Did you know Chicken Cordon Bleu has 60.1 grams of protein per serving? That’s 120% of your daily protein needs! This dish is not only tasty but also very nutritious.
I’m excited to show you how to make this stuffed chicken breast. Chicken Cordon Bleu might seem fancy, but it’s easy to make. With a 4.99 rating from 266 votes, it’s a favorite among home cooks.
In just over an hour, you’ll make a dish that’s as good as any restaurant. We’ll turn chicken, ham, and cheese into a crispy, juicy masterpiece. This recipe is great for beginners or anyone looking to improve their cooking skills.
Ready to wow your family and friends with this gourmet chicken recipe? Let’s get started and make Chicken Cordon Bleu together!
The History and Evolution of Chicken Cordon Bleu
Chicken cordon bleu started in Switzerland in the 1940s. It has traveled from Europe to become a worldwide favorite. Let’s see how this stuffed chicken dish became so famous.
Origins in French Cuisine
Even though it’s called French, chicken cordon bleu actually comes from Switzerland. The name “cordon bleu” means “blue ribbon” in French, showing its high culinary value. French cooking traditions, like stuffing meats, date back to the Middle Ages.
From Veal Kiev to Modern Classic
Chicken cordon bleu evolved from veal Kiev. Switching to chicken made it more common. The first time it was mentioned in a cookbook was in 1949, making it a favorite at home.
Rise to Global Popularity in the 1960s
In the 1960s, chicken cordon bleu became very popular. It was first mentioned in The New York Times in 1967. This made it a big hit in American cooking. It’s now a favorite at banquets and even in frozen foods.
Today, April 4th is National Cordon Bleu Day. Chicken cordon bleu has inspired dishes all over the world. Countries like Spain and Argentina have their own versions. The classic recipe includes chicken, Swiss cheese, and ham, all deep fried. It’s loved everywhere, whether baked or fried.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu
Let’s explore the key ingredients that make Chicken Cordon Bleu a favorite dish. Quality ingredients are key to making this classic recipe both tasty and fulfilling.
Selecting the Right Chicken Breast
For this recipe, pick boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You’ll need about 2 pounds, which is 4 breasts. Each serving has 72.3 grams of protein, which is 145% of your daily needs.
Cheese and Ham Variations
Swiss cheese is the traditional choice, with 4 slices needed per recipe. For the ham and cheese combo, use 4 to 6 slices of good deli ham, weighing about 2.5 oz. This classic pairing adds rich flavor and texture to your dish.
Breading Components
The crispy exterior is key to Chicken Cordon Bleu. Use 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs for a super easy method or 1 cup for a quick dredge technique. For extra crunch, try 3 cups of crushed cornflakes. Toast the breadcrumbs for 3 minutes to enhance flavor.
Sauce Ingredients
A creamy sauce elevates this dish. Prepare a Dijon cream sauce using whole milk for richness. This sauce complements the chicken breasts and ham and cheese filling perfectly, tying all flavors together.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 4 (2 lbs) | Main protein |
| Swiss cheese | 8 oz | Filling |
| Ham slices | 8 thin slices | Filling |
| Panko breadcrumbs | 1/2 – 1 cup | Coating |
| Whole milk | As needed | Cream sauce base |
Step-by-Step Chicken Cordon Bleu Preparation
Are you ready to make a tasty stuffed chicken breast? Let’s start making chicken cordon bleu. This dish is a mix of tender chicken, savory ham, and melted cheese in a crispy coating. Follow these simple steps to create a gourmet meal.
Preparing and Stuffing the Chicken
Begin by cutting two large chicken breasts in half lengthwise. Then, gently pound each half until it’s about 1/4 inch thick. Place a slice of ham and Swiss cheese on each piece. Roll the chicken tightly, securing it with plastic wrap or toothpicks to form a neat roll.
Breading Techniques
For the breading, prepare three shallow bowls. In the first, mix 1/2 cup flour with salt and pepper. The second bowl should have 1 whisked egg and 1/2 cup milk. The third bowl is for 1 cup breadcrumbs seasoned with salt and pepper. Dip each chicken roll in flour, then egg, and lastly breadcrumbs.
Secret Tips for Golden Crispy Coating
For a crispy coating, use panko breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese. Chilling the breaded chicken rolls for 30 minutes before cooking also helps. This makes the coating stick better when frying or baking.
Making the Classic Dijon Cream Sauce
While your chicken cooks, make the sauce. Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a pan, add minced garlic. Then, whisk in 1 1/4 cups chicken broth and 1/2 cup cream. Add Dijon mustard and honey for flavor. If it’s too thin, thicken with a cornstarch slurry. Simmer until it coats the back of a spoon.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 2 large (7-8 oz each) |
| Ham slices | 4 |
| Swiss cheese | 6 slices |
| Flour | 1/2 cup |
| Eggs | 1 large |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
Baked vs Fried: Modern Cooking Methods
Chicken Cordon Bleu has evolved a lot from its Swiss roots in the 1940s. Today, many people prefer baking over frying for this dish. Baking is seen as a healthier, simpler way to make chicken cordon bleu.
