Chicken cordon bleu
Are you looking for a fancy and impressive meal to wow your dinner guests, you want to spend time on some Chicken cordon bleu? – the classic French dish that’s sure to impress, without requiring a culinary degree. With tender chicken, melted cheese, and savory ham, it’s a dish that’s as delicious as it is elegant. And the best part? You only need a handful of simple ingredients to whip up this gourmet masterpiece. So let’s get cooking and make a meal that will have your guests begging for seconds!
Chicken cordon bleu
Equipment
- large skillet
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices of ham
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Toothpicks
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
- Flatten the chicken breasts using a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are even in thickness.
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on top of each chicken breast.
- Roll up the chicken breasts tightly, tucking in the sides as you go.
- Secure each chicken roll with toothpicks to prevent them from coming undone during cooking.
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Roll each chicken roll in the flour mixture, making sure to coat all sides evenly.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken rolls to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are browned and crispy.
- Transfer the chicken rolls to a baking dish and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
And there you have it – a simple and delicious recipe for chicken cordon bleu that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re impressing dinner guests, or just want to treat yourself to a fancy meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy. So go ahead and channel your inner Julia Child – your taste buds (and your dinner guests) will thank you!
Can I use a different type of cheese or ham?
Of course! While Swiss cheese and ham are the classic choices for chicken cordon bleu, you can always mix things up and try different types of cheese or ham. Gouda or cheddar cheese can add a delicious twist, while prosciutto or bacon can give your dish some extra flavor. Just make sure to choose a cheese and ham that complement each other and the chicken.
Using parmesan panko breadcrumbs
If you want to add some extra crunch to your chicken cordon bleu recipe, using parmesan panko bread crumbs is a great option. Simply mix together some panko breading and grated parmesan cheese in place of the flour mixture. Roll your chicken rolls in the mixture before cooking and baking as usual. The result will be a crispy, cheesy coating that takes this classic dish to the next level. Enjoy!
Baking it into a casserole
If you prefer a simpler and easier version of chicken cordon bleu, you can always bake it into a casserole. Simply layer thinly sliced chicken breasts with ham and Swiss cheese in a baking dish. Top with a mixture of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is golden and crispy. This casserole-style chicken cordon bleu is perfect for busy weeknights or potluck dinners. Give it a try!
Types of chicken to use
When it comes to making chicken cordon bleu, it’s best to use thin sliced chicken breasts. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and quickly, without drying out or becoming tough. You can also use chicken cutlets, which are pre-cut and already thin. If you can’t find either of these options at your local grocery store, you can always buy regular chicken breasts and pound them thin with a meat mallet. Just be sure to not pound them too thin or they may tear when rolling with the ham and cheese.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Sauce
The sauce is a key component of chicken cordon bleu, and there are many variations you can try. A classic option is a creamy dijon sauce made with heavy cream, dijon mustard, parsley, chicken broth, and white wine.
Another popular choice is a mushroom sauce with some black pepper, made with sautéed mushrooms, garlic, butter, and cream. Whichever sauce you choose, be sure to spoon it generously over your finished chicken cordon bleu for maximum flavor. Try not to make excess, not even an inch.
Broccoli side dish
To balance out the rich flavors of chicken cordon bleu, a simple and healthy broccoli side dish is the perfect addition to your meal. Simply steam or roast fresh broccoli florets until tender, then drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. For an extra boost of flavor, you can also toss in some minced garlic or red pepper flakes. This colorful and nutritious side dish is a great way to add some veggies to your plate while enjoying the indulgent flavors of chicken cordon bleu.
Super Easy vs Quick Dredge
Dredging chicken is an important step in making the perfect chicken cordon bleu. There are two methods for dredging the chicken: super easy and quick dredge. The super easy method involves coating the chicken in flour, then dipping it in beaten eggs, and finally coating it with breadcrumbs.
On the other hand, the quick dredge method involves skipping the flour and only coating the chicken with breadcrumbs after dipping it in beaten eggs. Both methods can yield delicious results, but choosing one over the other will depend on your personal preference and available time.
Nutrition
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a delicious dish that can be a part of a healthy and balanced diet. One serving typically contains around 300-400 calories, making it a great option for those who are watching their calorie intake. It is also a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscles. However, it is important to note that it can also be high in sodium and fat due to the cheese and ham filling. To make it healthier, you can opt for low-fat cheese or use turkey instead of ham. Overall, when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, Chicken Cordon Bleu can provide important nutrients to support your overall health and well-being.
Dijon Cream Sauce
Dijon cream sauce is the perfect accompaniment to chicken cordon bleu. The creamy and tangy sauce adds a burst of flavor to the dish. To make this sauce, whisk together Dijon mustard, heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic, and white wine in a pan over medium heat.
Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens. Drizzle the sauce over the chicken cordon bleu just before serving to take your dish to the next level. The combination of crispy ham, melted cheese and flavorful Dijon cream sauce will leave your taste buds wanting more!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! Chicken cordon bleu is a great dish for meal prepping, and it can easily be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer for later. Just be sure to wrap each chicken roll tightly in plastic wrap or foil to keep them fresh. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply pop them in the oven and bake until heated through.
Can I use chicken tenders or chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! While chicken breasts are the classic choice for chicken cordon bleu, you can always switch things up and use chicken tenders or chicken thighs instead. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly – chicken tenders will cook faster than chicken breasts, while chicken thighs may take a bit longer.
Another Great Chicken Recipe is the Chicken Salad Sandwich.
What should I serve with chicken cordon bleu?
There are plenty of side dishes that pair well with cordon bleu. Some popular options include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. And don’t forget the wine – a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc can be the perfect complement to this rich and savory dish.
What’s the best way to stuff the chicken without the cheese and ham spilling out?
Stuffing the chicken can be tricky, but fear not – there’s a simple trick to prevent the cheese and ham from spilling out. Before rolling up the chicken, fold in the sides of the chicken breast to create a pocket. This will help to keep the filling in place while you roll it up. And don’t forget the toothpicks – they’ll help to hold everything together while the chicken cooks. Just be sure to remove them before serving!
What is the bleu in chicken cordon bleu?
The “bleu” in chicken cordon bleu actually refers to the blue cheese that is often included as a filling in this classic dish. Chicken cordon bleu typically consists of a chicken breast that has been pounded thin, then stuffed with ham and cheese.
What To Serve With Chicken Cordon Bleu?
There are many side dishes that pair well with Cordon Bleu, depending on your personal tastes and preferences. Some popular options include roasted or steamed vegetables such as asparagus, green beans, or broccoli. A simple salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can also complement the rich flavors of the dish. For a heartier meal, you could serve it with mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or buttered noodles.
Additionally, a crusty bread or dinner rolls would be a great addition to soak up any extra sauce from the Cordon Bleu. Ultimately, the choice of sides will depend on what you enjoy and what will complement the flavors of the main dish.
Cuisine Conclusion
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic dish that features tender chicken stuffed with ham and cheese. To prevent the filling from spilling out while cooking, fold in the sides of the chicken breast to create a pocket and use toothpicks to hold everything together. The “bleu” in Cordon Bleu refers to the blue cheese that can be used as a filling. As for serving suggestions, roasted vegetables, salad, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf or buttered noodles would all make great side dishes.
Just make sure to u se parchment paper on your baking sheet when putting them into the oven with a thermometer. You can even use the Air fryer for easy cordon bleu. It is completely up to you, but remember that a good cutting board can work wonders.
Don’t forget to follow on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Twitter or Pinterest.