How would you describe chicken cordon bleu?

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What is Chicken Cordon Bleu?

Chicken cordon bleu is a classic French dish made by wrapping chicken breast around ham and Swiss cheese. It is then breaded and pan-fried or baked until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted. The combination of the tender chicken, salty ham, and gooey cheese makes this dish absolutely delicious.

Chicken cordon bleu likely originated in the late 1960s as a creative spin on veal cordon bleu, which was invented in the early 20th century. The veal dish involved wrapping veal around ham and cheese. By using chicken instead of veal, chicken cordon bleu became an accessible and budget-friendly version of the classic French dish.

The name “cordon bleu” means “blue ribbon” in French and originally referred to an award for culinary excellence. So chicken cordon bleu quite literally means chicken of excellence!

Ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu

To make chicken cordon bleu at home, you will need just a handful of ingredients:

Chicken breast – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are pounded thin

Ham – Thinly sliced deli ham provides saltiness
Swiss cheese – Sliced Swiss cheese melts beautifully
Breadcrumbs – Panko or regular breadcrumbs work for the coating

Eggs and milk – Helps the breadcrumbs adhere
Butter or oil – For pan-frying
Herbs and spices – Like paprika, parsley, and pepper

The simple, short list of ingredients is what makes chicken cordon bleu an approachable dish for home cooks. You likely have most of the ingredients on hand already!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for perfectly golden and crusted chicken cordon bleu:

Pound the chicken breasts – Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even 1⁄2-inch thickness. This helps the chicken cook evenly.

Layer ham and cheese – Place a slice of ham on each chicken breast followed by a slice of Swiss cheese.
Roll up – Carefully roll the chicken around the ham and cheese and tuck in the sides.
Prepare breadcrumb coating – Mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and herbs. Beat eggs with milk in a separate bowl.

Bread the chicken – Dip rolled chicken first in egg wash, then coat thoroughly and press gently in breadcrumb mixture.
Pan fry or bake – Fry chicken on both sides in butter or oil over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through, about 8 minutes per side. Or bake at 425°F for 25-30 minutes.
Let rest and serve – Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing into pinwheels and serving.

Tips for Making Chicken Cordon Bleu

To ensure your chicken cordon bleu turns out perfectly cooked and flavorful, keep these tips in mind:

Pound the chicken thinly so it cooks quickly and evenly. But don’t overdo it or the chicken will fall apart.
Chill the breaded chicken in the fridge for 10-20 minutes before cooking to help the coating adhere.

Use good quality deli ham and real Swiss cheese for the best flavor.
Quickly dip the breaded chicken in the egg wash so the coating doesn’t get soggy.
Fry in butter, oil, or a combo of both for delicious browned flavor.

Let the cooked chicken rest before slicing for juicy results.
Serve any pan drippings from the chicken over the top for extra richness.

Variations on Chicken Cordon Bleu

Once you master the classic recipe, get creative with these tasty chicken cordon bleu variations:

Cordon Bleu Cups – Press the chicken into muffin tins for individual breaded “cups.”
Lighter Cordon Bleu – Omit the breadcrumb coating and pan fry or bake with just a light spray of oil.
Cordon Bleu Casserole – Layer chicken rolls in a baking dish and top with sauce and cheese.

Cordon Bleu Rolls – Spread chicken breasts flat, layer fillings, then roll up jelly-roll style.
Chicken Florentine – Substitute spinach for the ham for a veggie lover’s take.

The possibilities are endless for customizing chicken cordon bleu to suit your tastes!

Serving Suggestions

Chicken cordon bleu tastes delicious on its own, but pairing it with sides and sauces makes it an even more well-rounded meal:

Rice or pasta – Chicken goes great with rice pilaf, buttered noodles, or linguine.
Vegetables – Steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or glazed carrots.

Potatoes – Mashed, baked, fried, or roasted potatoes.
Sauces – Creamy mushroom or white wine sauce adds luxury.
Salad – A fresh green salad balances the richness.

Having a starch, vegetable, and salad makes chicken cordon bleu a hearty, satisfying dinner.

Leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu Ideas

Like many dishes, chicken cordon bleu tastes even better as leftovers! Here are some creative ways to use up leftover cordon bleu:

Cordon bleu sandwich – Tuck slices into a hoagie roll with lettuce, tomato, and mayo.

Top a salad – Turn leftovers into a chef salad by slicing and placing on mixed greens.
Breakfast – Reheat slices in the morning and serve with eggs and hashbrowns.
Cordon bleu pot pie – Dice chicken and mix into a creamy sauce with veggies and bake with a pie crust top.

Casserole – Combine diced chicken with rice, broth, veggies and cheese and bake.

Transforming leftovers into an entirely new dish lets you get extra mileage from your chicken cordon bleu. A little creativity goes a long way!

Is Chicken Cordon Bleu Healthy?

Chicken cordon bleu is typically considered a hearty, indulgent dish due to being breaded and fried. However, it can actually be quite healthy when prepared properly.

Here are some tips for lightening up chicken cordon bleu:

Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts to cut down on fat and calories.
Opt for thin sliced deli ham instead of thick cut ham.

Choose real Swiss cheese for flavor in smaller portions.
Cut back on the amount of oil used for pan-frying.
Bake instead of fry to reduce fat and calories.

Use whole wheat or panko breadcrumbs for more fiber and nutrients.
Serve with healthy sides like steamed veggies and salad.

Chicken cordon bleu clocks in around 300-400 calories per serving when made with smart ingredient choices. It delivers lean protein, vitamins from cheese, and nutrition from the breadcrumb coating. Enjoy this tasty dish guilt-free as part of a balanced diet.

Freezing and Reheating Chicken Cordon Bleu

Chicken cordon bleu freezes beautifully, so you can prep it in advance for busy weeknights. Here are some freezing tips:

Cool cooked chicken cordon bleu completely before freezing.
Wrap each chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil.

Freeze in a single layer to prevent sticking, then transfer to a ziplock bag.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat thawed chicken in a 350°F oven until warm, about 15 minutes.

Freezing lets you enjoy chicken cordon bleu without the last minute prep. It also saves time and reduces food waste.

Conclusion

With its crispy coated exterior and savory filled interior, chicken cordon bleu is a crowdpleasing recipe loved by kids and adults alike. This iconic French dish can seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple to make at home with some chicken breasts, ham, cheese, and breadcrumbs. Cook up this restaurant-worthy meal for a special occasion or fun weeknight dinner. Just be prepared for requests for second helpings! From classic pan-fried to lighter baked versions, the possibilities are endless for customize chicken cordon to suit your tastes. Serve with flavorful sides and transform leftovers into enticing new dishes. Made properly, chicken cordon bleu can be a healthy, hearty option perfect for meal prepping. This blue ribbon winner deserves a place in home cooks’ regular dinner rotations.