Serves 4

Prep time : 20 minutes

Cooking time : 30 minutes

Method

1. Take each chicken fillet and slice a pocket into the side, being careful not to cut so deep that you slice right through to the other side.

2. Roll two slices of cheese and two slices of ham together and place into the pocket in the chicken. Rolling the cheese inside the ham will prevent it from leaking out during cooking. Secure with a cocktail stick if necessary.

3. Place the flour into a shallow bowl and season with salt and pepper. Dip each chicken breast into the flour mixture, then into the beaten egg, and finally into the breadcrumbs, being sure to coat the chicken completely on both sides.

4. Place the chicken fillets on a lightly greased baking sheet and spray with a little cooking oil. Bake in the oven at 200°C/180°C fan/Gas 6 for 30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Our Top Tip

Try experimenting with different cheeses, like perhaps a melty Mozzarella, or a smoked cheddar to compliment the smoked ham. Or for a twist, try replacing the smoked ham with an unsmoked variety and use a blue cheese, like Gorgonzola, or Roquefort if you like a more pungent flavour.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breast fillets

8 thin slices Gruyère cheese

8 thin slices smoked ham

125g plain flour

salt and pepper

1 large free range egg, beaten

250g breadcrumbs