Oh, let me tell you about Chicken Cordon Bleu! This dish is an absolute classic in my kitchen, and it never fails to impress. I remember the first time I made it; the crispy, golden exterior gives way to tender chicken, salty ham, and gooey Swiss cheese. Every bite is a celebration! It’s fancy enough for a dinner party but simple enough for a cozy weeknight meal. Honestly, once you try this chicken recipe, you’ll understand why it’s loved by so many. Plus, it’s a great way to elevate your usual dinner routine without a ton of effort!
Ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 chicken fillets, pounded to about 1/2 inch thick
- 4 slices of ham, thinly sliced
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs for that delightful crunch
- 1/2 cup of flour, to coat the chicken
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup of milk to mix with the eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying, enough to cover the bottom of your skillet
Trust me, these ingredients come together to create something truly delicious!
How to Prepare Chicken Cordon Bleu
Now, let’s dive into the steps to create this delightful dish! First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when your Chicken Cordon Bleu is ready. While that’s heating up, grab your chicken fillets and place them between sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound them out to about 1/2 inch thickness—this helps them cook evenly and makes them tender. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Next, lay a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on each fillet. Roll them up tightly and secure with toothpicks. Now, dredge each roll in flour, then dip them in a mixture of beaten eggs and milk, and finally coat them with breadcrumbs to get that lovely crunch. Heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown each roll on all sides before transferring them to a baking dish to bake for 20-25 minutes. Just wait until they’re golden and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pound chicken fillets to 1/2 inch thickness and season with salt and pepper.
- Layer ham and cheese on each fillet, then roll and secure with toothpicks.
- Dredge in flour, dip in the egg-milk mixture, and coat with breadcrumbs.
- Brown each roll in a skillet with oil over medium heat.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- A delicious combination of tender chicken, savory ham, and melty Swiss cheese.
- Golden, crispy breadcrumbs add the perfect crunch.
- Versatile enough to adapt with different meats or cheeses!
- Impressive enough to serve at dinner parties or special occasions.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) make for a delightful next-day meal.
Tips for Success with Chicken Cordon Bleu
To truly master Chicken Cordon Bleu, here are some of my favorite tips! First, make sure your chicken is pounded evenly to avoid any uneven cooking. If you’re having trouble rolling them up, don’t hesitate to use toothpicks generously—better safe than sorry! For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a sprinkle of herbs like thyme or parsley inside the rolls. If you prefer baking over frying for a lighter dish, just drizzle a little oil on top of the rolls before baking to help achieve that golden color. Lastly, let them rest for a few minutes after baking—this helps keep everything juicy and delicious!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
Let’s chat about some ingredient options! For the ham, you can absolutely swap it out for turkey or prosciutto if you want a different flavor. If Swiss cheese isn’t your thing, Gruyère works beautifully too, giving that creamy melt you crave. And if you’re looking to make it gluten-free, just use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour. Don’t forget, you can also experiment with herbs like basil or oregano for an extra flavor kick. The beauty of this dish is in its versatility!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This helps retain that crispy texture! If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave them, but I recommend the oven for the best results. Enjoy those tasty leftovers!
Nutritional Information for Chicken Cordon Bleu
Let’s talk about the numbers behind this delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu! Each serving (that’s one roll) has roughly 350 calories, packed with about 30 grams of protein to keep you satisfied. You’ll also find around 15 grams of fat, with 6 grams being saturated fat. For those keeping an eye on carbs, it has about 25 grams, along with just 1 gram of sugar. Of course, these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what to expect. Enjoy this comforting dish, guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls in advance and store them in the fridge before baking. Just remember to bake them fresh when you’re ready to serve!
What can I serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu?
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables, a crisp salad, or even some fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up those delicious flavors.
Can I freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked rolls! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the freezer for up to a month. Bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What if I don’t have toothpicks?
No worries! You can use kitchen twine to tie the rolls or just secure them tightly without any help. Just be careful when you slice them!
Can I use different cheeses?
Definitely! While Swiss is traditional, feel free to experiment with cheddar, mozzarella, or even a spicy pepper jack for a kick. The choice is yours!
For more delicious recipes, check out this classic Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe for additional tips and variations!
Print
Chicken Cordon Bleu: 5 Secrets for Ultimate Flavor
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic dish made with chicken fillets, ham, and cheese.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken fillets
- 4 slices of ham
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup of flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup of milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place chicken fillets between plastic wrap and pound to about 1/2 inch thickness.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Place a slice of ham and a slice of cheese on each chicken fillet.
- Roll up each chicken fillet and secure with toothpicks.
- Dredge each roll in flour, dip in a mixture of eggs and milk, and coat with breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown each roll on all sides.
- Transfer the browned rolls to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Remove toothpicks and serve hot.
Notes
- Serve with a side of vegetables or salad.
- You can substitute ham with turkey or prosciutto.
- For a lighter version, bake instead of frying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and frying
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Chicken Cordon Bleu, chicken recipe, French cuisine