Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli combines the delicious flavors of the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu with the convenience and appeal of a stromboli. This dish features tender chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese, all wrapped in a golden, crispy pizza crust. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, this recipe is easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Here’s how to make it from scratch.
Ingredients
- 1 refrigerated pizza crust: Provides the base for your stromboli. You can use store-bought or homemade pizza dough.
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded: The main protein in the dish. You can use rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken.
- 1/2 cup ham, thinly sliced: Adds a salty, savory flavor that complements the chicken and cheese.
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, nutty flavor.
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy kick to the filling.
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs: Adds a crispy texture to the filling.
- 1 egg, beaten: Used to brush the dough and help it brown.
- 1 tbsp butter, melted: Adds richness and helps with browning.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Enhances the flavor of the crust.
- 1 tsp dried parsley: Adds color and a touch of herbaceous flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: For seasoning.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature when your stromboli is ready to bake.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the shredded chicken breast, thinly sliced ham, shredded Swiss cheese, and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix Breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, combine the Panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter. This mixture will add a crispy texture to the filling.
2. Prepare the Dough
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the refrigerated pizza crust into a rectangle, approximately 12×14 inches. Aim for an even thickness throughout.
- Spread the Filling: Spread the chicken, ham, cheese, and mustard mixture evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- Add Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the Panko breadcrumb mixture evenly over the filling.
3. Roll and Seal
- Roll the Dough: Starting from one long edge of the dough, carefully roll the dough up tightly into a log. Make sure to roll it evenly to ensure that the filling is well distributed.
- Seal the Edges: Pinch the ends of the dough to seal them and tuck them underneath the stromboli. This helps keep the filling inside while baking.
4. Prepare for Baking
- Brush with Egg: Place the rolled stromboli seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the top and sides of the stromboli with the beaten egg. This will give it a nice golden color.
- Season the Top: Sprinkle the top of the stromboli with garlic powder and dried parsley for added flavor and a touch of color.
5. Bake
- Bake the Stromboli: Place the stromboli in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly.
- Cool Slightly: Allow the stromboli to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to cut.
6. Serve
- Slice and Serve: Cut the stromboli into slices and serve warm. It pairs beautifully with a side salad or a dipping sauce such as marinara.
Tips for Success
- Use Room Temperature Dough: If using store-bought dough, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling it out. This makes it easier to work with.
- Don’t Overfill: Be careful not to overfill the stromboli, as too much filling can cause it to burst open while baking.
- Experiment with Fillings: Feel free to customize the filling with other ingredients such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or different types of cheese.
- Serve with Dips: Marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or even a honey mustard dipping sauce complements this dish well.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Stromboli is a fantastic twist on a classic dish, offering a delicious combination of flavors and textures. With a crispy pizza crust, savory chicken and ham, and melted Swiss cheese, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or at a gathering, this stromboli is easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Enjoy!
