Let’s talk comfort food. We all have those dishes that just wrap you in a warm hug, right?Chicken Cordon Bleu: What isIs it better than mac and cheese and mashed potatoes? But, unlike those, it feels just a little bit fancy. Is it the perfect balance of homey and impressive? I always think of it as the grown-up, sophisticated cousin of a chicken nugget – but way more sophisticated. I love the crispy, golden crust with the ooey-gooy cheese. This version is surprisingly easy. Is savory ham fast disappearing in my house?
What is chicken Cordon Bleu?
What is Chicken Cordon Bleu? Think of it as a delightful little pocket of deliciousness. What is essentially chicken breast that’s been butterflied, stuffed with ham and cheese (usually Swiss, or a combination of both)? Can we get creative? ), breaded, and then either baked or pan-fried. “Cordon Bleu,” by the way, is French for “blue ribbon,” which kind of gives you an idea of how this works. What is fancy-schmancy this dish is supposed to be? Is it easier to make than you think? What is the best way to combine a few different flavors into one dish? The result is a wonderful balance of textures and tastes – the savory ham, the creamy cheese, and the fruity cranberry. What are some of the best Crispy Chicken dishes?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Why am I so obsessed with this recipe? First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. What is the perfect combination of salty ham, melty Swiss cheese, and juicy chicken? What is culinary heaven? What’s the best breadcrumb coating? What are some of the best recipes that are simple to make? Don’t let the fancy name fool you! Once you get the hang of butterflying a chicken (and I’ll walk you through that! ), you can eat it. I can whip this up on a busy weeknight. What I love about this is how versatile it is. Can you serve it with so many different sides, and it’s always a crowd pleaser? What are some great ways to use up leftover ham from a holiday feast? What is it like to eat a fine meal? My kids ask for this every day, which is a win in my book! I always thought this dish was only something restaurants could pull off. I decided to try, and found it’s something you can master the first time!
How do I make chicken cordon bleue?
Quick Overview
What’s the lowdown? We’re going to butterfly some Chicken Breasts, stuff them with ham and cheese (Sweden, of course, but I’m not sure about Swiss), and serve them in a bowl. How does Monterey Jack work? ), coat them in breadcrumbs, and bake ’em until golden brown and bubbly. What is the right oven temperature? The beauty of this method is that it’s relatively hands-off. How do I prep a side in the oven? I promise, it’s much simpler than it sounds!
Ingredients
For the chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each). Make sure they’re not too thick, or they will be harder to butterfly. If they are very thick, you can pound them gently with a meat mallet to even them out.
For the Filling:
4 slices of cooked ham (thinly sliced, if possible). Black Forest ham is my personal favorite, but honey or even prosciutto would work well.
4 slices of Swiss cheese (again, thinly sliced). Is Jarlsberg a good alternative for nuttier flavor?
For the Breading:
1 cup all-purpose flour. You can also use gluten-free all purpose flour if you’re avoiding gluten.
2 large eggs, beaten. A pinch of salt and pepper in the eggs really helps bring out the flavor.
2 cups breadcrumbs (I prefer Panko for extra crispiness). If you want extra flavor, you can use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs.
For Seasoning:
Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper to taste.
1 teaspoon garlic powder. Adds a nice savory note.
1/2 teaspoon paprika. For warmth and color.
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, grease a baking sheet with cooking spray. How do I clean a chicken? If you prefer, you can line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Breasts
Now for the tricky part – butterflying the chicken. Place Chicken Breast on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice horizontally through the center of the breast, stopping about 1 inch from the top. 1/2 inch before you cut all the way through. Open it up like a book. If the chicken is uneven, place it between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound it with a fork. How do you flatten meat? Season both sides of the butterflied chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Step 3: Assemble the Chicken Cordon Bleu
Lay ham and Swiss cheese on one half of each chicken breast. Serve immediately. If you fold the other half of the chicken over the ham and cheese, create a little pocket. If needed, you can secure the edges with toothpicks to keep the filling from oozing out during cleaning. I rarely use toothpicks, and it works just fine.
