Chicken Cordon Bleu a Classic Done Right
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a bit of culinary magic? Ever wonder how to make something that looks like it came from a fancy restaurant? Well, this chicken cordon bleu recipe is your ticket.
It's a flavour explosion of cheesy, hammy, chickeny goodness.
Brief Overview
Chicken cordon bleu originated in Switzerland. Its name is French. This is a medium difficulty recipe. The whole thing takes about an hour. It makes 4 servings. Perfect for a family dinner.
Main Benefits
This stuffed chicken breast recipe is high in protein. It's perfect for a special occasion. Honestly? It's just seriously impressive.
So, what is so special about homemade cordon bleu ? Well, it's way easier than you think. Plus, you know exactly what's going into it.
Ditch the frozen stuff! Let's get to the good stuff, aye?
What you will need
To make crispy chicken cordon bleu , you will need ingredients. For the chicken: Chicken breasts, swiss cheese, and ham are a must.
Don't forget flour, eggs, and panko breaded chicken . You will also need butter, and olive oil.
I used to think chicken cordon bleu was too fancy for a weeknight. But now? It's a regular in our house! My secret is the panko breaded chicken .
Trust me, it makes all the difference for baked chicken cordon bleu .
Right, let's dive into the heart of this chicken cordon bleu recipe ! Making this classic dish is easier than you think, promise.
Ingredients & Equipment: The Nitty Gritty
Alright, so you want to make amazing homemade cordon bleu ? Here's the lowdown on what you need. It is all about a perfectly stuffed chicken breast .
We'll make sure that this ham and swiss cheese chicken turns out great!.
Main Ingredients for the Best Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Chicken Breasts: You'll need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts ( about 6 oz / 170g each ). Quality matters here. Look for plump breasts that aren’t too pale or too yellow.
- Swiss Cheese: Grab 4 slices (about 4 oz / 113g total ). A good Swiss has a nutty flavour, you know?
- Ham: 4 slices cooked ham ( about 4 oz / 113g total ).
- Flour: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour ( 60g ).
- Eggs: 2 large eggs, lightly beaten.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: 1 cup ( 45g ). Honestly, panko breaded chicken gives the best crunch ever!
- Butter & Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter ( 28g ) and 2 tablespoons olive oil ( 30ml ).
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Power Ups
Let's talk about seasoning, yeah? It's key to a great chicken cordon bleu .
- Spices: 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, salt, and pepper. This combo adds that oomph .
- Flavor Enhancers: Want a little kick? A thin layer of cordon bleu with dijon mustard on the chicken before stuffing does wonders. Trust me!
- Substitutions: Don’t have garlic powder? Onion powder works in a pinch.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
No need to go crazy with equipment. Here’s what you really need for the crispy chicken cordon bleu :
- Meat Mallet: Or rolling pin. Flattening the chicken is important.
- Shallow Dishes: For breading. Plates work just fine.
- Large Skillet or Baking Sheet: For cooking.
- Instant Read Thermometer: Critical! You want the chicken to reach 165° F ( 74° C) . You can make this dish as baked chicken cordon bleu , no problem!
Honestly? Making easy chicken cordon bleu is all about having good ingredients and not overthinking it. Now you are set to make chicken cordon bleu variations , this is your path!
Chicken Cordon Bleu: Let's Do This!
Ever looked at chicken cordon bleu on a fancy restaurant menu and thought, "Nah, too complicated"? Honestly, I get it.
But trust me, this stuffed chicken breast recipe is way easier than you think. It's basically ham and swiss cheese chicken wrapped in a crispy coating.
We're making homemade cordon bleu tonight, folks! Let's dive in!
Prep Like a Pro
First things first: mise en place. Sounds fancy, right? Nah, it just means getting everything ready. Chop your cheese, slice your ham, prep your breading station.
Time saving tip: get pre-sliced ham and cheese. You know what? We deserve it! Keep raw chicken away from everything else to be safe, yeah?
Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe: step-by-step
Alright, here’s the deal:
- Butterfly each chicken breast. Use a meat mallet to flatten it slightly.
- Season each chicken breast with salt and pepper. Don't be shy.
- Layer a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese inside each.
- Fold the chicken over and secure with toothpicks.
- Dredge in flour, dip in egg, then coat in panko breadcrumbs. Add garlic powder and paprika to the breadcrumbs for extra zing. Make sure it is panko breaded chicken for maximum crispiness!
- Chill in the fridge for 20 minutes . This helps the breading stick.
- Cook in a pan with butter and oil until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) . About 5- 7 minutes per side.
Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu: Pro Tips & Tricks
Want that restaurant quality finish? Chill the breaded chicken before cooking, like I said before. It’s a total game changer. Don't overcook the chicken, or it'll be dry.
