Cordon Bleu Chicken

Cordon Bleu Chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with savory Black Forest ham and melted Swiss Gruyere cheese. This classic recipe is perfect for various occasions, from family dinners to special celebrations. The crispy panko coating adds an irresistible crunch, while the creamy Dijon sauce elevates the flavors to new heights. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish quickly, even on busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Layers: The combination of ham and cheese creates a delicious filling that keeps every bite exciting.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with sides like mashed potatoes or steamed veggies for a complete meal.
• Impressive Presentation: This dish looks stunning when sliced, making it ideal for entertaining guests.
• Creamy Dijon Sauce: The accompanying sauce adds a rich flavor that enhances the chicken’s taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making Cordon Bleu Chicken, gather your tools and equipment for an efficient cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Meat mallet or rolling pin
• Baking sheet with rack
• Shallow dishes (for breading)
• Whisk
• Large skillet

Importance of Each Tool

• Meat mallet or rolling pin: This helps flatten the chicken to ensure even cooking and easy rolling.
• Baking sheet with rack: Elevates the chicken while baking, allowing for even heat distribution and preventing sogginess.
• Whisk: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly, especially in sauces.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4 medium chicken breasts (6-7 oz. each)
• 8 slices (12 ounces) deli cut Black Forest ham (like Boars Head)
• 1 1/4 cups freshly shredded Swiss Gruyere cheese
• Toothpicks

For the Breading

• 1 1/4 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 tsp EACH dried parsley, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder
• 1/4 tsp EACH salt, pepper

For the Dijon Cream Sauce

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup LOW SODIUM chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 cup heavy cream (or evaporated milk or half and half mixed with 1 TBS cornstarch)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 tsp EACH dried basil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder
• 1/4 tsp EACH salt, pepper

How to Make Cordon Bleu Chicken

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a rimmed baking sheet by placing a baking rack on top and lightly spraying it with cooking spray. Set aside.

Step 2: Flatten Chicken

Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Use the flat side of a meat mallet or the side of a can to pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/4-inch.

Step 3: Layer Ham and Cheese

Lay 2 slices of ham over each flattened chicken breast. Add a heaping 1/4 cup of shredded Swiss cheese down the center of the ham while leaving about a 1/2-inch border on all sides.

Step 4: Roll Chicken

Starting at the smaller end of each chicken breast, tightly roll it up while folding the ham over the cheese at one end to prevent leakage. Secure each roll with toothpicks.

Step 5: Prepare Panko Breading

In a large skillet, melt 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter with 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Add panko breadcrumbs and stir to coat evenly. Cook until golden brown then transfer crumbs to a large shallow dish. Once cool, mix in Parmesan cheese and spices.

Step 6: Create Dijon Wash

In another shallow dish, whisk together 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, honey, and olive oil. One at a time, coat each chicken roll in this mixture using a brush.

Step 7: Bread Chicken

Transfer each coated chicken roll into the panko mixture. Press firmly so that crumbs adhere well on all sides before placing them on the prepared baking rack with some space between each roll.

Step 8: Bake

Bake in preheated oven until cooked through (internal temperature reaches 160 degrees), about 30–35 minutes. Check during the last ten minutes; if browning too much, cover loosely with foil. Let rest on a cutting board for about five minutes before slicing.

Step 9: Make Dijon Cream Sauce

In a large saucepan combine all sauce ingredients. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer until thickened slightly. Remember that it will thicken more after removing from heat.

Step 10: Serve

Slice Cordon Bleu Chicken and serve it warm with Dijon cream sauce drizzled on top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve Cordon Bleu Chicken

Cordon Bleu Chicken is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to please your guests. Whether you are hosting a casual dinner or a special occasion, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

Pair with Fresh Salad

• Mixed Greens: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic vinaigrette adds freshness.
• Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons offer a tasty contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.

Accompany with Starches

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make for a comforting side.
• Wild Rice Pilaf: A nutty wild rice pilaf complements the dish’s flavors while providing texture.

Add Seasonal Vegetables

• Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned roasted asparagus adds a pleasing crunch and color.
• Sautéed Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans sautéed in olive oil provide a vibrant look on the plate.

Drizzle with Sauce

• Dijon Cream Sauce: Serve extra sauce on the side for those who love that extra burst of flavor.
• Herb-infused Gravy: A light gravy made with fresh herbs enhances the dish’s taste while keeping it moist.

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How to Perfect Cordon Bleu Chicken

To ensure your Cordon Bleu Chicken turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh chicken and high-quality ham and cheese for the best flavor.
• Pound Evenly: Make sure to pound the chicken breasts evenly; this helps them cook uniformly and remain tender.
• Secure Properly: Use enough toothpicks to secure the rolls tightly so that they don’t unroll during cooking.
• Monitor Cooking Temperature: Use an instant-read thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 160°F for safety and juiciness.
• Let Rest Before Slicing: Allow the chicken to rest after baking; this helps retain juices when slicing.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust spices in the breadcrumbs or sauce based on your taste preferences.

Best Side Dishes for Cordon Bleu Chicken

When serving Cordon Bleu Chicken, choosing complementary side dishes can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any delicious sauce.
2. Creamy Coleslaw: This refreshing side adds crunch and balances the richness of the chicken.
3. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs pair well with any main course.
4. Grilled Zucchini: Lightly grilled zucchini adds color and a healthy touch to your meal.
5. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad loaded with vegetables provides a nutritious option.
6. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob is a classic side that complements many dishes beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cordon Bleu Chicken, several common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious.

• Overstuffing the Chicken: Adding too much ham or cheese can cause it to ooze out during cooking. To avoid this, stick to the recommended amounts and leave a border around the edges when layering.
• Not Flattening the Chicken: Failing to pound the chicken breasts can result in uneven cooking. Always flatten them to an even thickness of 1/4 inch for consistent results.
• Skipping the Dijon Wash: Neglecting the Dijon wash may cause the breading to fall off. Make sure to coat each chicken roll thoroughly in the mustard mixture for better adhesion.
• Using High-Sodium Broth: Using regular chicken broth can make your sauce too salty. Opt for low sodium chicken broth as specified in the recipe for a balanced flavor.
• Not Monitoring Cooking Time: Overcooking can dry out the chicken. Use an instant-read thermometer and remove the chicken from the oven once it reaches 160 degrees F.
• Ignoring Rest Time: Cutting into the chicken immediately after baking can let juices escape. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing for juicier meat.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Cordon Bleu Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cordon Bleu Chicken

• Wrap each chicken roll tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• You can freeze it for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Cordon Bleu Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Place chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil and warm each side for about 5 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Make Cordon Bleu Chicken?

To make Cordon Bleu Chicken, you flatten chicken breasts, layer them with ham and cheese, roll them up, coat them in breadcrumbs, and bake until golden and cooked through.

Can I Use Different Cheeses for Cordon Bleu Chicken?

Yes! While Swiss Gruyere is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar based on your taste preferences.

How Can I Customize My Cordon Bleu Chicken?

You can add herbs or spices to your breadcrumb mixture or use different types of deli meats like turkey or prosciutto for variation.

What Sauce Goes Well With Cordon Bleu Chicken?

The Dijon Cream Sauce pairs beautifully with Cordon Bleu Chicken, adding richness and flavor that enhances the dish.

Is Cordon Bleu Chicken Gluten-Free?

To make it gluten-free, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

Final Thoughts

Cordon Bleu Chicken is an incredibly versatile dish that brings comfort and joy to any meal. It’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients; you’ll create a delightful dinner that everyone will love!