Chicken Stuffed with Serrano Ham and Manchego Cheese

This is my response to Chicken Cordon Bleu; that delectable, tender chicken breast stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, rolled in bread crumbs and cooked golden brown. I have been having some fun experimenting with basic flavor profiles from Spain and did with my interpretation of this dish as well. I stuffed a thin chicken breast with peppery Serrano ham and sharp Manchego cheese. And just for an added twist I layered it with a fresh leaf of basil. The chicken breast is rolled closed and painted with Dijon mustard for still another layer of flavor and then coated with almond flour, which has been blended with herbs and spices. This dish is absolutely delicious, decidedly different, mouth watering and very family friendly. I hope you enjoy.

Chicken Stuffed with Serrano Ham and Manchego Cheese

Ingredients:

4 - 4 ounce boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded about 1/4" thin

4 to 8 large basil leaves

2 ounces Serrano ham, divided into four equal portions

2 ounces Manchego cheese, cut thinly and divided into four equal portions

1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard

1/2 cup almond flour

1 tsp. paprika

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. dried thyme

black pepper

olive oil spray

Preheat oven to 375'

Season chicken with black pepper to taste. Begin by layering a fresh basil leaf or two on each chicken breast, followed by the Serrano ham and Manchego cheese. Roll to close and secure with toothpick if needed.

Brush each chicken breast with Dijon mustard. Blend the almond flour,paprika, garlic powder and thyme on a plate and season with black pepper. Coat each chicken breast with mixture, set aside on a plate and lightly coat the top of each with olive oil spray.

Place the chicken breasts, seam side down, in a large, oven safe saute pan that has been coated with olive oil spray and brown on one side on medium to medium high heat. Place pan into oven and finish chicken by cooking for about 15 minutes. The chicken will be golden brown and the cheese will begin to melt.

Nutrition Facts

4 Servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 288.3
Total Fat 14.8 g
Saturated Fat 4.9 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0 g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.0 g
Cholesterol 102.4 mg
Sodium 530.3 mg
Potassium 19.7 mg
Total Carbohydrate 3.6 g
Dietary Fiber 1.8 g
Sugars 0.6 g
Protein 36.8 g