How To Cook The Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu – A Step-by-step Guide

Indulge in the delectable flavors of this classic French dish with our comprehensive guide on how to cook homemade chicken cordon bleu. This step-by-step tutorial will empower you to create this culinary masterpiece in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Gather Your Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 4 slices ham
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
2. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Make the Breadcrumb Coating

1. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, chives, and thyme.

Step 3: Assemble the Cordon Bleu

1. Spread some Dijon mustard on one side of each chicken breast.
2. Top with a slice of Swiss cheese and a slice of ham.
3. Fold the chicken breast over the filling and press the edges together.

Step 4: Dredge the Chicken

1. Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

Step 5: Pan-Fry the Chicken

1. Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Cook the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown.

Step 6: Bake the Chicken

1. Transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish.
2. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

1. Let the chicken breasts rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
2. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges for extra flavor.

Tips for Success

• Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
• Pound the chicken breasts thin to ensure even cooking.
• Don’t overcook the chicken, or it will become dry.
• Serve the chicken cordon bleu with a side of your favorite dipping sauce.

Variations

• Chicken Cordon Bleu with Spinach and Feta: Add chopped spinach and crumbled feta cheese to the filling.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu with Mushrooms: Sauté some chopped mushrooms and add them to the filling.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu with Blue Cheese: Replace the Swiss cheese with blue cheese for a bolder flavor.

What to Serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting base for the rich flavors of the chicken cordon bleu.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts, add color and nutrition to the meal.
• Green salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing balances the richness of the chicken cordon bleu.

Chicken Cordon Bleu: A Culinary Delight

Mastering the art of how to cook homemade chicken cordon bleu will elevate your culinary skills and impress your family and guests. With its tender chicken, flavorful filling, and crispy breadcrumb coating, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.