Cordon bleu is a classic French dish that consists of chicken or veal pounded thin and wrapped around cheese and ham before being breaded and fried or baked. The name “cordon bleu” means blue ribbon in French and originally referred to an award for culinary excellence.
Whole foods market is a popular grocery store chain that sells natural and organic products. Their prepared foods section offers a variety of ready-to-eat meals including a whole foods cordon bleu option. So how long does it take to cook a whole foods cordon bleu? There are a few factors that determine the cooking time.
What is Whole Foods Cordon Bleu?
The whole foods cordon bleu is made with all-natural ingredients. It features chicken breast stuffed with Swiss cheese and ham. The chicken is then breaded in whole wheat panko breadcrumbs and baked until golden brown.
Unlike some pre-made frozen cordon bleu that can be packed with preservatives, the whole foods version contains simple, recognizable ingredients like chicken, Swiss cheese, ham, eggs, whole wheat flour and panko breadcrumbs. It’s a convenient option for a quick dinner that still fits into a healthy diet.
Cooking Instructions
The whole foods cordon bleu comes pre-assembled, stuffed and breaded. It just needs to be baked in the oven prior to eating.
Here are the basic cooking instructions according to the Whole Foods package:
- Preheat oven to 375°F
- Remove plastic wrap from cordon bleu
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F
So the total cook time directly from Whole Foods is 25-30 minutes at 375°F. This will result in the chicken being cooked through and the breading becoming crispy and golden brown.
Cooking Considerations
While those basic instructions provide a fool-proof cooking time, there are some additional factors that can impact the timing.
Oven Temperature
The oven temperature used will impact the total cooking time. A hotter oven above 375°F will decrease the cooking time, while a cooler oven below 375°F will increase it.
As an estimate, cooking at 400°F would take 20-25 minutes while cooking at 350°F would take around 35-40 minutes.
Always rely on the internal temperature rather than just the time to determine doneness.
Size of Cordon Bleu
Whole foods offers the cordon bleu in different weights. The cooking instructions are for the 10 oz size.
If you purchase a smaller or larger cordon bleu, adjust the cooking time accordingly. A good rule of thumb is to add or subtract 5 minutes per 2 oz difference in size.
For example, an 8 oz cordon bleu would take 20-25 minutes while a 12 oz one would take 30-35 minutes.
Frozen vs. Thawed
For best results, Whole Foods recommends thawing the cordon bleu in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This helps it bake more evenly.
If baking directly from frozen, some tips are to:
- Increase oven temperature by 25°F
- Place on a lower rack in the oven
- Add 5-10 minutes to the cook time
- Check the internal temp before removing from the oven
Thawing first is ideal, but baking from frozen can still produce good results with a few modifications.
Convection Oven
Using a convection setting on your oven can decrease the cooking time by around 10-15 minutes. Convection ovens have a fan that circulates hot air around the food to help it cook faster.
Monitor closely and rely on the internal temperature when using convection mode, as the timing may vary by oven.
Internal Temperature
Using an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature is the best way to confirm the cordon bleu is fully cooked, regardless of cooking time.
According to USDA food safety standards, chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to eliminate any food-borne illnesses.
Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken to get an accurate reading. The cheese filling should register at around 160°F when the chicken around it is 165°F.
If the cordon bleu finishes cooking but still doesn’t hit 165°F internally, return it to the oven for 5 minutes at a time until it reaches the proper temperature.
Appearance and Texture
In addition to measuring temperature, you can evaluate doneness based on the visual appearance:
- Breading is golden brown
- Cheese is melted inside
- Chicken is opaque and cooked through
- Juices run clear when pierced with a fork
The texture will change from soft and doughy to firm when fully cooked. The chicken will become opaque and slice cleanly once it reaches the proper internal temperature.
Food Safety
When handling and cooking cordon bleu, follow these food safety guidelines:
- Refrigerate immediately after purchasing and use by the sell-by date
- Thaw in the refrigerator, not at room temperature
- Wash hands, utensils, pans before and after contact
- Use a food-safe thermometer to check internal temperature
- Cook to 165°F internal temperature
- Discard if left at room temperature for more than 2 hours
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours – use within 3-4 days
- Reheat to 165°F before serving leftovers
Following proper food safety practices reduces the risk of food-borne illnesses. Take care when handling raw chicken and cook it thoroughly to recommended temperatures.
Tips for Perfectly Cooked Cordon Bleu
Here are some extra tips for achieving the best results when cooking a whole foods cordon bleu:
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for even cooking
- Use an oven-safe meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature
- Bake in the center of the oven on a parchment lined pan
- Adjust cook time based on oven temperature and size of cordon bleu
- Let rest 5-10 minutes after baking before cutting to allow juices to redistribute
- Slice against the grain of chicken for tender meat
- Serve with roasted vegetables or rice pilaf
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you cook a cordon bleu from frozen?
Yes, a frozen cordon bleu can be baked without thawing first. Add 5-10 minutes to the cook time and use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
What temperature should cordon bleu be cooked to?
Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures the chicken is cooked through for food safety.
How long does cooked cordon bleu last in the fridge?
Leftover cordon bleu will last 3-4 days refrigerated. Reheat to 165°F before eating. Discard if left for longer than 4 days.
Can you put cordon bleu back in the oven to reheat?
Yes, baked cordon bleu can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven at 350°F until hot, 165°F. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
What sides go well with cordon bleu?
Some classic pairings are rice pilaf, potatoes, roasted vegetables, salad, pasta, or a simple lemon wedge. A creamy sauce also complements the chicken and ham stuffing.
Conclusion
Whole foods cordon bleu takes about 25-30 minutes to bake at 375°F based on the 10 oz size. Adjust cooking time for oven temperature variation and size differences. Rely on the internal temperature of 165°F to determine doneness instead of just cooking time. Follow proper food safety practices and use a food thermometer for assured safety and doneness. With the right techniques, you can enjoy a quick and easy homemade meal with cordon bleu from Whole Foods Market.