Chicken cordon bleu is a classic French dish made of chicken breast stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, then breaded and pan-fried. The name “cordon bleu” is French and translates to “blue ribbon”, which refers to an award for culinary excellence.
Origin of Chicken Cordon Bleu
The origins of chicken cordon bleu can be traced back to France in the early 1900s. The dish was likely created by a French chef to showcase high-quality ingredients like Swiss cheese and ham. The term “cordon bleu” had been used since the 16th century to describe French dishes of superior quality.
Applying the name “cordon bleu” to the stuffed chicken breast dish indicated it was a refined, prestigious meal. The blue ribbon imagery also evoked the blue ribbon pinned to the lapel of those who had been awarded a cordon bleu cooking diploma.
Meaning Behind the Name
So what exactly does “chicken cordon bleu” stand for? The French phrase translates to “blue ribbon” in reference to:
- A blue ribbon cooking prize awarded by a culinary institution
- The blue ribbon pinned on chefs who earned a cordon bleu cooking diploma
- A metaphor for food prepared to perfection
The term cordon bleu became associated with excellence in cooking. Naming the stuffed chicken breast dish “chicken cordon bleu” designated it as a top-quality meal.
Cordon Bleu Cooking School
The phrase cordon bleu became linked with the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu cooking school in Paris. Founded in 1895 by journalist Marthe Distel, Le Cordon Bleu became internationally renowned for its culinary arts training.
Le Cordon Bleu awards certificates and diplomas to students who complete its rigorous classic French cuisine courses. Graduates who pass the curriculum with flying colors are said to earn a “cordon bleu”.
The school’s distinguished alumni include Julia Child, Ming Tsai, Giada De Laurentiis, and Gaston Lenôtre. Le Cordon Bleu is considered one of the most prestigious culinary arts institutes in the world.
History of Chicken Cordon Bleu
While the exact origins are unclear, recipes for chicken cordon bleu began appearing in cookbooks in the 1940s and 50s. Some sources cite chef Alfred Seydoux of the Hotel Savoy in London as the creator. The earliest known reference is a 1944 magazine recipe using veal.
The classic preparation involved pounding chicken breasts thin, layering them with ham and cheese, then coating in breadcrumbs and frying. The dish was likely inspired by traditional Italian dishes like involtini or saltimbocca.
Chicken cordon bleu grew popular in the 1960s and 70s as Italian and French cuisine gained interest. It became a staple menu item at restaurants, banquets, and dinner parties as an elegant dish.
Regional Variations
While the classic French version is made with chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese, there are many regional and international variations:
- Australia – Often made with chicken schnitzel
- Brazil – Made with roasted turkey or chicken
- Canada – Uses chicken cutlets instead of breast
- Germany – Breaded veal or pork cutlet version is popular
- Italy – Involtini alla Valdostana uses prosciutto and fontina
- Japan – Uses panko breadcrumbs and tonkatsu sauce
In the United States, versions with pork or veal are also common. The cheese can range from Swiss to mozzarella, provolone, or Monterey jack.
Basic Recipe
The classic chicken cordon bleu recipe includes:
- Pounded chicken breasts
- Thinly sliced ham
- Swiss cheese slices
- Breadcrumbs
- Flour
- Egg wash
- Butter or oil for frying
The chicken is pounded thin before layering with ham and cheese. It is then breaded with flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs. Finally, the chicken cordon bleus are pan-fried in butter or oil until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Detailed Classic Recipe
Here is a detailed chicken cordon bleu recipe:
Ingredients
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (6-8 ounces each)
- 8 slices deli ham
- 8 slices Swiss cheese
- 1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1⁄2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Place each chicken breast between sheets of plastic wrap. Pound with a meat mallet until about 1⁄4-inch thick.
- Season both sides of chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Lay 2 slices ham on each breast. Top with 2 slices Swiss cheese.
