Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy something fancy, but also comforting? This recipe for cordon bleu is spot-on. Imagine crispy, golden chicken with ham and cheese oozing out. It's comfort food elevated.
Brief Overview
Originating from Europe, the cordon bleu is a classic dish. It's a relatively straightforward recipe, taking about an hour. This recipe yields four servings.
Main Benefits
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Easy Recipe is packed with protein. It's perfect for a weekend dinner with the family. What makes this recipe special? The crispy breading and gooey filling will take you to cloud nine.
Craving Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu , but overwhelmed? Don't worry, the following instructions are simple and easy to do at home, and I will sharing my own stories and experiences with the recipe, as if I were chatting with a close friend.
What if you've tried it before and it turned out tough? Been there, felt that! We will tackle the trick to keep the meat juicy.
Ready to get started?
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Sorted!
Ready to whip up some Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu ? It's easier than you think! First, let's gather our supplies. We're going for that Homemade Cordon Bleu feel today.
Main Ingredients
Alright, let's talk ingredients. Here's what you'll need. Precise measurements are key for a fantastic Gordon Bleu Chicken Recipe .
- Chicken Breasts: 4 boneless, skinless breasts ( 6-8 oz/170-225g each). Look for plump, pink breasts. Avoid any that look pale or dry.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (3g)
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g)
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml)
- Cooked Ham: 4 slices (approx. 4 oz/115g ), thinly sliced. Good quality ham makes all the difference. Smoked ham is my personal favourite!
- Swiss Cheese: 4 slices (approx. 4 oz/115g ), thinly sliced. Swiss cheese melts beautifully.
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon (15ml). Adds a lovely tang.
- All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup (60g)
- Eggs: 2 large, beaten
- Panko Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (80g). Panko gives the best crunch!
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup (25g) grated. Totally optional, but it adds a salty kick.
- Dried Italian Herbs: 1 teaspoon (5g).
Seasoning Notes
Don't underestimate the power of seasoning! This is what turns this into an incredible Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Essential Spice Combinations: Salt, pepper, and Italian herbs are your base. Don't skip them!
- Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics: A touch of garlic powder in the breadcrumbs? Yes, please!
- Quick Substitution Options: Ran out of Italian herbs? Use a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme. Honestly, no one will know the difference. If you are making Pork Cordon Bleu Recipe , a hint of paprika works wonders.
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple, yeah? Here's what you'll actually need .
- Meat Mallet (or Rolling Pin): For pounding the chicken. Honestly, I've used a wine bottle in a pinch.
- Shallow Dishes: For breading. Plates work just fine.
- Large Skillet or Baking Sheet: For cooking.
- Aluminum Foil: To prevent sticking.
There it is! Now that you have all the ingredients and equipment needed for this Chicken Cordon Bleu Easy Recipe , you can easily make this Baked Cordon Bleu , now let's get cooking!
Alright, let's get cracking! Cordon bleu... a classic for a reason. It's like the culinary equivalent of a well tailored suit always in style.
I’m going to share my foolproof guide to Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu . This isn't your nan’s soggy version, mind you.
We are talking golden brown, juicy chicken that bursts with flavour, ready in about an hour. It's the perfect Sunday dinner alternative.
Let's Talk Prep: The Cordon Bleu Essentials
First, mise en place is key, as the French would say. It basically means getting everything ready. Honestly, this saves so much time.
For this Chicken Cordon Bleu Easy Recipe , get your chicken, ham, and cheese sliced. Set up your breading station.
The Gordon Bleu Chicken Recipe has a lot of steps, so organization is a must. Also, keep an eye on raw chicken safety.
Wash your hands and surfaces thoroughly.
Making Magic: step-by-step Cordon Bleu
Ready? Let's dive into the Homemade Cordon Bleu .
- Pound the chicken breasts to about 1/4 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly.
- Spread a little Dijon mustard. Add ham and swiss cheese to each breast.
- Fold the chicken over. Make sure you close it firmly. Maybe use toothpicks?
- Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then egg, then panko breadcrumbs (mixed with parmesan).
- Chill for at least 15 minutes . This helps the breading stick.
- Cook in a skillet over medium heat for 5- 7 minutes per side. Alternatively, bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20- 25 minutes . It is cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Rest before slicing.
Pro Tips for Epic Cordon Bleu
Don't overfill the chicken. The cheese will leak out. Chilling the chicken is crucial. Soggy breading? No thanks. If you're baking, consider the Baked Cordon Bleu version and brushing melted butter on top.
Trust me, it is worth it. Speaking of variations, you could try a Pork Cordon Bleu Recipe for something a little different.
Also, you can prepare the chicken in advance and keep it in the fridge overnight.
Serving suggestions
Serve this Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu with a Cordon Bleu White Sauce , mashed potatoes, and green beans. Or, if you're feeling fancy, try making a simple béchamel.
