Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe (Video)

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless, (skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ lbs/680 g))
• ¾ teaspoon salt, (divided)
• ¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, (divided)
• 4 thin slices black forest ham
• 1 cup (4 oz) shredded Gruyère, Emmenthal, or Swiss cheese
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, (melted and cooled slightly)
• ¼ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons minced shallots, (from 1 to 2 shallots)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups chicken stock ((or broth))
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
• 1 teaspoon fresh chopped thyme ((or ½ teaspoon dried))