Cracker Jack Chicken
Instructions:
- 6 pieces Kirkland Signature/ Perdue* Individually Frozen Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (about 3 pounds), thawed in the refrigerator overnight
- Fine sea or kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 6 thin slices serrano ham, prosciutto or deli ham
- 6 pinkie-size pieces Monterey Jack or Havarti cheese
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Canola oil
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup Italian-style bread crumbs
- BÉCHAMEL SAUCE
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk, hot
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Fine sea or kosher salt
- Tiny pinch of nutmeg
- Starting from the thick side, slice chicken breasts almost in half horizontally. Open up and pound with a mallet to just under 1/2 inch thick.
- Season breasts with salt and pepper. Lay 1 ham slice on each, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Place cheese along edge. Fold chicken over cheese and roll into a compact bundle. Tie with kitchen twine at 1-inch intervals. Roll bundles in flour to coat, tapping off excess.
- Heat 1/4 inch oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-low. Add as many chicken rolls as will fit without touching. Cook, turning often,until golden brown and cooked through, about 10 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 170°F. Remove and let cool.Remove twine from chicken.
- Meanwhile,make the Béchamel Sauce: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in flour and cook,whisking,for 4 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk. Add thyme and bay leaf. Bring to a boil,whisking constantly. Lower heat and simmer,whisking occasionally,until thickened and smooth, about 15 minutes. Stir in salt to taste and nutmeg.
- Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. Dip chicken rolls in Béchamel to coat and set on the waxed paper. Refrigerate until sauce is set,at least 45 minutes.
- Beat eggs in a shallow bowl until foamy. Spread bread crumbs in another shallow bowl. Dip chicken in eggs to coat. Roll in bread crumbs until coated, then set on a baking sheet.
- Heat 4 inches of oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat to about 390 F. Slip 3 chicken rolls into oil and cook until golden brown,about 2 1/2 minutes. Remove to paper towels. Repeat with remaining chicken.
- Makes 6 servings.