10 Simple Steps To Make The Best Chicken Cordon Bleu At Home!

Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu, a classic French dish that combines tender chicken, melted cheese, and crispy breading. With our comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to make this culinary masterpiece right in the comfort of your home.

Ingredients (for 4 servings):

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1/2 pound thinly sliced ham
• 1/2 pound thinly sliced Swiss cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Materials:

• Meat mallet or rolling pin
• Shallow dish for flour
• Shallow dish for eggs
• Shallow dish for bread crumbs
• Large skillet
• Cooking oil
• Toothpicks

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch.
• Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. Create the Breadcrumbs:

• In a shallow dish, whisk together the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.

3. Set Up the Breading Station:

• Set up three shallow dishes: one for flour, one for eggs (whisked), and one for the bread crumbs.

4. Bread the Chicken:

• Dip the chicken in the flour, shaking off any excess.
• Dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
• Finally, coat the chicken in the bread crumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

5. Assemble the Cordon Bleu:

• Place a slice of ham on each chicken breast.
• Top with a slice of Swiss cheese.
• Fold the chicken breast in half, enclosing the ham and cheese.
• Secure the cordon bleu with toothpicks.

6. Fry the Cordon Bleu:

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan.
• Carefully place the cordon bleu in the hot oil and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

• Remove the cordon bleu from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
• Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips for Success:

• For a more evenly browned cordon bleu, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• If you don’t have toothpicks, you can secure the cordon bleu with kitchen twine.
• Serve the cordon bleu with a side of lemon wedges for a refreshing touch.

Variations:

• Try using different types of cheese, such as Gruyère or mozzarella, for the filling.
• Add a layer of cooked mushrooms or sautéed spinach to the cordon bleu for extra flavor.
• For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with tofu or eggplant.

FAQs:

1. Can I make the cordon bleu ahead of time?

Yes, you can bread the cordon bleu up to a day ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, bring the cordon bleu to room temperature for about 30 minutes before frying.

2. What is the best way to reheat chicken cordon bleu?

To reheat the cordon bleu, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.

3. Can I bake the cordon bleu instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the cordon bleu at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.

4. What dipping sauces go well with chicken cordon bleu?

Some popular dipping sauces for chicken cordon bleu include honey mustard, ranch dressing, or a creamy mushroom sauce.

5. Can I use frozen chicken breasts to make chicken cordon bleu?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Be sure to thaw them completely before pounding and breading them.