Crisp Breaded Chicken with Ham and Cheese

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden fried chicken cutlets topped with smoky ham and melted cheese, a beloved Argentine comfort food that pairs perfectly with simple sides. This Argentine-inspired kid-friendly recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs chicken breast, all-purpose flour, large eggs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Argentine cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 chicken breast halves dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Set up three shallow dishes: place 1/2 cup all-purpose flour in the first dish, beat 2 large eggs with 2 tbsp water in the second, and mix 1 cup breadcrumbs with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan in the third.
  3. Step 3: Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shake off excess, dip in egg mixture, then press into breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
  4. Step 4: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering (350°F). Add breaded chicken and cook 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  5. Step 5: Transfer chicken to a plate, top each with 1 slice smoked ham and 2 tbsp shredded mozzarella, return to skillet, cover, and cook 1-2 minutes until cheese melts.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crisp Breaded Chicken with Ham and Cheese take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Crisp Breaded Chicken with Ham and Cheese?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crisp Breaded Chicken with Ham and Cheese?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Crisp Breaded Chicken with Ham and Cheese for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Crisp Breaded Chicken with Ham and Cheese?

Argentine kid friendly like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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