Vodka-Butter Chicken Cordon Bleu on Marinara

I modified a few things from the most popular chicken cordon bleu recipe on allrecipes.com and it came out fab! Can't go wrong with bacon, cheese, butter, and vodka. It's probably not the healthiest item, but it's cream-free :)


Ingredients

• 2 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 2 slices cheese, we used Sweet Chili Cheddar
• 4 slices bacon
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp paprika
• 6 tbsp butter
• 2-3 oz vodka (traditionally 1/2 cup dry white wine)
• 2 chicken bouillon cubes, crushed
• 1 1/2 tsp cornstarch
• 1 cup soy cream (traditionally heavy whipping cream)
• Marinara Sauce
• 1 can tomato sauce (we used Roasted Capsicum & Onion)
• 1 Bay leaf
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tbsp parsley
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried chili flakes
• Salt/Pepper
• Few fresh basil leaves, julienned
• Sliced dinner bread (to serve)

Directions

1. Start with the marinara sauce. In a saucepan, mix the tomato sauce and spices over medium-high heat until it starts to boil. Then reduce to a simmer until ready (longer simmer = better flavor).
2. Pound chicken breasts if they are too thick. Place a cheese and 2 bacon slices on each breast within 1/2 inch of the edges. Fold the edges of the chicken over the filling, and secure with toothpicks. Mix the flour and paprika in a small bowl, and coat the chicken pieces.
3. Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and cook the chicken until browned on all sides. Add the vodka and bouillon. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, until chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear. Remove the toothpicks and set aside. 
4. Blend the cornstarch with the cream in a small bowl, and whisk slowly into the skillet. Cook, stirring until thickened.
5. On serving plates, pour marinara sauce, place chicken, and then pour the cream sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle the basil on the marinara and serve warm, with bread (and red wine). You'll want that bread for the marinara and leftover vodka butter ;) 

Source: modified from Allrecipes.com