Oh my goodness, let me tell you about Chicken Cordon Bleu! This classic dish is not just a recipe; it’s a hug on a plate! Picture this: tender chicken breasts, lovingly wrapped around slices of savory ham and gooey Swiss cheese, all breaded and baked until golden brown. It’s the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell heavenly and your heart feel warm. I love serving it for special occasions or even just a cozy weeknight dinner because it always impresses. Trust me, once you get that first bite, it’s hard not to fall in love with this French-inspired delight. Let’s dive into making your own! You won’t regret it!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu is super simple and totally worth it! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 chicken breasts, flattened to about 1/2 inch thickness
- 4 slices of ham
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (I love using panko for extra crunch!)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
With these ingredients at hand, you’re well on your way to creating something delicious! Don’t forget to prep your chicken well—flattening it is key for a perfect roll!
How to Prepare Chicken Cordon Bleu
Alright, let’s get that kitchen buzzing with the delightful sounds of Chicken Cordon Bleu coming to life! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a dish that’s not only impressive but also incredibly delicious.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that it’s nice and hot by the time your chicken rolls are ready to bake.
- Grab a meat mallet (or a rolling pin if you don’t have one) and gently flatten each chicken breast to about 1/2 inch thick. This helps them cook evenly and makes rolling easier. Be careful not to pound too hard; we want them tender, not torn!
- Once your chicken is flattened, lay a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on each breast. Make sure to leave a little space at the edges so the cheese doesn’t spill out when they bake.
- Now comes the fun part! Roll each chicken breast up tightly, starting from the end with the ham and cheese. Secure the rolls with toothpicks to keep everything inside. Don’t worry if they look a little messy; it’s all part of the charm!
- Set up your breading station: have one dish with flour, another with the beaten eggs mixed with milk, and a third with breadcrumbs. Dip each chicken roll first in the flour, then in the egg mixture, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. Make sure each roll is well covered!
- Place the rolls in a baking dish, and sprinkle them with salt and pepper to taste. This is where they really start to come together!
- Pop the dish in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are beautifully golden brown. You can check if they’re done by cutting into one and ensuring there’s no pink inside.
- Once baked, remove the toothpicks carefully, and you’re ready to serve up this gorgeous dish!
Trust me, the aroma of Chicken Cordon Bleu baking is going to have everyone’s mouths watering! Enjoy the process; it’s all part of the fun!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a classic dish that combines the savory flavors of ham and cheese with juicy chicken.
- Easy to prepare, making it perfect for both special occasions and weeknight dinners.
- Impresses guests with its elegant presentation, yet is simple enough for beginners.
- Versatile—feel free to swap in your favorite cheese or add herbs for an extra flavor kick!
- You’ll love the satisfying crunch of the breadcrumbs paired with the melty cheese inside.
Tips for Success
To make your Chicken Cordon Bleu truly shine, here are a few handy tips! First, when rolling the chicken, start from the ham side and roll tightly to keep all that delicious filling inside. Secure with toothpicks to prevent any surprises during baking. Make sure your oven is preheated—this helps achieve that perfect golden crust. If you want an extra crunchy texture, try using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones! And don’t forget to let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking; it helps the juices redistribute and keeps your rolls nice and moist. Enjoy every bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of Chicken Cordon Bleu. Each roll contains about 350 calories, with 20 grams of fat and 30 grams of protein. You’ll also find around 20 grams of carbohydrates and 1 gram of sugar. Keep in mind these numbers can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but it gives you a good idea of what to expect. Enjoy this delicious meal without guilt!
FAQ Section
Got questions about Chicken Cordon Bleu? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries I often hear:
Can I use different types of cheese? Absolutely! While Swiss is traditional, feel free to experiment with provolone, cheddar, or even pepper jack for a spicy twist.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the rolls and store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just remember to adjust the baking time if they’re cold from the fridge.
What should I serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu? It pairs beautifully with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes. You can’t go wrong!
How do I know when it’s done cooking? The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer is your best friend here!
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just reheat in the oven for best results!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu? No problem! To store, simply wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, the best way to reheat is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This will help keep the chicken moist while crisping up that delicious breadcrumb coating. You can also microwave them, but be careful not to overdo it, or they might get a bit rubbery! Enjoy those tasty leftovers!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving Chicken Cordon Bleu, I love pairing it with a fresh side salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette—it’s the perfect contrast to the richness of the chicken. Roasted vegetables, like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, add a lovely crunch and color to your plate. And if you’re in the mood for comfort food, creamy mashed potatoes or garlic mashed cauliflower are heavenly choices that soak up all those delicious flavors. Trust me, these sides will elevate your meal to a whole new level!
Drucken
Chicken Cordon Bleu: 7 Reasons to Fall in Love Today
- Gesamtzeit: 45 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic dish made with chicken breasts, ham, and cheese, breaded and baked until golden.
Zutaten
- 4 chicken breasts
- 4 slices of ham
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Anweisungen
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Flatten the chicken breasts using a meat mallet.
- Place a slice of ham and a slice of cheese on each chicken breast.
- Roll up the chicken tightly and secure with toothpicks.
- Set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs mixed with milk, and breadcrumbs.
- Dip each chicken roll in flour, then in egg, and finally in breadcrumbs.
- Place the rolls in a baking dish and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove toothpicks before serving.
Notes
- Serve with a side salad or vegetables.
- You can substitute the cheese with your favorite type.
- Make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 30 minutes
- Kategorie: Main Course
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: French
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 roll
- Kalorien: 350
- Zucker: 1g
- Natrium: 800mg
- Fett: 20g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 8g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 20g
- Faser: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterin: 100mg
Keywords: chicken cordon bleu, chicken recipes, French cuisine