An instant read thermometer is your best friend here. Oh, and if you're feeling adventurous, a little cordon bleu with dijon mustard before the ham and cheese will add a bit of zing!
Common mistake? Breading falling off! Chilling it helps. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan. Honestly, sometimes I make a big batch of breaded chicken and freeze it before cooking.
Then, when you're ready, just pop it in the oven. It makes for a great easy chicken cordon bleu on a busy weeknight.
So there you have it. My take on chicken cordon bleu variations , perfect every time!. Now go forth and conquer that chicken!
Recipe Notes for Your Chicken Cordon Bleu Masterpiece
So, you're ready to tackle this chicken cordon bleu recipe ? Ace! Before you dive in, let's chat about a few bits and bobs that'll help you nail it.
Honestly, these are the things I wish I knew the first time I tried making homemade cordon bleu .
Serving Suggestions: Plating and All That Jazz
Right, let's talk presentation. Fancy schmancy doesn't need to be hard! Plating is your secret weapon. Slice the crispy chicken cordon bleu on the bias.
Fan it out slightly on the plate. Boom, instant restaurant vibes!
A sprig of parsley never hurt anyone, either. As for sides, think fresh and vibrant. Asparagus with lemon butter? Classic.
A simple green salad with a zingy vinaigrette? Perfecto. Don't forget the drinks! A crisp white wine or even a nice Pilsner will be just the ticket.
Mashed potatoes are a great comforting side for those who like simple flavours.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop that stuffed chicken breast in an airtight container. Fridge it within two hours of cooking.
It'll keep for up to three days. Reheating? Oven's best. 350° F ( 175° C) until warmed through, about 15- 20 minutes.
This helps keep that panko breaded chicken crispy. Microwaving it is alright for a quick fix, but expect a softer crust.
Freezing chicken cordon bleu ? It's doable, but best before cooking. Wrap breaded uncooked chicken breasts individually. Then, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. They'll keep for up to three months. Thaw completely before cooking, as per recipe instructions.
Variations: Mix It Up!
Fancy a change? Me too! How about a cordon bleu with dijon mustard ? Spread a thin layer before adding the ham and cheese.
Adds a lovely tang. Want to go gluten-free? Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. Easy peasy! For the adventurous, consider swapping the Swiss for Gruyère for a slightly nuttier flavour.
Chicken cordon bleu variations are endless.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside!
Okay, let's keep this simple. Each serving of our ham and swiss cheese chicken has about 450 calories. Loads of protein (40g).
It's a good source of energy and helps keep you feeling full. It also has some fats (25g) and carbs (20g).
Sodium’s around 600mg so remember to keep that in mind!
Listen, cooking should be fun! Don't be scared to experiment with my easy chicken cordon bleu recipe. Give it a go.
You'll be chuffed with the results. Happy cooking, and remember: even if it's not perfect, it's still delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is chicken cordon bleu, anyway? It sounds a bit posh!
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a fancy sounding (but totally achievable!) dish where a chicken breast is stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, then breaded and cooked. Think of it as a dressed-up chicken sandwich, but way more impressive.
It's the kind of thing that'll make you feel like you're dining in a fancy restaurant, even if you're just in your slippers!
My breadcrumbs always fall off when I make chicken cordon bleu! What am I doing wrong?
Ah, the dreaded breadcrumb avalanche! The key is to chill the breaded chicken for at least 20 minutes before cooking. This helps the egg wash and breadcrumbs really adhere to the chicken, so they don't all end up in the pan.
Also, make sure you press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken firmly to create a good seal don't be shy!
Can I bake chicken cordon bleu instead of frying it? I'm trying to be a bit healthier, you know?
Absolutely! Baking is a great way to make chicken cordon bleu a bit lighter. Simply preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the breaded chicken on a lightly greased baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
It won't be quite as crispy as pan-fried, but it's still delicious and a healthier option, innit?
What's the best way to store leftover chicken cordon bleu? And how long will it last?
To store any leftover chicken cordon bleu, let it cool completely and then wrap it tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave (though oven reheating will help maintain the crispiness of the breading!).
Is there anything I can serve with my chicken cordon bleu to make a proper meal of it?
Oh, loads of things! For a classic pairing, try serving your chicken cordon bleu with asparagus and a squeeze of lemon. Mashed potatoes are always a winner, or a simple green salad with a vinaigrette can cut through the richness.
And don't forget a cheeky glass of dry white wine or a crisp Pilsner to wash it all down you deserve it!
Chicken Cordon Bleu A Classic Done Right
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 calories |
|---|---|
| Protein | 40g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Carbs | 20g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
