“`html
If you’re craving a dish that’s both elegant and wonderfully comforting, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe is sure to become your new favorite. Imagine tender chicken cutlets wrapped around savory turkey ham and melted cheese, then breaded to crispy perfection and baked until golden. The balance of rich flavors and crunchy textures makes this dish a showstopper perfect for impressing guests or simply indulging in a special homemade meal. Once you try it, you’ll understand why Chicken Cordon Bleu has earned its place as a classic that never goes out of style.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to crafting the perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe. Each component plays an important role: from the protein-packed chicken and flavorful turkey ham to the cheesy center and crispy breadcrumb coating, every element brings its unique taste and texture to the table.
- Chicken cutlets (4 pieces, about 120 g each): The tender base that makes rolling and stuffing easy and delicious.
- Cheese slices (4 slices, about 20 g each): Adds gooey richness that melts beautifully during baking.
- Turkey ham slices (4 thin slices, about 25 g each): Provides a smoky, savory layer inside the chicken pockets.
- All-purpose flour (60 g): Helps the coating stick and creates a light initial layer for crispiness.
- Eggs (2 large): Acts as the adhesive for the breadcrumb crust.
- Breadcrumbs (90 g): Creates that irresistible golden, crunchy exterior.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors seamlessly.
- Black pepper (0.5 teaspoon): Adds just the right touch of mild heat and complexity.
- Paprika (0.5 teaspoon): Imparts a subtle smoky flavor and a beautiful color to the coating.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Drizzled for moisture and extra crispness while baking.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 190°C and lightly greasing a baking dish. This simple setup ensures the chicken cooks evenly and prevents sticking, setting the stage for a perfectly baked meal.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Stations
Organize your ingredients by putting flour into one bowl, beaten eggs into another, and mixing breadcrumbs with salt, pepper, and paprika in a third bowl. This three-step breading process helps the coating adhere firmly to each piece, guaranteeing that crispy crust we all love.
Step 3: Assemble the Chicken Rolls
Lay each chicken cutlet flat, then top it with one slice of turkey ham and one slice of cheese. Roll them up tightly to enclose the fillings. This is the heart of the Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe, where the layers of meat and cheese nestle together for every bite.
Step 4: Coat the Rolls
Roll each stuffed chicken piece first in flour to give the egg something to cling to, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. This triple coating is the key to creating that golden, crackly exterior.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place each rolled chicken seam side down in your prepared baking dish and drizzle with olive oil for extra moisture and browning. Bake for 30 minutes until they turn beautifully golden and cooked through, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
Step 6: Let It Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, allow your Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe to rest for 5 minutes. This resting time ensures the cheese inside doesn’t spill out immediately and the flavors settle nicely, making slicing easier and presentation neater.
How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika not only add a pop of color but also brighten the flavors, enhancing the overall presentation of your Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, a fresh green salad, or even roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the chicken rolls and create a satisfying, well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the chicken rolls diagonally for elegant, bite-sized portions perfect for entertaining. Or serve whole with a drizzle of Dijon mustard sauce or a light lemon butter for a gourmet touch that elevates the dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled and covered well to preserve the texture and flavors for your next meal.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead, you can freeze the uncooked rolled and breaded chicken. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as usual.
Reheating
To reheat, bake the chilled leftovers in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 15 minutes or until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving to keep that satisfying crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese for Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe?
Absolutely! While traditional recipes use Swiss or Gruyère, you can experiment with mozzarella, cheddar, or even provolone for a different cheese flavor. Just make sure the cheese melts well.
Is it necessary to use turkey ham, or can I substitute it?
You can substitute turkey ham with prosciutto, regular ham, or even smoked chicken slices depending on your taste preferences. Each variation will bring a unique twist to the Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe.
Can I fry instead of bake this Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe?
Yes, frying is an option to achieve an even crispier crust, but baking is healthier and easier for consistent cooking. If frying, use enough oil to fully submerge the chicken for even browning.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is cooked when the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Also, the juices should run clear when you slice into the thickest part.
Can I prepare the Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe in advance?
Definitely! You can assemble and bread the rolls a day ahead, keep them covered in the fridge, then bake fresh just before your meal. This is a great way to save time on busy days.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about homemade Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe that brings joy to any dining table. From its crispy, golden crust to the melty, savory center, this dish is a celebration of classic flavors done right. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again for those times when you want to share a meal that feels both comforting and impressive.
“`
Print
Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic, elegant dish featuring tender chicken cutlets stuffed with savory turkey ham and melted cheese, then breaded and baked to golden perfection. This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward techniques to create a crispy outside with a juicy, flavorful filling, perfect for a comforting family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken and Filling
- 4 chicken cutlets, about 120 g each
- 4 slices cheese, about 20 g each
- 4 thin slices turkey ham, about 25 g each
Breading and Coating
- 60 g all purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 90 g breadcrumbs
Seasonings and Oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent the chicken from sticking while baking.
- Prepare Coating Stations: Set up three separate bowls: one with all-purpose flour, a second with beaten eggs, and a third with breadcrumbs mixed with salt, black pepper, and paprika for flavorful crust.
- Assemble Chicken Rolls: Lay each chicken cutlet flat, then layer one slice of turkey ham and one slice of cheese on top. Roll each cutlet tightly to encase the filling securely.
- Coat Chicken: Roll each chicken roll first in flour to dust, then dip thoroughly in beaten eggs, and finally coat completely with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture to ensure a crispy outer layer.
- Arrange and Oil: Place each breaded chicken roll seam side down in the prepared baking dish and drizzle with olive oil to enhance browning and crispiness during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the exterior is golden brown and crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute for a moist bite. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or dried herbs like thyme to the breadcrumb mixture.
- You can substitute turkey ham with regular ham or prosciutto for a different taste profile.
- Make sure chicken cutlets are evenly pounded to ensure even cooking and easy rolling.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
- Resting the chicken before slicing helps prevent the cheese from oozing out excessively.
