Get ready to add a taste of elegance to your meal with Chicken Cordon Bleu, a classic dish full of flavor. Originating from Switzerland, it features succulent chicken wrapped around a hearty filling of ham and cheese, all breaded and fried to golden perfection.
It's the perfect Dinner for a fancy dinner party or a special treat for a regular weeknight meal. With simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can bring this delightful gourmet delight to your dining table.
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Why This Recipe Works
This recipe captures the essence of traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu while making it achievable for home cooks. What makes this recipe shine is the perfect balance between its three key components - the tender chicken, the savory ham, and the gooey cheese. The chicken is kept juicy and moist, providing a mouth-watering contrast to the rich, melty cheese and the robust flavor of the ham. The outer layer of breadcrumbs adds a crisp texture that complements the soft and creamy interior, resulting in a dish that's satisfying to both the palate and the senses.
Another reason why you should make this recipe is its versatility. Despite its high-end reputation, Chicken Cordon Bleu can be made with readily available ingredients and doesn't require specialized cooking skills. This makes it a great choice for both experienced cooks and beginners looking to impress. Plus, it's adaptable - you can switch up the type of ham or cheese to suit your taste or dietary needs. Whether you're preparing for a fancy occasion or just want a hearty meal, this Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Chicken breasts- You want a high-quality, fresh chicken for the best flavor. If needed, turkey breasts can be used as a substitute.
Swiss cheese- This cheese is smooth and melts easily, making it perfect for stuffing. You could also use mozzarella or gouda as a substitute.
Ham- The saltiness of the ham pairs well with the chicken and cheese. Substitute with turkey ham if preferred.
Breadcrumbs- These create the crispy outer layer. Panko crumbs are an excellent alternative for extra crunch.
Eggs- Eggs act as a binding agent for the bread crumbs. You can use milk or buttermilk as an alternative.
Tips
- Make sure your chicken breasts are evenly pounded to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- To prevent the cheese from oozing out during cooking, secure the rolled chicken breasts with toothpicks.
- For a crispier crust, toast the breadcrumbs before dipping the chicken.
- Allow the cooked Chicken Cordon Bleu to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the cheese set.
- For healthier options, you can bake instead of frying.
How to Serve
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a dish that is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it can also be beautifully complemented by various side dishes. It is traditionally served with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad, and a creamy sauce for a more indulgent meal.
- Potato Gratin: This creamy, cheesy potato dish pairs wonderfully with the crispy, savory Chicken Cordon Bleu.
- Green Beans Almondine: A simple and light side dish that provides a nice contrast in texture.
- Parsley Buttered Rice: The buttery, herb-infused rice complements the flavors in Chicken Cordon Bleu.
Similar Recipes
Honey Mustard Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup of honey
- ½ cup of Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix honey, mustard, and minced garlic to create the sauce.
- Reserve about a quarter of the sauce for later, and marinate the chicken in the remaining sauce for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Cook the marinated chicken on each side for about 6-8 minutes, until fully cooked.
- Drizzle the cooked chicken with the reserved sauce before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
- Marinating the chicken in the honey mustard mixture for at least 30 minutes (or overnight if possible) will give it a deeper flavor.
- Make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly, but don't overcook it as it can become dry and tough.
- Using high-quality honey and mustard will significantly improve the taste of your dish.
- Save some honey mustard sauce for drizzling over the cooked chicken for an extra burst of flavor.
- This dish can be easily doubled or halved depending on how many people you're serving.