Cordon bleu is a classic French dish that consists of chicken or veal stuffed with ham and cheese, then breaded and pan-fried. While making cordon bleu from scratch can be time consuming, many grocery stores now sell pre-packaged and breaded cordon bleu that only requires baking or frying to prepare. Pre-packaged cordon bleu provides a quick and easy shortcut to enjoying this delicious dish.
What is Cordon Bleu?
Cordon bleu (pronounced “kor-dohn-blew”) translates to “blue ribbon” in French and refers to this dish’s prestigious culinary pedigree. It is made of thin slices of meat pounded flat and rolled around fillings like ham and cheese before being breaded and cooked. Traditional cordon bleu uses veal as the meat, but chicken and pork are frequent substitutes.
The origins of cordon bleu are debated, but some believe it was created as an aristocratic dish in the late 19th century. The term “cordon bleu” itself originally referred to an award for culinary excellence given to women chefs starting in 1895. This dish likely took on the prestigious name thanks to its elegant stuffed meat preparation.
Benefits of Pre-Packaged Cordon Bleu
Pre-packaged cordon bleu provides several advantages over making it completely from scratch:
– Convenience – The chicken is already sliced, pounded, stuffed, and breaded so there is no prep work needed.
– Consistency – You don’t have to worry about inconsistencies in breading or stuffing that can happen with homemade.
– Time savings – Pre-packaged cuts total cooking time down to less than an hour. Preparing everything from scratch could take several hours.
– Easy cleanup – With no breading or stuffing prep, there is minimal cleanup required.
– Customization – You can still customize flavors with sauces or extra seasoning.
While pre-packaged cordon bleu loses some authenticity, it makes enjoying this restaurant-quality dish possible on a busy weeknight.
Types of Pre-Packaged Cordon Bleu
Pre-packaged cordon bleu can be found in the frozen foods section of most grocery stores. Here are some of the most common types and brands:
Chicken Cordon Bleu
– Tyson – Popular brand that comes in larger packs for meal prepping. Breaded with seasoned breadcrumbs.
– Banquet – Individual quick meals with chicken, ham, and swiss.
– Kirkland Signature – Available at Costco, comes in pack of 20 with crispy breading.
Veal or Pork Cordon Bleu
– Milano – Breaded veal or pork stuffed with ham and cheese.
– My Organic Market – Frozen veal cordon bleu made with organic ingredients.
– Schwan’s – Premium veal cordon bleu delivered frozen.
– Saladmaster – Veal cordon bleu seasoned with Italian spices and panko breading.
Appetizer/Mini Cordon Bleu
– Barber’s – Mini chicken cordon bleu with a buttermilk coating.
– Foster Farms – Individually breaded chicken bites stuffed with ham and cheese.
– Member’s Mark – Mini veal cordon bleu at Sam’s Club made with Swiss cheese.
Ingredients in Pre-Made Cordon Bleu
While ingredients vary slightly between brands, pre-made cordon bleu generally contains:
– Meat – Chicken, pork or veal that has been sliced thin, pounded flat, and rolled around the filling.
– Cheese – Usually Swiss, but sometimes cheddar, mozzarella, or brie.
– Ham – Deli-style ham like Black Forest ham.
– Breading – Seasoned breadcrumbs, panko, or flour coating the outside.
– Binders – Egg wash, milk, or buttermilk to help the breading adhere.
– Flavorings – Onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, parsley, and black pepper.
– Preservatives – To maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. Common preservatives used are sodium phosphate, sodium erythorbate, and sodium nitrite.
Always check the nutrition label if you have dietary restrictions or allergies. The cheese and ham may contain gluten, dairy, or pork allergens.
How to Cook Frozen Cordon Bleu in the Oven
Cooking pre-packaged frozen cordon bleu in the oven is quick and easy. Here are step-by-step instructions:
Ingredients:
– 4 frozen breaded cordon bleu fillets
– 1⁄4 cup flour
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1⁄2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper
Equipment:
– Baking sheet
– Aluminum foil
– Mixing bowls
– Wire rack
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Cover baking sheet with foil and grease with oil or nonstick spray.
2. Unwrap frozen cordon bleu and place on wire rack to thaw slightly, about 10 minutes.
3. Set up three bowls: flour in one, beaten eggs in another, and panko crumbs in the third. Season flour and panko crumbs with salt and pepper.
4. Dredge each fillet lightly in flour, dip in egg, then coat thoroughly in panko, pressing down to adhere.
5. Place breaded fillets on baking sheet. Bake 15 minutes, flip, then bake 10 more minutes until golden brown and 165°F internal temperature.
6. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Best paired with rice pilaf and sautéed vegetables.
Baking gives the cordon bleu a light, crispy breading. For an extra crunchy crust, you can pan fry instead.
How to Cook Cordon Bleu in an Air Fryer
Air fryers provide a quick and convenient way to cook frozen foods with a fraction of the oil. Here is how to make crispy cordon bleu in an air fryer:
Ingredients:
– 2 frozen breaded cordon bleu fillets
– 1⁄2 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tbsp olive oil
Equipment:
– Air fryer
– Mixing bowls
Instructions:
1. Let cordon bleu thaw slightly for 10 minutes.
2. Set up one bowl with beaten egg and another with panko.
3. Dip fillets in egg then panko, pressing to adhere.
4. Brush fillets with olive oil.
5. Air fry at 360°F for 10-12 minutes until golden brown. Flip halfway through.
6. Check internal temperature to ensure chicken is 165°F.
7. Let rest before serving.
The air fryer gives the cordon bleu a remarkably crispy, fried texture using little to no oil. Adjust cooking time as needed based on thickness.