- Roll up each breast tightly. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Set up breading station. Place flour in one shallow dish. Beat eggs in second dish. Mix panko and paprika in third.
- Coat chicken rolls in flour, dip in egg, then coat thoroughly in panko mixture. Refrigerate for 15-30 minutes.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken rolls seam-side down. Cook for 2-3 minutes until browned. Flip and cook 2-3 minutes on other side.
- Serve chicken cordon bleu warm. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Key Cooking Tips
Here are some key tips for making perfect chicken cordon bleu every time:
- Pound the chicken thin – This helps it cook evenly and roll up neatly
- Chill before frying – The colder chicken will hold its shape better for frying
- Brush with egg wash – An egg wash helps the breading adhere
- Fry slowly – Pan fry over medium heat to cook the inside without burning the breading
- Rest before serving – Letting it rest 5 minutes allows juices to redistribute
Common Questions
Why is it called chicken cordon bleu?
It’s named after the French phrase meaning “blue ribbon”, referring to top-quality cooking. The name signifies it’s a superior dish.
What kind of cheese is used?
Swiss cheese is the classic choice, but many varieties work well including Gruyere, Havarti, provolone, cheddar, or Brie.
Can I bake chicken cordon bleu in the oven?
Yes, baking is a healthier alternative to frying. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until the interior is 165°F. Still pound thin and chill before baking.
What sauce goes with chicken cordon bleu?
A cream or wine-based sauce complements nicely. Some options are a mustard cream, garlic white wine sauce, velouté, or Mornay.
Can I freeze chicken cordon bleu?
Breaded chicken cordon bleu freezes very well. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will keep 6 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight before baking.
Nutrition Information
Chicken cordon bleu is a high protein dish. A 3.5 ounce serving provides:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 274 |
| Fat | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Protein | 29g |
The majority of fat comes from the Swiss cheese and breading. It provides vitamins B12, A, and B6. Chicken cordon bleu makes a nutritious high protein main dish.
Substitutions
Some ingredient swaps to consider for chicken cordon bleu include:
- Turkey or pork for chicken
- Provolone, Havarti for Swiss cheese
- Parma ham, bacon for deli ham
- Panko, cracker crumbs for breadcrumbs
- Italian seasoning, paprika for added flavor
With some simple substitutions, the flavors can be changed for something new. Try aChipotle version with pepper jack, bacon, and chipotle seasoning.
Cooking Alternatives
Besides pan-frying, chicken cordon bleu can be prepared using these cooking methods:
Baked
To bake chicken cordon bleu, prepare as directed but place on a greased baking sheet instead of frying. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until cooked through. Baking avoids the added calories from frying.
Air Fried
For a lower-fat option, cook chicken cordon bleu in an air fryer. Air fry at 380°F, flipping halfway, for 18-22 minutes until crispy outside and 165°F inside.
Grilled
Chicken cordon bleu also works well on the grill. Grill over medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side. Brush with olive oil and monitor closely to avoid burning.
Slow Cooker
To make chicken cordon bleu in a slow cooker, cover raw chicken rolls in cooking bag. Add 1⁄2 cup chicken broth to crock pot, then add bags. Cook on low heat for 4-5 hours.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken cordon bleu pairs well with various side dishes including:
- Rice pilaf or risotto
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Pasta or roasted potatoes
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus
- Green salad or coleslaw
Consider a cream sauce or gravy to complement it. Chicken cordon bleu also works well with fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or wine pairing.
Conclusion
Chicken cordon bleu brings together chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese in a crispy, savory package. The name translates to “blue ribbon” and indicates a top-quality dish inspired by French cooking.
While the origins are uncertain, it likely developed in the mid-20th century and became popular worldwide. Traditional recipes bread chicken breasts stuffed with ham and cheese before frying.
The blue ribbon imagery links it to excellence in cooking, fine dining, and prestigious culinary schools like Le Cordon Bleu. Chicken cordon bleu remains a refined, elegant entrée for any occasion.