Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

Name: Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 4 pieces Chicken breasts; 8 slices Sliced ham; 8 slices Swiss cheese; 1 cup Breadcrumbs; 1 egg Egg; 0.5 cup All-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon Salt; 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper; 2 tablespoons Butter

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Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s near and dear to my heart: “Ricotting. ” Chicken Cordon Bleu. Is this a dry, boring, overcooked chicken Cordon Bleu from the frozen food aisle? What are some of the best chicken breasts, ham, and Swiss cheese wrapped in a crispy, crunchy foil? What are some of the best golden brown breading recipes? If you love chicken parmesan, just imagine that, but with a totally different level of cheesy, hammy, and cheese. My grandma used to make this every Christmas, and the smell alone is enough to transport me back to childhood. What are some cozy holiday gatherings? I know it seems fancy, but trust me, this is a real thing.What is the best chicken Cordon Bleu recipe?Is it easier to make than you think?

What is chicken Cordon Bleu?

So, what *is* Chicken Cordon Bleu anyway? Essentially, it’s a classic French dish – think “chicken with a blue ribbon.” It’s essentially a chicken breast that’s been pounded thin, layered with a slice of ham and Swiss cheese, rolled up, breaded, and then either baked or pan-fried. The name “Cordon Bleu” actually translates to “blue ribbon,” which was historically awarded to outstanding female cooks. Think of it as the culinary equivalent of winning a gold medal! While it sounds super sophisticated, at its heart, it’s just really delicious, comforting food that anyone can make at home.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Honestly, where do I even begin? This recipe isn’t just *good*, it’s the kind of dish that has people asking for seconds (and thirds!). What I love most about this is how the salty ham perfectly complements the nutty Swiss cheese and the Juicy Chicken. It’s just an explosion of flavor in every bite!

* **Flavor Powerhouse:** The combination of ham, Swiss, and chicken is seriously unbeatable. Each element plays off the others so well.
* **Surprisingly Easy:** Seriously, don’t let the fancy name intimidate you. This is so much simpler than it looks. I promise!
* **Budget-Friendly(ish):** Okay, chicken breasts and Swiss cheese aren’t the *cheapest* ingredients, but you can definitely find sales and make this a relatively affordable treat. Plus, it’s way cheaper than ordering it at a restaurant!
* **Versatile:** Serve it with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, a fresh salad – the possibilities are endless! Leftovers are great in sandwiches too!

This recipe is similar to a chicken Kiev in that it’s a stuffed chicken breast, but the flavors are totally different. And while I love a good Chicken Parmesan, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe. feels a little more…elevated. It’s the perfect dish for a special occasion or just a regular Tuesday night when you want to treat yourself. My family requests this dish ALL the time. And truthfully, I’m always happy to make it because the result is always the same: Clean plates and happy faces!

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu

Quick Overview

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty! You’re essentially going to pound your chicken breasts thin, layer them with ham and Swiss, roll them up, bread them, and bake them until golden brown and cooked through. Then you’ll whip up a simple creamy sauce to drizzle over the top. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through every step of the way. It seems like a lot of steps, but it’s really a pretty simple process once you get the hang of it! The best part is, once you’ve made it a few times, you can totally customize it to your own tastes. And seriously, the little bit of effort is *so* worth it!

Ingredients

For the Chicken: What are some good
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Look for breasts that are roughly the same size for even cooking. If they’re huge, you might want to cut them in half horizontally.
* 4 slices of cooked ham: I prefer Black Forest ham for its smoky flavor, but any good quality ham will do.
* 4 slices of Swiss cheese: Emmentaler is another great option. Pro tip: buy a block of Swiss and slice it yourself! It tastes way better than the pre-sliced stuff.
* Salt and pepper: To taste, of course!

For the Breading:
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: For dredging. You can use gluten-free flour if needed, but the texture might be slightly different.
* 1 large egg, beaten: Helps the breadcrumbs stick.
* 1 cup breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give the best crunch!
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nice flavor to the breading.
* 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: For extra flavor!
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Because everything’s better with garlic!

What is the Creamy Sauce?
* 2 tablespoons butter: Unsalted, so you can control the saltiness of the sauce.
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: To thicken the sauce.
* 1 cup chicken broth: Use low-sodium so the sauce doesn’t get too salty.
* 1/2 cup heavy cream: For richness!
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds flavor and thickness.
* Salt and pepper: To taste! A pinch of nutmeg is also amazing in this sauce!

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish. I usually use a 9×13 inch pan. Make sure you preheat it! It helps the chicken cook evenly. Trust me, I’ve tried skipping this step, and it’s never as good!

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken until it’s about 1/4-inch thick. Be gentle! You don’t want to tear the chicken. Season both sides with salt and pepper. I always do this even if I’m rushing!

Step 3: Layer Ham & Cheese

Place a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on top of each chicken breast. Make sure the ham and cheese don’t overhang the edges too much, or they’ll melt out during baking. One time I made the mistake of using super thick ham and it did not roll well. Lesson learned!

