Chicken Cordon Bleu : This dish consist of juicy chicken breast, savory ham, melty Swiss cheese, and a crispy breadcrumb crust.
What is Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Originating in France, Chicken Cordon Bleu combines tender chicken, ham, and cheese rolled together, breaded, and then either baked or fried to crispy perfection. Traditionally, the chicken is pounded thin, layered with ham and cheese, rolled into a log, then secured, breaded, and cooked. The result is a juicy, flavorful center encased in a golden, crispy crust.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Pound the Chicken Evenly: Ensuring that each breast is of even thickness helps it cook uniformly.
- Use Panko for a Crispier Crust: Panko breadcrumbs are larger and provide a crispier, lighter texture.
- Toothpicks and Freezing: If you’re struggling to keep the roll intact, secure it with toothpicks or freeze the rolled chicken for 10-15 minutes before breading.
- Make Ahead: Prepare and bread the chicken up to a day in advance. Store in the fridge, then bake just before serving.
- Avoid Over-Stuffing: Too much ham or cheese can cause the filling to ooze out during cooking.
Delicious Variations on Chicken Cordon Bleu
Chicken Cordon Bleu is versatile and easy to customize. Here are some fun twists:
- Prosciutto and Fontina Cordon Bleu: Swap the ham for prosciutto and the Swiss cheese for creamy Fontina. This Italian-inspired variation brings a rich, savory flavor to the dish.
- Spinach and Cheese Cordon Bleu: Add a layer of sautéed spinach with the ham and cheese for extra flavor and color.
- Bacon-Wrapped Cordon Bleu: Wrap the entire chicken roll in bacon before baking for a smoky, savory twist.
- Keto-Friendly Cordon Bleu: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour to keep it low-carb.
- Sauce Pairings: Although traditionally served without sauce, a light mustard cream or lemon-butter sauce pairs beautifully with Chicken Cordon Bleu.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu
Chicken Cordon Bleu pairs well with a range of sides, making it a flexible main course. Here are a few classic options:
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture complements the crispy chicken.
- Green Beans Almondine: The fresh crunch of green beans with toasted almonds provides a nice contrast.
- Caesar Salad: A light, tangy salad adds a fresh element to the dish.
- Rice Pilaf or Herbed Couscous: These grain-based sides absorb the flavors of the Chicken Cordon Bleu beautifully.
How to Store and Reheat Chicken Cordon Bleu
If you have leftovers, storing and reheating Chicken Cordon Bleu is simple:
- Storage: Place any leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can also freeze cooked Chicken Cordon Bleu. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and foil, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To retain the crispy exterior, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the breading soggy.
Recipe FAQs for Chicken Cordon Bleu
Can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu without breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can substitute almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a gluten-free or keto option.
What’s the best cheese to use in Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Swiss cheese is classic, but Gruyère, Fontina, or even provolone are delicious alternatives. Choose a cheese that melts well and has a strong enough flavor to stand out.
How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?
Ensure the chicken is rolled tightly, use toothpicks if needed, and avoid overstuffing. Chilling the roll briefly before cooking can also help.
Can I bake Chicken Cordon Bleu instead of frying it?
Absolutely! Baking at 375°F (190°C) produces a golden, crispy exterior without the added oil from frying. You can also partially fry and finish in the oven for the best of both worlds.
Can I prepare Chicken Cordon Bleu in advance?
Yes! Assemble and bread the chicken up to a day ahead, then refrigerate. Bake or cook right before serving for maximum freshness.
Chicken Cordon Bleu
Chicken Cordon Bleu : This dish consist of juicy chicken breast, savory ham, melty Swiss cheese, and a crispy breadcrumb crust.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
- 8 thin slices of ham
- 8 oz Swiss cheese (sliced or shredded)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3 cups crushed cornflakes (or breadcrumbs)
- 6 Tbsp butter, melted
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1-2 tsp yellow mustard, to taste
Instructions
- Pat each chicken breast dry and slice horizontally to create thin, even pieces. Place between plastic wrap, and use a meat mallet to gently pound to even thickness without tearing.
- Lay a slice of ham and a small handful of Swiss cheese on each piece. Roll tightly, tucking in the sides as you go, and place on a fresh piece of plastic wrap.
- Wrap each chicken roll tightly, twist the ends like a candy wrapper to secure, and refrigerate for 30 minutes (or up to one day ahead).
- Set the oven to 400°F. Remove chicken from the fridge, unwrap, and season with salt and pepper.
- Crush cornflakes in a food processor (or use breadcrumbs) and add to a shallow dish. Melt butter in another dish.
- Dip each chicken roll in melted butter, then press into cornflake crumbs to coat. Place on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake on the center rack for about 30 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temp of 160°F.
- Mix the mayo and mustard, adjusting mustard to taste, and serve alongside your crispy, golden Chicken Cordon Bleu.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 606Total Fat: 44gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 25gCholesterol: 155mgSodium: 1130mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 0gSugar: 2gProtein: 42g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Mastering Chicken Cordon Bleu is both satisfying and rewarding. With its blend of savory ham, melted cheese, and crispy breading, it’s no wonder this dish has remained a favorite in kitchens around the world. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, Chicken Cordon Bleu is sure to impress at any gathering.
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