ham and a slice of cheese on each
• Roll to the best of your abilities & leave seam down
• Sprinkle top with S+P
• In one bowl, combine eggs + water to make an egg wash
• In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs + cheese
• Dredge each chicken in both and lay on baking sheet
• Drizzle chicken with olive oil and bake for 25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through
• Serve over roasted asparagus or whatever veggie your heart desires!

Adapted from: http://www.skinnytaste.com/2009/03/chicken-cordon-bleu.html