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If you’re in the mood for a fancy dinner at home, why not try a classic Chicken Cordon Bleu? This mouth-watering dish features chicken breasts filled with delicious ham and Swiss cheese, all breaded to perfection and baked in the oven.
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What is Chicken Cordon Bleu?
A dish with roots in Swiss cuisine, Chicken Cordon Bleu is a delicious meal that has found its way into the hearts and stomachs of people worldwide. Cordon bleu, which translates to “blue ribbon” in French, symbolizes excellence and the highest standards in cooking. This dish certainly lives up to that standard. With its chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese core coated in crispy breadcrumbs, it’s a classic meal that’s easy to make and sure to impress.
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A Deeper Look at Chicken Cordon Bleu
This dish may have “blue ribbon” status, but it doesn’t require a culinary degree to prepare. Although this recipe has various versions across different regions, the dish’s essence remains the same. It’s about creating a harmonious combination of flavors that satisfies and delights with every bite.
Now, let’s talk about the deep-fried version of this recipe. Yes, we can deep fry the chicken roll to get a unique flavor profile different from the baked version. Deep frying results in an extraordinarily crispy dish on the outside while maintaining a juicy, succulent inside. When you slice into a deep-fried Chicken Cordon Bleu, the cheese beautifully oozes out, creating a delicious harmony of textures and flavors.
While the deep-fried version adds a layer of decadence to this dish, you can easily opt for the traditional baking method if you’re looking for a lighter option. The oven-baked version is no less delicious and provides a healthier alternative for those watching their diet.
Tips
- Toasting the breadcrumbs in the oven before coating the chicken helps to achieve a golden and crunchy texture.
- Chill the rolled chicken in the fridge for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps to firm them up and ensures they keep their shape during baking.
Alternatives
- You can use different types of cheese, like mozzarella or Gruyere, for a different flavor.
- You can bake the chicken instead of deep-frying if you prefer a healthier version.
Regardless of your cooking method, the Chicken Cordon Bleu is a delightful dish that will always impress your guests and family. Its versatility is one of the many reasons it has remained a favorite in households and restaurants worldwide.
SEE THE FULL RECIPE BELOW!
Chicken Cordon Bleu
5 from 1 vote
Course: MainCuisine: FrenchDifficulty: Medium
Servings
4
servings
Prep time
15
minutes
Cooking time
30
minutes
Calories per Serving
375
kcal
Indulge in a gourmet dining experience at home with our easy Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe. This classic Swiss dish of chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese, breaded and baked to perfection, will impress!
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Ingredients
- For the Chicken Cordon Bleu
2 pcs 2 pcs Chicken Breast Fillet
4 pcs 4 pcs Sliced Ham
4 pcs 4 pcs Sliced Cheese (swiss or any kind that you like)
1/2 tbsp 4.85 g Garlic Powder
1/2 tbsp 3.45 g Onion Powder
1 tsp 2.7 g Chili Powder
1/2 cup 62.5 g Flour
2 pcs 2 pcs Eggs
1 cup 60 g Panko Breadcrumbs
Salt and Pepper to taste
Cooking Oil
- For the Creamy Sauce
2 tbsp 28.4 g Unsalted Butter
1 clove 1 clove Garlic (minced)
2 tbsp 15 g Flour
1 cup 236.59 ml Milk
1/2 cup 56.5 g Cheese (any kind that you like)
Salt and Pepper to taste
- For the Topping
Dried Oregano or Fresh Parsley
Directions
- Preparing the Chicken:
- Lay out your chicken breasts on a chopping board.
- Use a mallet to flatten them evenly, which ensures they cook uniformly and makes the rolling process easier.
- Season them liberally with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a hint of chili powder for a touch of warmth.
- Assembling and Rolling the Chicken:
- Place two slices of ham and two slices of your chosen cheese on each flattened, seasoned chicken breast. Begin rolling the chicken, enveloping the ham and cheese within. You have two options to secure these gourmet chicken rolls:
- Toothpicks: Insert toothpicks at intervals to hold the roll together.
- Cling wrap: If you prefer not to use toothpicks, wrap each roll tightly in cling wrap and chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps the chicken to hold its shape.
- The Breadcrumb Coating
- Now, for the golden, crunchy exterior: first roll each chicken piece in flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs.
- The final layer is a roll in the Panko breadcrumbs. This guarantees a fully coated chicken roll.
- Deep Frying or Baking the Chicken
- Deep frying:Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a deep pot or a deep fryer if you have one. Carefully lower the chicken rolls into it when the oil is hot enough (around 350 degrees Fahrenheit). Fry them until they turn a deep golden brown, ensuring the chicken is cooked, and the cheese has melted into a decadent pool of delight.
- Baking:Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit if you prefer baking. Place the chicken rolls on a baking sheet and bake them for about 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Preparing the Cream Sauce
- It’s time to prepare the cream sauce while the chicken is cooking. Melt butter in a saucepan, add the minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in the flour to create a roux, then slowly pour the milk and cheese. Continuously whisk the mixture until it thickens into a creamy, velvety sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serving Your Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Your gourmet Cordon Bleu is now ready to amaze! Carefully remove the toothpicks once the chicken is cooked and your sauce is ready.
- Serve the chicken piping hot, lavishly garnished with cream sauce and a sprinkle of dried oregano or fresh parsley for added freshness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of cheese can I use if I can’t find Swiss cheese?
While Swiss cheese is the classic choice for Chicken Cordon Bleu, you can experiment with other types of cheese like Gruyère, Emmental, or even a simple Cheddar. If you prefer a creamy, meltier consistency, try using Mozzarella.
Can I use turkey ham instead of regular ham?
You can substitute regular ham with turkey ham or cooked bacon.
Can I prepare Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the chicken rolls a day ahead, store them in the fridge, and then fry or bake them just before serving.
Is there any alternative to deep frying the Chicken Cordon Bleu?
You can bake the Chicken Cordon Bleu in the oven if you prefer a less oily method. It will give you a healthier result while retaining the crunch and flavors.
How do I know when my Chicken Cordon Bleu is done?
When measured with a food thermometer, the chicken is done when it’s no longer pink in the center and reaches an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
How do I store leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit to reheat until heated.
Can I use an air fryer to make Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Certainly! An air fryer can provide a healthier version with less oil while still achieving a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