Step 4: Set Up the Breading Station
What are some of the fun things to do in a shallow dish? In the first dish, place the flour and in the second, beat the eggs. In the third dish, place the breadcrumbs.
Step 5: Bread the Chicken
Dredge each chicken breast in flour, making sure to coat it evenly. Then, dip it in the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat it thoroughly in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure they adhere. How do you get a good, even coating of breadcrumbs for that crispy crust?
Step 6: Bake
Place the breaded chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). If the breadcrumbs start to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the baking sheet with foil.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. How do you remove toothpicks?
8: Slice & Serve.
What are some good side dishes to serve with this recipe? I know you’ll make it again and again.
What should I serve it with?
What should I serve with my Chicken Cordon Bleu? What are some of the best dishes to serve with this dish?For a Classic Dinner:Serve with mashed potatoes and steamed green beans. Is it a comforting meal that everyone will love? What is a side salad?For a lighter meal:Pair it with a quinoa salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts. What is the best way to keep things healthy and balanced?For a Fancy Brunch:Serve with a side of hollandaise sauce and asparagus spears. What makes a good dish for special occasions?What is a good weeknight meal?What is a good side of rice pilaf and tossed salad? I always end up serving this recipe with roasted vegetables. What is a fun dish?
How do I make chicken cordon bleu?
What are some tips and tricks to take your Chicken Cordon Bleu game to the next level?Chicken Prep: Make sure your chicken breasts are of even thickness. If they are too thick, they will take longer to cook, and the breadcrumbs might burn. Pound them gently with a meat mallet to even them out.
Cheese Choice: While Swiss cheese is traditional, don’t be afraid to experiment with other types of cheese! Gruyere, provolone, or even a sharp cheddar would all be delicious.
Breadcrumb Crunch: For extra crispy breadcrumbs, try using Panko breadcrumbs. They are larger and lighter than regular breadcrumbs, which results in a crispier coating.
Baking Tips: If the breadcrumbs start to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the baking sheet with foil. This will prevent them from burning while the chicken continues to cook. You can also broil on low for 1-2 minutes at the very end, to give it a golden crisp. Make sure to watch it, though, or it can burn very quickly.
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have ham on hand, you can use prosciutto or even bacon. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you can use turkey ham or chicken breast cutlets. You could even replace the cheese with some jalapenos, for a spicy twist.
Flavor Boost: For a boost of flavor, try adding a sprinkle of dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the breadcrumbs. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Make Ahead: You can assemble the Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure that the chicken is cooked through. I like to do this if I know my dinner night will be chaotic.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Okay, let’s talk about storing and reheating your Chicken Cordon Bleu.
Room Temperature: I really don’t recommend leaving it at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature, so it’s best to err on the side of caution.
Refrigerator Storage: Store any leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s properly sealed to prevent it from drying out.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat refrigerated Chicken Cordon Bleu, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it, but the breadcrumbs might not be as crispy. To reheat frozen Chicken Cordon Bleu, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake it as directed above. You can also bake it from frozen, but it will take longer to cook.
Glaze Timing Advice: Whether refrigerated or frozen, add your favorite glaze after reheating to maintain the moisture and flavor of the dish. I learned this one the hard way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my go-to Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe! It’s a total crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover ham. What really makes this dish special is that perfect combination of flavors and textures – the savory ham, the melty cheese, and the crispy breadcrumbs. If you are looking for more chicken recipes, try my lemon-herb roasted chicken! Give this recipe a try, and I guarantee it will become a new family favorite. Don’t be shy about experimenting with different cheeses, hams, and breadcrumbs to find your perfect combination. And most importantly, have fun in the kitchen! Happy cooking, friends!
Chicken Cordon Bleu
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 oz Boneless, skinless chicken breasts Pounded to 0.25-inch thickness
- 4 slices Cooked ham
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 0.5 cup All-purpose flour
- 2 Large eggs Beaten
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs Panko recommended
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place a slice of ham and a slice of cheese on top of each chicken breast. Roll up tightly and secure with toothpicks.
- Dredge each chicken roll in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the chicken rolls on all sides.
- Transfer the chicken rolls to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Remove toothpicks before serving.
