When planning your meal, consider the perfect accompaniments for chicken cordon bleu. This dish’s crispy texture and savory filling call for sides that contrast or complement its flavors. Here are a few pairings to elevate your dining experience:
1. Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette can bring brightness to your plate.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts can add an earthy balance, enhancing the overall palette.
3. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes deliver comfort and substance, making your meal even heartier.
4. Steamed Rice or Quinoa: Light, fluffy rice or quinoa can soak up the luscious juices, offering a satisfying texture component.
What is Chicken Cordon Bleu?
At its core, chicken cordon bleu consists of chicken breasts rolled around ham and cheese, then breaded and baked or fried until golden brown. This classic dish has roots in Switzerland, but its popularity spans the globe. The best part? You can make it right in your kitchen with just a few simple ingredients.
Why This Recipe Works?
Why should you try this particular chicken cordon bleu recipe? Well, let’s dive into what makes it stand out.
Crispy Panko Coating: Using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs creates a crunch that’s hard to resist. They trap air during cooking, giving that heavenly texture without being too heavy.
Flavorful Filling: The combination of savory ham and rich Swiss cheese meld together for a mouth-watering filling that makes every bite unforgettable. You can’t go wrong with a classic ham and cheese combination.
Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you like to bake or fry, this recipe accommodates both methods. Baking makes it lower in fat, while frying creates a decadent crunch.
Easy to Customize: Feel free to switch up the cheese or add herbs for an extra flavor kick. The possibilities are endless! Want something spicier? Swap in pepper jack cheese. Prefer a milder flavor? Stick with mozzarella.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken Cordon Bleu
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful dish:
2 small chicken breasts (6–7 oz each)
4 to 6 slices of ham (about 2.5 oz total)
4 slices of Swiss cheese
For the coating:
½ cup Panko breadcrumbs (for a super easy method) or 1 cup (quick dredge)
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Super Easy Method:
1.5 tbsp Dijon mustard
3 tbsp mayonnaise
For the Quick Dredge Method:
1 egg
2 tsp plain flour
Dijon Cream Sauce (makes 1 cup):
3 tbsp finely grated parmesan cheese
1.25 cups milk
1.5 tbsp butter
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1.5 tbsp flour
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu
Ready to dive in? Let’s break this recipe down step by step.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by placing your chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet, gently pound them to an even thickness of about ½ inch. This ensures they cook uniformly.
Step 2: Fill the Chicken
Season each chicken piece with salt and pepper. Lay down slices of ham, followed by Swiss cheese. Carefully roll the chicken from one end to the other, securing the filling inside. Use toothpicks if needed.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
For the Super Easy Method, mix the Dijon mustard and mayonnaise in a bowl and coat each chicken roll. Then, dip them in panko breadcrumbs to create that crunchy coat.
For the Quick Dredge Method, whisk the egg and flour together. Dip each chicken roll in the mixture, then coat with breadcrumbs.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. If frying, heat oil in a pan and cook until crisp and golden on all sides.
Step 5: Make the Dijon Cream Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in flour and whisk until combined. Gradually add milk, whisking continuously until thickened. Add Dijon mustard and parmesan, then season as desired. Serve drizzled over chicken.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Cordon Bleu
Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to add more cheese or ham, overstuffing can make rolling difficult and lead to spills during cooking.
Pound Evenly: This helps with even cooking. Uneven chicken can result in some parts being overcooked while others remain raw.
Chill Before Cooking: If you have time, letting the rolled chicken chill for about 30 minutes helps hold its shape better during cooking.
Experiment with Cheeses: Don’t hesitate to try different types of cheese for unique flavor twists.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure your chicken is cooked to 165°F (75°C) for safety and optimal juiciness.
Nutrition Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutrition for one serving of chicken cordon bleu:
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
This can vary based on your preparation methods and specific ingredients, so take it as a rough guide.
How to Store Leftovers
If you find yourself with extras, simply let the chicken cool, place it in an airtight container, and store it in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will last up to three days. To reheat, place it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Recommended Side Dishes for Chicken Cordon Bleu
Pairing your chicken with the right sides can elevate your meal. Here are four fantastic options:
1. French Fries: Classic and crispy, they add crunch and are perfect for dipping in any extra sauce.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a refreshing contrast to the dish’s richness.
3. Garlic Bread: Who can resist the allure of warm, buttery garlic bread? It makes every meal feel special.
4. Coleslaw: A tangy slaw can provide a wonderful crunch and contrast, resulting in a delightful combination of flavors.
Substitute Options for Ingredients
What if you don’t have some ingredients? No problem! Here are some substitutes you can use:
Chicken Breasts: Swap with turkey cutlets for a leaner option.
Ham: Use turkey or chicken ham as an alternative.
Swiss Cheese: Mozzarella or provolone are great substitutes.
Panko Breadcrumbs: If you’re in a pinch, regular breadcrumbs will work, but they won’t be as crispy.
Conclusion
Chicken cordon bleu is more than just a dish; it’s a comforting culinary journey that brings smiles to the dinner table. With easy steps, customizable ingredients, and the option to bake or fry, it’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to make this classic recipe your own; after all, cooking is about creativity and joy. Looking to impress or just enjoy a tasty meal? This chicken cordon bleu recipe will certainly deliver! So, get those aprons on, and let’s make some dinner magic happen!
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Chicken Cordon Bleu – Delicious Meal Ideas
Description
Let’s face it: chicken cordon bleu is the superstar of comfort food. Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and bursting with flavor. Sounds tempting, right? This recipe takes a classic French dish and turns it into a tangible delight.
I remember the first time I tried it; it was like a culinary hug. It's not just food; it’s an experience. In this post, I will share my favorite chicken cordon bleu recipe with tips and tricks to make sure it turns out perfectly each time. Whether you're impressing guests or treating yourself, this dish will not disappoint.
Ingredients
For the coating:
For the Super Easy Method:
For the Quick Dredge Method:
Dijon Cream Sauce (makes 1 cup):
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
-
Begin by placing your chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet, gently pound them to an even thickness of about ½ inch. This ensures they cook uniformly.
Step 2: Fill the Chicken
-
Season each chicken piece with salt and pepper. Lay down slices of ham, followed by Swiss cheese. Carefully roll the chicken from one end to the other, securing the filling inside. Use toothpicks if needed.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
-
For the Super Easy Method, mix the Dijon mustard and mayonnaise in a bowl and coat each chicken roll. Then, dip them in panko breadcrumbs to create that crunchy coat.
For the Quick Dredge Method, whisk the egg and flour together. Dip each chicken roll in the mixture, then coat with breadcrumbs.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. If frying, heat oil in a pan and cook until crisp and golden on all sides.
Step 5: Make the Dijon Cream Sauce
-
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in flour and whisk until combined. Gradually add milk, whisking continuously until thickened. Add Dijon mustard and parmesan, then season as desired. Serve drizzled over chicken.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 400kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 25g39%
- Total Carbohydrate 16g6%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Protein 30g60%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to add more cheese or ham, overstuffing can make rolling difficult and lead to spills during cooking.
- Pound Evenly: This helps with even cooking. Uneven chicken can result in some parts being overcooked while others remain raw.
- Chill Before Cooking: If you have time, letting the rolled chicken chill for about 30 minutes helps hold its shape better during cooking.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Don’t hesitate to try different types of cheese for unique flavor twists.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure your chicken is cooked to 165°F (75°C) for safety and optimal juiciness.
