Chicken Breast with Ham and Mozzarella

The aroma coming from a chicken slow roasting in the oven is hard to beat. When time doesn't afford such luxury it's a good thing that the various parts can be conveniently and deliciously cooked in a much shorter period of time.

Most would agree that the economical way to buy chicken is whole unless there’s a super sale on the different parts at the grocery store.

As a newlywed, I got the part about being economical but the reality of cutting the chicken apart was very unappealing as well as frightening to me.
Until I dealt with my chicken cutting fears my father would come over to perform the necessary surgery.

I was proud of myself when I finally stepped up to the task and cut up a whole chicken on my own. It took a while though before I felt comfortable with the process and a little while longer before I actually did a good job.

There's no shortage of recipes for chicken that utilize the breast, thighs or drumsticks. Some of my chicken recipes have been passed down through the years but there are a few that have been picked up along the way.

The next few posts will be dedicated to recipes using chicken breast, thighs and drumsticks.
The remaining parts will definitely find their way into a pressure cooker making a flavourful pot of Chicken Soup.


Chicken Breast with Ham and Mozzarella

This recipe will give you the basic ingredients and method of preparation so that you can prepare as many servings as you need.

Chicken breast (boned, skinned and sliced thin)
Thinly sliced or shaved Black Forest Ham (smoked chicken or turkey may be substituted)
Thinly sliced or coarsely grated mozzarella (Swiss or any other melting cheese also works well.)
Corn oil
Butter
Salt and pepper
Flour

1. Cut chicken breast into slices. (2 or 3 slices depending on size of breast)
2. Pound between 2 plastic wrap sheets until thin.
3. Dredge in flour and shake off excess. (you may season the flour with salt and pepper)
   
4. Heat a small amount of corn oil and couple of tablespoons of butter in a skillet until bubbly.
5. Lightly brown both sides of breast slice being careful not to overcook.
6. If you didn't add salt and pepper to the flour, season chicken at this point.
   
7. Remove from skillet and place on a baking sheet.
8. Place a small amount of cheese on the chicken, add some ham then finish off with some more cheese.
9. Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven until cheese melts and edges begin to take on a golden colour.
10. Remove from oven and serve immediately.

Notes tips and Suggestions

• You can prepare this earlier in the day and bake just before serving. Cook the chicken breast, cool it completely, assemble ham and cheese on top then cover and refrigerate. Remove from refrigerator just before you want to bake and serve it.
• Leftovers make great sandwiches.