Chicken Cordon Bleu (Inside Out!!)

This is a healthy version of the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu - it contains the flavors of the classic version but NOT the fat and calories since there's no breading and deep frying involved.

There's no heavy coating, no deep frying with this recipe - a low carb version with a LOT of flavor!!

I made 3 chicken breasts (cut in half) for this. Pound them to 1/4" thickness, taking care not to tear them.

In a small bowl, combine 2 T. fig preserves with S&P and 1/2 tsp. thyme.

Spread equally over the 6 pcs. of chicken.

Put a slice of Swiss or Gruyere cheese over each pc. of chicken.  Lay a slice (or 2) of smoked ham over the cheese, pressing down.

Heat 2 T. oil in skillet.  Add chicken (ham side down) and saute for 3-4 minutes on med-high heat (until ham turns golden brown. Carefully flip them and cook the other side another 3-4 minutes.  Cover and cook another few minutes until thoroughly cooked.

Make dipping sauce/dressing:  In a small bowl, combine 5 T. olive oil, 1 minced shallot, 1 tsp. Dijon mustard, 2 T. white balsamic vinegar and S&P to taste.  Whisk together thoroughly and serve with cooked chicken.