Baking has many benefits over frying. It’s cleaner, uses less oil, and is better for you. Plus, it’s a recipe that beginners can easily follow. Let’s look at the differences between these two cooking methods:
| Aspect | Fried | Baked |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking Temperature | 325°F – 350°F | 375°F |
| Cooking Time | 4-5 minutes per side | 20-25 minutes total |
| Oil Usage | High | Low |
| Crispiness | Very crispy | Crispy with right technique |
| Health Factor | Higher in calories | Lower in calories |
To bake the best chicken cordon bleu, preheat your oven to 375°F. Make the chicken thin, stuff it with cheese and ham, and then bread it well. Bake for 20-25 minutes until it’s fully cooked.
Baking is now the top choice for those who care about their health. It keeps the dish’s great taste but is lighter. Whether you fry or bake, the secret to a great chicken cordon bleu is in how you prepare it and the ingredients you use.
Conclusion
Mastering chicken cordon bleu is a big deal in cooking. It’s a classic dish that combines tender chicken, savory ham, and melted cheese. It’s a meal that will wow anyone.
It only takes 45 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook at 400°F. You can make four tasty portions in no time.
The secret to great chicken cordon bleu is in the details. Use a teaspoon of Dijon mustard on each breast for a tangy flavor. Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F inside.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. Each chicken breast should have one slice of ham and one slice of cheese.
Whether you bake or fry it, the sauce makes it even better. Serve it with steamed veggies, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad. Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for three months.
So, give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family. It’s a dish that’s sure to be a hit!
FAQ – Chicken Cordon Bleu
What is Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a French dish. It has chicken breast stuffed with ham and cheese. Then, it’s breaded and either fried or baked. It’s often served with a creamy Dijon sauce.
Is Chicken Cordon Bleu actually French?
The name is French, but the dish isn’t truly French. It’s thought to have come from Swiss and Austrian dishes. It became popular in the 1960s.
Can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it up to the breading stage. Then, refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. It’s perfect for parties.
What’s the best cheese to use for Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Swiss cheese is traditional, but you can try other cheeses. Gruyère, Emmental, or mozzarella can give it a different taste.
Can I bake Chicken Cordon Bleu instead of frying it?
Absolutely! Baking is a healthier option. It can also make the outside crispy if done right. I’ve shared tips for baking in the article.
What can I serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu?
It goes well with many sides. Try roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a fresh green salad.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking?
Seal the chicken breast well after stuffing. Use toothpicks to secure the edges. Make sure your breading is even and complete.
Can I make a gluten-free version of Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for breading. Just check that all ingredients, including the ham, are gluten-free.
What’s the origin of the name “Cordon Bleu”?
“Cordon Bleu” means “blue ribbon” in French. It was used to show excellence, like in cooking. The name was given to this dish for its gourmet quality.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast for this recipe?
You can use chicken thighs, but they’re not traditional. They’re more flavorful but harder to stuff and roll. Cooking times might be longer for thighs.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: 4 2 lbs
- Swiss cheese: 8 oz
- Ham slices: 8 thin slices
- Panko breadcrumbs: 1/2 – 1 cup
- Whole milk: As needed for cream sauce
- Flour: 1/2 cup
- Eggs: 1 large
- Milk: 1/2 cup
- Breadcrumbs: 1 cup
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice two large chicken breasts in half lengthwise. Pound each half to 1/4 inch thick.
- Stuffing: Place a slice of ham and Swiss cheese on each chicken piece. Roll tightly and secure with plastic wrap or toothpicks.
- Breading: Set up three bowls—one with flour, salt, and pepper; another with whisked egg and milk; the last with seasoned breadcrumbs. Dip chicken rolls in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs.
- Chill for Crispiness: Refrigerate breaded chicken rolls for 30 minutes to help the coating stick better.
- Cooking:
- Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Frying: Heat oil to 325°F – 350°F, cook each roll for 4-5 minutes per side until crispy.
- Dijon Cream Sauce:
- Melt 1 tbsp butter in a pan, sauté minced garlic.
- Add 1 1/4 cups chicken broth and 1/2 cup cream.
- Stir in Dijon mustard and honey. Simmer until thickened.
- Serving: Plate chicken cordon bleu with steamed veggies, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- For Extra Crispiness: Use panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese.
- To Prevent Cheese Leaks: Secure chicken with toothpicks and ensure full breading coverage.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Storage: Leftovers last up to 3 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.