Step 4: Roll It Up!

Starting at one end, tightly roll up each chicken breast. Secure with toothpicks. This is where the magic happens! Just make sure you roll it up nice and tight, or the cheese will leak out. I speak from experience!

Step 5: Set Up Breading Station

Place the flour, beaten egg, and breadcrumbs (mixed with Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder) in separate shallow dishes. I like to line them up so I can just move the chicken down the line.

Step 6: Bread the Chicken

Dredge each chicken roll in the flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat with the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Make sure you get every nook and cranny covered in breadcrumbs! This is what gives it that crispy, golden crust.

Step 7: Bake!

Place the breaded chicken rolls in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure!

Step 8: Make the Creamy Sauce

While the chicken is baking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce has thickened. This sauce is seriously addictive!

Step 9: Serve!

Remove the toothpicks from the chicken rolls. Drizzle the creamy sauce over the chicken and serve immediately. I love serving this with a side of Roasted Asparagus or mashed potatoes. Enjoy every single bite! You deserve it!

What to Serve It With

What do you serve with chicken Cordon Bleu? What are some good ideas to get started?

What are some ideas for a fancy dinner party?roasted asparagus with lemon, creamy mashed potatoes, and a crisp green salad. What are some good pairings for Chardonnay?

What is a good weeknight meal? Steamed broccoli, rice pilaf, and a simple tomato salad. Quick, easy, and delicious!

What is a cozy comfort food night?Mac and cheese, Green Beans, crusty bread for soaking up that creamy sauce. What is my personal favorite song of all time?

Leftovers:What is the best way to serve a chicken Cordon Bleu sandwich? What is the best way to eat lunch the next day?

What are some good side dishes to serve with Garlic Bread? Just to soak up all that delicious sauce. My family loves when I make a big batch of roasted vegetables to go with it. I mean anything goes!Chicken Cordon Bleu RecipeWhat are some of the most versatile dishes?

What are some tips for perfecting chicken Cordon Bleu?

I’m about to drop some serious knowledge on you. Alright, listen up! I’ve made this recipe countless times, and I have learned a few tricks along the way.

What is the best way to cook chicken Don’t skip this step! It’s important to get the chicken thin enough so that it cooks evenly. But be careful not to pound it too thin, or it will tear. Aim for about 1/4-inch thickness. I found this out the hard way!

Choosing the Right Ham and Cheese: I prefer Black Forest ham and Swiss cheese, but feel free to experiment with different flavors. Prosciutto and Gruyere would also be delicious!

Securing the Chicken Rolls: Use toothpicks to secure the chicken rolls so that the cheese doesn’t leak out during baking. Don’t forget to remove them before serving! Another trick I learned is to use kitchen twine! It works like a charm!

Getting the Breading Just Right: Make sure you coat the chicken rolls completely in breadcrumbs. This will give them that crispy, golden-brown crust. I like to press the breadcrumbs on gently to make sure they adhere.

Baking to Perfection: Bake the chicken until it’s cooked through and the breading is golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C).

Making the Creamy Sauce: Don’t be afraid to experiment with the sauce! Add a pinch of nutmeg, a dash of hot sauce, or a squeeze of lemon juice to give it some extra flavor. I sometimes add a splash of white wine for extra flavor!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Okay, so you’ve got leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to store and reheat your Chicken Cordon Bleu:

Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooked Chicken Cordon Bleu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce can also be stored separately in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer Instructions: Wrap the cooked Chicken Cordon Bleu tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. I always make a big batch and freeze half of it for later!

Reheating Instructions: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Chicken Cordon Bleu in a baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the breading won’t be as crispy.

Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re making this ahead of time, I recommend not glazing it until right before serving. It just tastes so much fresher that way!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free flour for dredging. You might need to add a little extra liquid to the egg mixture to help the breadcrumbs adhere. I’ve tried it with almond flour before and it gave it a nice nutty flavor.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Definitely! Gruyere, provolone, or even mozzarella would be delicious in this recipe. Just make sure it’s a cheese that melts well. I once tried using feta and it was a total disaster!

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the Chicken Cordon Bleu ahead of time, but don’t bake it until you’re ready to serve it. You can also make the creamy sauce ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to eat.

What can I use instead of heavy cream in the sauce?

You can use half-and-half or milk, but the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy. I’ve even used almond milk in a pinch, and it turned out surprisingly well. Just simmer it a little longer to thicken it up.

Can I pan-fry the chicken instead of baking it?

Yes! Heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked through and the breading is golden brown. I personally prefer baking it because it’s less messy, but pan-frying is a great option if you’re short on time.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it! My tried-and-true Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe that’s guaranteed to impress. It might seem a little intimidating at first, but trust me, it’s so much easier than you think. And the flavor? Seriously out of this world! The combination of Juicy Chicken, savory ham, melty Swiss cheese, and that creamy sauce is simply irresistible. I promise you that this dish will become a family favorite! If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my other chicken recipes, like my Chicken Parmesan or my Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Happy cooking!

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