Cook Like A Pro: How To Make Chicken Cordon Bleu From Your Grocery Store – Guaranteed To Impress!

Indulge in the culinary masterpiece of chicken cordon bleu, a delectable dish that combines tender chicken, savory ham, and melted cheese. While this dish may seem intimidating, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare with ingredients conveniently found at your local grocery store. Follow our step-by-step guide to master the art of cooking chicken cordon bleu from the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 slices deli ham
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

Preparation

Step 1: Pound the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are about 1/4-inch thick.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Layer the Fillings

Place a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on one side of each chicken breast. Fold the other side over the fillings and press down to seal.

Step 4: Prepare the Coating

In separate bowls, place the flour, eggs, and bread crumbs.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken

Dredge the chicken in the flour, then dip it into the eggs, and finally coat it in the bread crumbs.

Cooking

Step 6: Pan-Fry or Bake

• Pan-Frying: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
• Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.

Serving

Serve the chicken cordon bleu immediately with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

Tips for Success

• Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
• Pound the chicken evenly to ensure even cooking.
• Don’t overfill the chicken with fillings, or it may not seal properly.
• If you don’t have bread crumbs, you can use crushed crackers or cornflakes.
• Serve the chicken with a dipping sauce, such as honey mustard or ranch dressing.

Variations

• Chicken Cordon Bleu with Spinach: Add a layer of sautéed spinach to the fillings.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu with Mushrooms: Sauté some mushrooms and add them to the fillings.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu with Prosciutto: Replace the ham with prosciutto for a more savory flavor.

Key Points

With a little practice, you’ll be able to master the art of cooking chicken cordon bleu from the grocery store. This versatile dish is perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner. Experiment with different variations to create a dish that suits your taste buds.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Be sure to thaw them completely before pounding and cooking.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
A: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. If the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), it is cooked through.

Q: Can I make chicken cordon bleu ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken cordon bleu up to 24 hours ahead of time. Coat the chicken in the flour and eggs, but do not coat it in the bread crumbs. Store the chicken in the refrigerator until ready to cook.