What’s Inside Your Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a mouth-watering, crispy, and cheesy dish that’s sure to impress at any dinner table. This dish combines tender chicken, savory ham, and gooey melted cheese, all coated in a golden, crunchy breading. Whether you choose chicken, veal, or pork, this classic French recipe delivers both comfort and flavor with every bite.
Here’s a breakdown of what makes this dish so special:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These juicy cuts are the base of the dish. They’re easy to work with, lean, and tender. If you want a twist, try veal or pork for a slightly different flavor.
- Slices of ham: We recommend Swiss or prosciutto! These add a salty, savory depth to the dish that pairs wonderfully with the richness of the cheese.
- Swiss cheese: Swiss melts beautifully, offering a creamy, mild flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, Gruyère is a great option for a sharper, more complex taste.
- All-purpose flour: This is essential in the breading process. It creates a smooth base for the egg and breadcrumbs to adhere to, ensuring the perfect crunchy coating.
- Large eggs: These help bind everything together, creating a crispy, golden crust when fried.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are preferred for their light, crisp texture that adds an extra layer of crunch to every bite.
- Salt and pepper: Simple but vital, these seasonings bring the dish to life and enhance the flavor of the chicken and cheese.
- Dijon mustard: Optional, but this tangy addition provides a slight zing that elevates the flavors.
- Chicken broth: A rich, savory base for the creamy sauce, it complements the fried chicken perfectly.
- Heavy cream: The star ingredient in the sauce! It creates a luscious, velvety finish.
- Fresh parsley: Not just for garnish, it adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
- Cooking oil: Essential for frying, vegetable or canola oil works best as they can handle the heat without smoking.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or veal/pork)
- 4 slices of ham (preferably Swiss or prosciutto)
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese (or Gruyère)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooking oil (for frying)
Serves: 4
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Prep the chicken: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound to 1/2 inch thick.
- Season: Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. If you’re using Dijon mustard, spread a thin layer on one side of the chicken.
- Assemble: Lay a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on each chicken breast. Roll up tightly, starting from the side with the ham and cheese.
- Secure the rolls: Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the rolls, ensuring no cheese escapes during cooking.
- Breading station: Set up three shallow dishes—one for flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for breadcrumbs.
- Bread the chicken: Dredge each chicken roll in flour, dip in the egg, then coat in breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Fry: Heat about 1/2 inch of cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken rolls until golden brown on all sides (about 4-5 minutes per side). Transfer to paper towels to drain.
- Bake: Place the chicken rolls in a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until fully cooked through.
- Make the sauce: While the chicken is baking, combine chicken broth and heavy cream in a saucepan. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Remove toothpicks or twine from the chicken, slice into rounds, and arrange on a serving plate. Drizzle with the creamy sauce and garnish with fresh parsley.
Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Meal
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a rich, indulgent dish that pairs well with lighter sides. Here are a few ideas to balance out the richness:
- Roasted vegetables: Carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts complement the creamy sauce.
- Fresh salad: A light mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette will help cut through the richness of the dish.
- Herb-infused breadcrumbs: Add thyme, rosemary, or oregano to your breadcrumbs for an extra boost of flavor.
And don’t forget a chilled glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to bring everything together.
This Chicken Cordon Bleu is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Its combination of crispy, cheesy, and savory flavors will leave everyone asking for more. Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to share your results with us!
