How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu: A Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever wanted to impress your dinner guests or just made a fancy meal for yourself? Chicken cordon bleu is a delicious and elegant dish that can be made easily at home, and it’s sure to impress anyone who tastes it. In this article, we’ll show you how to make chicken cordon bleu and give you some tips to make it extra special.

To start, chicken cordon bleu is a dish made with chicken breasts that are stuffed with ham and cheese, then breaded and baked or fried. The name “cordon bleu” translates to “blue ribbon” in French, and it’s known for its rich and savory flavors. While it might sound complicated to make, the steps are easy to follow, and the end result is worth the effort. So let’s get started on making a delicious chicken cordon bleu!

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, it’s essential to ensure you have all the ingredients you need. Chicken Cordon Bleu may require a few ingredients that you don’t already have in your kitchen, so it’s essential to make a list beforehand. The ingredients you’ll need include boneless chicken breasts, slices of ham, Swiss cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, flour, salt, pepper, and toothpicks.

2. Preparing the Chicken Breast

The first step in making Chicken Cordon Bleu is to clean and prepare the chicken breasts. Rinse the chicken breasts and pat dry with a paper towel. Then, place the chicken breast flat on a flat surface like a cutting board. Cover the chicken breast with clear plastic wrap and pound it with a meat mallet. Pounding the chicken breast will make it flatter, about 1/4 inch thick, and increase the surface area for the filling.

3. Layer the Ham and Cheese

Next, place a slice of ham, then a slice of Swiss cheese on top of each other, making sure they are centered over the chicken. Roll the chicken breast tightly around the ham and cheese, tucking in the sides as you continue to roll.

4. Secure the Rolls with Toothpicks

After rolling the chicken breasts tightly around the filling, it’s time to secure them. Do this by inserting toothpicks through the sides of the chicken breast to hold everything together. Insert at least two toothpicks on each chicken roll.

5. Coat the Chicken Rolls with Flour

Roll each chicken roll in flour to ensure that the breading sticks. Place the chicken breast on a plate and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

6. Prepare the Breading

In a shallow dish, whisk two eggs until they are mixed and frothy. Spread the breadcrumbs on another plate. Then, dip each chicken roll in the egg mixture until it’s coated. Then, roll each chicken breast in the breadcrumbs until it’s fully covered.

7. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preparing the oven is essential in ensuring your chicken cordon bleu comes out correctly.

8. Bake the Chicken Breast Rolls

Place the chicken rolls on a baking sheet and bake for about 25 minutes or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Avoid opening the oven door while baking to keep the heat inside and maintain even cooking.

9. Let the Chicken Cordon Bleu Rest

Once the chicken cordon bleu is cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the cheese to cool and firm up, allowing for an easier and cleaner cut.

10. Serve and Enjoy Your Homemade Chicken Cordon Bleu

Once the chicken cordon bleu has cooled sufficiently, remove the toothpicks and slice each roll into half-inch pieces. You can serve your homemade chicken cordon bleu with steamed vegetables or mashed potatoes, and your family and guests will love it!

Section 2: The Ingredients and Equipment You’ll Need

1. Chicken:

The first ingredient you’ll need is boneless skinless chicken breasts. You should opt for larger chicken breasts, as they will be easier to work with when stuffing and rolling. Ideally, each chicken breast should weigh between 8-12 ounces. It’s recommended to use fresh chicken rather than frozen, as it has a better texture and flavor after cooking.

2. Ham:

The second ingredient you’ll need is thinly-sliced ham. Traditional recipes call for ham, but you can also use prosciutto or even bacon as an alternative. The saltiness of the ham will complement the chicken perfectly.

3. Swiss Cheese:

The third ingredient you’ll need is Swiss cheese. It’s a must-have for chicken cordon bleu, as it gives the dish its unique flavor and texture. You can use pre-sliced cheese, but it’s best to buy a block and slice it yourself, as it will give you more control over the thickness of the slices.

4. Flour:

Flour is the fourth ingredient but serves as a coating for the chicken. It will help the egg adhere to the chicken and form a crispy outer layer.

5. Eggs:

The fifth ingredient you’ll need is eggs. You’ll need to beat the eggs in a shallow bowl to dip the chicken in before coating it with flour and breadcrumbs.

6. Breadcrumbs:

The sixth ingredient you’ll need is breadcrumbs. You can use plain breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs, which will give the chicken a nice crunch when cooked.

7. Cooking Oil:

The seventh ingredient you’ll need is cooking oil. You can use vegetable oil, sunflower oil, or even olive oil. The oil should be heated to a medium-high temperature to fry the chicken cordon bleu to perfection.

8. Toothpicks:

The eighth item you’ll need is toothpicks. You’ll need them to secure the chicken cordon bleu in place while cooking to prevent the filling from falling out.

9. Meat Mallet:

The ninth item you’ll need is a meat mallet. You’ll need it to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to make them easier to roll and cook.

10. Baking Dish:

The tenth item you’ll need is a baking dish. Once you’ve fried the chicken, you’ll need to transfer it to a baking dish and bake in the oven to achieve a crispy golden brown texture and fully cook the chicken.

In conclusion, these are the essential ingredients and equipment you’ll need to make delicious chicken cordon bleu. Make sure to have all the ingredients and equipment ready before you start cooking for an efficient and smooth process. In the next section, we’ll discuss the step-by-step guide on how to make chicken cordon bleu.

Ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu

If you want to make a delicious chicken cordon bleu at home, you will need a few essential ingredients. Here are the ingredients required to make chicken cordon bleu.

Preparation of Chicken Cordon Bleu

Now that you know all the ingredients required, let’s dive into the preparation process of chicken cordon bleu.

Step 1: Flatten the Chicken Breast

Take one chicken breast at a time, and place it on a cutting board. Cover it with plastic wrap and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound it until it is flattened to roughly ¼ inch thickness. Repeat the process with all chicken breasts.

Step 2: Add the Cheese and Ham

Place one slice of Swiss cheese and one slice of ham on top of each chicken breast, making sure to leave some space around the edges. Roll up the chicken tightly and use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure it in place.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken with Flour, Egg, and Breadcrumbs

Place the flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs in separate shallow dishes. Lightly coat each chicken roll in flour, shaking off any excess, then dip them into the beaten eggs until coated. Finally, coat the roll in breadcrumbs, pressing them gently onto the chicken. Repeat the process for all chicken rolls.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken Rolls

Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken rolls and fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove the toothpicks or kitchen twine before serving.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the chicken cordon bleu hot with your favorite side dish and garnish it with parsley. Enjoy the delicious and savory taste of your homemade chicken cordon bleu with your family and friends.

Making chicken cordon bleu at home doesn’t have to be complicated. With these simple steps and essential ingredients, you can impress your loved ones with a delicious and hearty homemade chicken dish. Try it today and let us know how it turns out in the comments below!

Wrap it Up

Now that you know how to make chicken cordon bleu, impress your friends and family with a dish that looks and tastes like it came straight from a fancy restaurant. Remember to take your time and enjoy the process, cooking doesn’t have to be stressful! Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to come back for more delicious recipes in the future. Happy cooking!