How to Pan Fry Cordon Bleu
Pan frying is the traditional cooking method to achieve a flavorful, crunchy crust on cordon bleu. Follow these steps:
Ingredients:
– 2 thawed breaded cordon bleu fillets
– 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
– 2 tbsp butter
– Sprigs of parsley for garnish
Equipment:
– Large skillet
– tongs
– probe thermometer
Instructions:
1. Heat 2 tbsp oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. When oil is shimmering, add cordon bleu fillets and pan fry 2-3 minutes per side until deep golden brown. Work in batches if needed to avoid crowding the pan.
3. Use tongs to flip fillets gently, adding more oil/butter between batches if needed.
4. Fry until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, about 6-8 minutes total.
5. Transfer cordon bleu to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
6. Let rest 5 minutes before serving garnished with parsley if desired.
Be sure to monitor closely when pan frying to prevent burning. You want an evenly browned, crisp crust.
What to Serve with Cordon Bleu
Cordon bleu goes well with a variety of sides, including:
– Rice pilaf or risotto
– Garlic mashed potatoes
– Pasta or potato salad
– Green beans or asparagus
– Mixed greens salad
– Dinner rolls
Rich cream or cheese sauces are also a classic pairing to accent the flavors:
– Alfredo sauce
– White wine sauce
– Bearnaise sauce
– Tomato cream sauce
– Buttery caper-lemon sauce
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio balances the richness nicely. Cordon bleu also pairs well with a lager or pilsner beer.
Leftover Cordon Bleu Storage
Properly stored, leftover cooked cordon bleu will last 3-4 days refrigerated.
To store leftover cordon bleu:
– Allow to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container.
– Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
– Use within 3-4 days.
To reheat cordon bleu:
– Preheat oven to 325°F. Place cordon bleu on a baking sheet.
– Heat in oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, 165°F.
– Can also reheat in the microwave on 30% power in 1 minute intervals.
– Avoid frying or pan searing leftovers as the breading will become soggy.
Freezing is not recommended as the breading will become soft. Refrigeration preserves both the flavor and texture best.
Common Mistakes and Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My cordon bleu burned on the outside but the chicken is still pink, what happened?
A: This occurs if the pan or oil was too hot while frying. High heat can overcook the breading before the inside fillsly cooks. Use medium heat and fry gently to ensure even browning next time.
Q: The breading fell off my cordon bleu, how can I prevent this next time?
A: Letting the cordon bleu thaw slightly before breading helps the coating adhere better. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs in firmly and ensure they are sealed. Using buttermilk instead of plain milk in your egg wash also promotes better adhesion.
Q: I tried making cordon bleu healthier by using whole wheat panko and it came out dry and grainy, solutions?
A: Whole wheat panko can dry out quickly and become dense. For a healthier crust, try using 50/50 whole wheat and regular panko combined or a gluten-free panko alternative like almond meal.
Q: Can I cook cordon bleu from frozen directly without thawing?
A: It is best to thaw cordon bleu at least partially before cooking so it heats evenly. Cooking directly from frozen risks overcooking the outside before the inside thaws. For food safety, do not thaw at room temperature.
Q: My cheese filling leaked out during cooking, how do I prevent that next time?
A: Make sure fillets are sealed tightly when breading and use a thick slice of cheese that won’t melt too quickly. Brushing a bit of egg wash over the seam can also help seal the filling inside.
How to Make Cordon Bleu from Scratch
Though pre-packaged cordon bleu is simple, you can also prepare this dish fully from scratch:
Ingredients:
– 4 chicken breasts, pounded thin
– 8 slices deli ham
– 8 slices Swiss cheese
– 1⁄2 cup flour
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 1⁄2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs
– 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
– 1 lemon, juiced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp butter
Instructions:
1. Pound chicken breasts between plastic wrap to a 1⁄4 inch thickness.
2. Layer one slice each ham and Swiss on the chicken breasts. Roll up and secure closed with toothpicks.
3. Set up flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb stations. Season flour and breadcrumbs.
4. Dredge chicken rolls in flour, dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumbs. Refrigerate 30 minutes.
5. Heat oil and butter in a large pan. Fry rolls over medium heat until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Replenish oil/butter between batches as needed.
6. Mix Dijon and lemon juice. Serve chicken rolls topped with lemon Dijon sauce.
From slicing the chicken breasts to frying, allow 1-2 hours total when making cordon bleu from scratch. Taste France in your own kitchen!
In Conclusion
Pre-packaged cordon bleu fillets provide a quick shortcut to enjoying this French classic. While oven baking or air frying are the easiest cooking methods, pan frying achieves the most authentic, flavorful results. Allow the partially thawed cordon bleu to cook through to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety. Pair with buttered noodles, rice, or fresh vegetables for a complete meal. Add your own touch by serving the breaded chicken or veal stuffed with ham and cheese with unique sauces or sides. When prepared properly, pre-made cordon bleu offers an elegant dinner option any night of the week.