How to Make Dairy-Free Chicken Cordon Bleu

Simple Summary

This dairy-free Chicken Cordon Bleu is a delicious twist on the classic dish, offering all the flavor without the dairy. It's perfect for those with lactose intolerance or following a dairy-free diet.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
• 4 slices dairy-free ham (about 2 oz each)
• 4 slices dairy-free cheese (such as vegan mozzarella or cheddar)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup olive oil

For the dairy-free sauce:

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 2 tbsp dairy-free butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing it horizontally, leaving one edge intact. Open it like a book.

3. Place a slice of dairy-free ham and cheese on one half of each chicken breast. Fold the other half over to enclose the filling.

4. Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.

5. Dip each stuffed chicken breast in flour, then egg, and finally the seasoned breadcrumbs, ensuring it's well-coated.

6. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

7. Cook the breaded chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).

9. While the chicken bakes, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan, melt dairy-free butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute.

10. Gradually add almond milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened.

11. Stir in Dijon mustard, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Keep warm until serving.

12. Serve the chicken cordon bleu with the warm dairy-free sauce drizzled over the top.

Chef's Notes

• For a crispier crust, you can spray the breaded chicken with cooking spray before baking.
• If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the browned chicken to a baking dish before putting it in the oven.
• To ensure the cheese doesn't leak out during cooking, you can secure the chicken with toothpicks before breading.
• This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before cooking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Nutritional Info

Per serving (approximate):

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 2g This dish is high in protein and provides a good source of B vitamins from the chicken. The use of olive oil adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Dairy-Free Chicken Cordon Bleu with steamed asparagus or a mixed green salad for a balanced meal. For a starch, consider roasted potatoes or a side of quinoa. A glass of chilled white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, pairs well with this dish. For presentation, slice the chicken diagonally and fan it out on the plate, drizzling the sauce over the top and garnishing with fresh parsley.