Ingredients

for 6 servings
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
16 slices swiss cheese
½ lb ham (225 g), thinly sliced
peanut oil, or vegetable oil, for frying
1 cup all-purpose flour (125 g)
4 eggs, beaten
2 cups panko bread crumbs (100 g)
Creamy Dijon Sauce
3 tablespoons butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk (480 mL)
¼ cup dijon mustard (60 g)
1 cup shredded parmesan cheese (100 g)
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste

Preparation

Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, tossing to coat evenly.
On a cutting board, place a chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound until about ½ inch (1 cm) thick with a meat mallet, rolling pin, or heavy pan.
Remove the plastic wrap and place 2 slices of Swiss cheese, then 2 slices of ham, then another layer of Swiss cheese, and another layer of ham. Evenly roll the chicken and place onto a new sheet of plastic wrap.
Wrap the chicken in the plastic wrap tightly and use the excess plastic on the sides to twist, firming up the roll of chicken cordon bleu as you work. Tie the excess plastic. Repeat with the remaining ingredients, then chill the rolls in the fridge to set for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat a tall-sided pan with 2 inches (5 cm) of oil to 325°F (170°C).
After the rolls are set, prepare 2 separate large, wide dishes with the flour, beaten egg, and bread crumbs. Dredge the chicken first in the flour, then the egg, and then bread crumbs.
Place the breaded chicken cordon bleu in the oil and cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until the outside is an even golden brown. If a good color is achieved and the chicken’s center is still not 165°F (75°C), place the chicken cordon bleu on a wire rack set over a baking sheet an