Chicken Cordon Bleu is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken breast, savory ham, and melted cheese, all wrapped up in a golden, crispy breadcrumb coating. This French-inspired classic is perfect for dinner parties, family meals, or even as a special treat on weeknights.
What is Chicken Cordon Bleu?
The term “cordon bleu” translates to “blue ribbon” in French, a symbol of excellence. This dish lives up to its name by delivering a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The classic version involves a chicken breast that’s pounded thin, layered with ham and Swiss cheese, rolled up, coated in breadcrumbs, and baked or fried to perfection.
How to Stuff Chicken Cordon Bleu
You can stuff your Chicken Cordon Bleu simply by cutting your chicken breast from the middle and make a pocket in it, then stuff it with ham and cheese. Secure with toothpicks and that’ all with your stuffing.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Cordon Bleu
Making Chicken Cordon Bleu can be a breeze with these helpful tips:
- Flatten the Chicken Evenly: Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures even cooking and easier rolling.
- Secure with Toothpicks: To prevent the roll from unraveling during cooking, secure it with toothpicks.
- Freeze Before Coating: A quick 10-15 minutes in the freezer helps the roll hold its shape, making it easier to coat in breadcrumbs.
- Double Coat for Extra Crunch: Dip the chicken in flour, then egg, and finally breadcrumbs. Repeat the egg and breadcrumb step for a thicker, crunchier crust.
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For an extra crispy exterior, opt for panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Sauce
The main ingredient here in this recipe is the Sauce which makes it so fantastic it’s so creamy and full of flavors that you will love to eat it all alone with a spoon. Therefore, chicken cordon bleu sauce is a must in this dish.
- In a small saucepan melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Make a flour mixture by adding half the milk and whisk until the flour mixture is ready.
- Add mustard, cheese and remaining milk cook for 3 minutes until thickened whisking constantly.
- Add salt and pepper to taste and serve with chicken.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu
Chicken Cordon Bleu pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to create a complete meal. Here are some ideas:
- Classic Pairings: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, green beans, or roasted vegetables.
- Lighter Sides: Pair with a crisp garden salad or steamed asparagus for a balanced meal.
- Sauces: Enhance the dish with a rich Dijon mustard sauce or a creamy white wine sauce.
How to Store and Reheat
Proper storage ensures your Chicken Cordon Bleu remains just as tasty for leftovers:
- Refrigerate: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap each cooked roll individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the breadcrumbs soggy.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the rolls up to a day in advance and refrigerate them. When ready to cook, follow the recipe as usual.
What is the best way to prevent cheese from oozing out?
Seal the edges of the chicken tightly while rolling and ensure the cheese is fully encased. Freezing for a few minutes before cooking can also help.
Is it better to bake or fry Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Both methods work beautifully. Baking is healthier and requires less cleanup, while frying delivers a crunchier texture.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
It’s not recommended, as raw chicken allows the flavors of the ham and cheese to meld better during cooking.
What can I do with leftovers?
Slice leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu and serve it over pasta or salad, or use it to make a gourmet sandwich.
Chicken Cordon Bleu
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken breast, savory ham, and melted cheese, all wrapped up in a golden, crispy breadcrumb coating.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts , about 2 pounds
- 8 thin slices ham
- 8 oz Swiss cheese sliced or shredded
- 3 cups corn flakes cereal , crushed (or substitute breadcrumbs)
- 6 Tablespoons butter , melted
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1-2 teaspoons yellow mustard , to taste
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry and slice each breast in half horizontally to create thinner pieces.
- Pound each piece gently between plastic wrap until evenly thin (careful not to tear!).
- Lay a slice of ham and a handful of shredded cheese on each piece of chicken.
- Roll the chicken tightly, tucking in the sides slightly.
- Wrap each roll in plastic wrap, twisting the ends to secure. Chill for 30 minutes or up to 1 day.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Unwrap the chicken rolls, season with salt and pepper, and set aside.
- Crush cornflakes into fine crumbs and place in a shallow dish.
- Dip each roll in melted butter, then coat thoroughly in the cornflake crumbs.
- Arrange the coated rolls on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Mix mayonnaise and mustard in a small bowl, adjusting the mustard to your taste.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
4Amount Per Serving Calories 606Total Fat 44gSaturated Fat 15gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 25gCholesterol 155mgSodium 1130mgCarbohydrates 10gFiber 0gSugar 2gProtein 42g
dinnerbytes.com, 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 dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
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