And for the wine connoisseurs out there, pair it with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.
This is a total winner, and you’ve got to try making the Crispy Cordon Bleu at home!
Alright, so you're about to embark on the Chicken Cordon Bleu Easy Recipe journey. Ace! Before you dive in, a few friendly whispers from my kitchen to yours.
I made this Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe so many times, that I feel like a pro. I even tried a Gordon Bleu Chicken Recipe once where I burnt the garlic, so trust me, these tips come from experience!
Recipe Notes To Make Your Cordon Bleu Pop
Serving Suggestions: Plating and Presentation Fit For A King
Think of your plate as a blank canvas. Plating is an art. Seriously. These golden wonders deserve some love. For a bit of posh, I normally go for a drizzle of Cordon Bleu Sauce on the plate, then sit the cutlet on top.
A sprig of parsley? Oh go on, it adds a touch of class.
On the side? Get some greens on there. Steamed asparagus spears are amazing, or a simple salad with a light vinaigrette does the trick.
You know, something that doesn't overshadow the star of the show . For bevvies, a crisp white wine cuts through all that richness like butter.
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh, Mate
Right, let's say you've somehow got leftover Homemade Cordon Bleu (unlikely, I know). Pop them in an airtight container. They'll be good in the fridge for 3-4 days .
Reheat them gently in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) to keep them crispy , or even better, in an air fryer! Honestly, microwaving is not recommended as they will become sad and soggy and no one wants that.
Freezing? Yep, you can do that. Wrap each cooled cutlet tightly in cling film, then foil. They'll last for up to 2 months .
To reheat from frozen, bake them at 375° F ( 190° C) for about 30- 40 minutes, or until heated through.
Variations: Get Your Cordon Bleu On
Fancy a change? Me too! A killer alternative for the Cordon Bleu Variations is trying Pork Cordon Bleu Recipe using pork cutlets instead of chicken.
Totally works. And to make them easier to eat, I make them a Baked Cordon Bleu , so that they become lighter.
It's just healthier!
For a lighter take, use low-fat ham and cheese. Boom! For the gluten-free folks, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs, of course.
Easy peasy, like. Oh and why not swap out the cheese for a gruyere for a richer nutty flavor!
Nutrition Basics: Just The Facts
Ok, let's talk numbers. Each serving of this Crispy Cordon Bleu packs in around 550-650 calories. Blimey. It’s also loaded with protein (50-60g) great for building those muscles, innit? There's also 30-40g of fat, so maybe don't eat them every day! And carbs? About 20-30g.
Remember, these are just estimates and can change a bit depending on what you use.
Right, so there you have it! You know what? Making a Chicken Cordon Bleu White Sauce can be daunting, but it's also seriously rewarding.
Don't be scared to experiment, and if it doesn't turn out perfectly the first time, who cares? Keep at it, and you'll be a cordon bleu champion in no time.
Now, go on, get cooking! You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is cordon bleu, anyway? Sounds a bit fancy!
Cordon bleu, literally "blue ribbon" in French, traditionally refers to a dish of meat most often chicken or pork that's been pounded thin, wrapped around ham and cheese, then breaded and either fried or baked. Think of it as a posh chicken sandwich; a proper bit of comfort food!
My breading always falls off when I make cordon bleu! What am I doing wrong?
Ah, the dreaded breading disaster! The key is chilling the breaded chicken for at least 15 minutes before cooking. This helps the egg and breadcrumbs adhere properly. You might also be using eggs that are too watery, or breadcrumbs that are too coarse, the panko variety is best.
Another trick is to make sure you dredge the chicken in flour first this gives the egg something to really stick to.
Can I make cordon bleu ahead of time?
You certainly can! Prepare the cordon bleu up to the breading stage, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze them for longer storage just be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking.
This makes cordon bleu a great dish for meal prepping when you're short on time during the week.
Any tips for making my chicken cordon bleu extra juicy?
Nobody wants dry chicken! Don't overcook it, that's the main thing. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Pounding the chicken to an even thickness also helps it cook evenly.
Finally, letting the cooked cordon bleu rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
I'm trying to eat healthier, is there a lighter version of cordon bleu I can make?
Absolutely! You can significantly reduce the fat content by baking instead of frying. Use reduced fat ham and cheese, and consider swapping the panko breadcrumbs for a lighter alternative like whole wheat breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
You can also skip the breading altogether and pan-fry the chicken in a little olive oil for a healthier take.
What kind of cheese is best for chicken cordon bleu?
Swiss cheese is the classic choice for cordon bleu, offering a mild, slightly nutty flavor that complements the ham and chicken beautifully. However, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere for a richer, more pronounced flavor, or even a mild provolone. Just make sure it melts well!
You could even use a cheese sauce like Mornay.
Crispy Chicken Cordon Bleu
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 600 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 35g |
| Fiber | 25g |