What To Know
- Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture, then dip them in the eggs, and finally coat them in the panko breadcrumb mixture.
- Cook the chicken cordon bleu until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through.
- A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing provides a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken cordon bleu.
Indulge in the classic French dish, Chicken Cordon Bleu, with this exceptional recipe from Good Housekeeping. Experience the harmonious blend of tender chicken, savory ham, and melted cheese encased in a crispy, golden crust. This culinary masterpiece is guaranteed to impress your family and friends, whether it’s a special occasion or an everyday meal.
Ingredients: Gather the Finest Ingredients for a Perfect Dish
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 8 slices Black Forest ham
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide to Chicken Cordon Bleu Mastery
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Create the Coating:
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs.
- In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
3. Assemble the Cordon Bleu:
- Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture, then dip them in the eggs, and finally coat them in the panko breadcrumb mixture.
- Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken to ensure it adheres.
4. Pan-Fry to Perfection:
- In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Once the butter has melted and the oil is shimmering, carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Add the Ham and Cheese:
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a baking sheet.
- Top each chicken breast with a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese.
6. Bake to Melty Goodness:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the chicken breasts for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the chicken cordon bleu rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite sides.
Tips for Achieving Cordon Bleu Excellence
- Tender Chicken: To ensure tender chicken, pound it to an even thickness before cooking. This will help it cook evenly and prevent it from drying out.
- Crispy Coating: For a crispy, golden-brown coating, press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken before pan-frying.
- Melted Cheese: Use good quality Swiss cheese for the best flavor and melting properties.
- Perfect Cooking: Cook the chicken cordon bleu until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through. Overcooking can result in dry chicken.
- Rest Before Slicing: Allow the chicken cordon bleu to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the juices redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and moist dish.
Accompaniments to Complement Your Cordon Bleu Feast
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and fluffy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with chicken cordon bleu.
- Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, and zucchini, add a healthy and flavorful touch to your meal.
- Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing provides a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken cordon bleu.
- Rice Pilaf: A fluffy and aromatic rice pilaf is another great option to serve alongside your cordon bleu.
- Sauce: A creamy mushroom sauce or a tangy lemon caper sauce can add an extra layer of flavor to your dish.
Variations to Suit Your Taste Preferences
- Ham and Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of ham and cheese to create unique flavor combinations. Try smoked ham, prosciutto, or even turkey ham. For the cheese, you can use Gruyère, Emmental, or Gouda.
- Stuffed Cordon Bleu: Instead of topping the chicken with ham and cheese, try stuffing it with a flavorful filling. Popular options include spinach and artichoke, mushrooms and onions, or crab and shrimp.
- Baked Cordon Bleu: If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the chicken cordon bleu instead of pan-frying it. Simply place the assembled chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
- Storing: Leftover chicken cordon bleu can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat the chicken cordon bleu, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken cordon bleu on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in a microwave on low power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
Beyond Chicken Cordon Bleu: Explore Other Culinary Delights
- Chicken Kiev: Discover the Ukrainian cousin of chicken cordon bleu, featuring a succulent chicken breast stuffed with garlic butter and coated in breadcrumbs.
- Chicken Parmesan: Indulge in this Italian-American classic, where chicken breasts are coated in Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs, then pan-fried and topped with a rich tomato sauce.
- Chicken Katsu: Experience the Japanese take on chicken, where chicken breasts are coated in panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried until crispy, then served with a flavorful tonkatsu sauce.
- Chicken Teriyaki: Delight in this Japanese dish, where chicken is marinated in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, then grilled or pan-fried.
What People Want to Know
1. What is the best way to tenderize the chicken for cordon bleu?
- Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness is the key to tender chicken. This helps break down the fibers and ensures even cooking.
2. How can I achieve a crispy coating on my cordon bleu?
- To achieve a crispy coating, press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken before pan-frying. This will help the breadcrumbs adhere and create a golden-brown crust.
3. What type of cheese is traditionally used in cordon bleu?
- Traditionally, Swiss cheese is used in chicken cordon bleu. Its mild and nutty flavor complements the chicken and ham perfectly.
4. How long should I cook the chicken cordon bleu?
- Cook the chicken cordon bleu until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through. Overcooking can result in dry chicken.
5. What are some common side dishes to serve with chicken cordon bleu?
- Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green salad, rice pilaf, and various sauces are popular side dishes to serve with chicken cordon bleu.
6. Can I make chicken cordon bleu ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the chicken cordon bleu ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
7. How do I reheat leftover chicken cordon bleu?
- To reheat leftover chicken cordon bleu, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the chicken cordon bleu for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in a microwave on low power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
