Imagine a cozy evening at home. The smell of something tasty fills the air. I was cooking dinner for friends and wanted to wow them.
I remembered Chicken Breast Cordon Bleu, stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese. It’s a simple recipe that my friends love. They rave about the crispy outside and the juicy inside.
This dish has a 4.99 out of 5 rating from 1048 votes. It’s a hit for those who want a fancy meal that’s easy to make. Let’s make this homemade chicken cordon bleu together.
Introduction to Chicken Cordon Bleu
Chicken cordon bleu is a dish with a rich history. It comes from Switzerland and means “blue ribbon chicken.” It’s a sign of top-notch cooking.
My first time trying it was amazing. It had tender chicken, tasty ham, and melted Swiss cheese. It was all wrapped up in a delicious package.
This dish is one of my favorites. It’s simple yet fancy. You start with chicken breasts, add ham and Swiss cheese, then bread and bake or fry them.
It only takes about 20 minutes to make. This makes it perfect for a quick yet fancy dinner at home.
Chicken cordon bleu is also very flexible. You can use different cheeses and hams. You can even change the breadcrumbs. This lets you make it your own.
If you want to impress someone or have a special meal, this is a great choice. It’s sure to please everyone.
Ingredients Needed for Chicken Breast Cordon Bleu
To make a tasty chicken cordon bleu, I pick the best ingredients. They make the dish taste great and feel good to eat. Here’s what you need for this yummy ham and cheese stuffed chicken.
Chicken Breast
I start with 2 big chicken breasts. They weigh about 1.25 pounds. This size is perfect for stuffing and keeps the meat juicy.
Ham and Cheese Choices
For the filling, I use 8 oz. of Swiss cheese and Canadian bacon. Swiss cheese is creamy and mild, which goes well with the ham. Together, they make a delicious stuffing.
Breadcrumb Options
To add crunch, I mix Panko bread crumbs and crushed wheat crackers. These breadcrumbs make the chicken crispy and golden when baked.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken Breasts | 2 large (about 1.25 lbs) |
| Swiss Cheese | 8 oz. |
| Canadian Bacon | 1 package |
| Panko Bread Crumbs | 8 oz. |
| Crushed Wheat Crackers | 8 oz. |
| Sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Seasoning | 3-4 tablespoons |
How to Prepare Chicken Breast Cordon Bleu stuffed with Ham and Swiss Cheese
Preparing homemade chicken cordon bleu is fun and easy. I start by getting my ingredients and tools ready. I need plastic wrap and a meat mallet.
I cut each chicken breast in half. This makes it easier to stuff and cook evenly. Then, I cover the chicken with plastic wrap and pound it thin. This makes the chicken cook better and is easier to stuff.
Next, I add slices of ham and Swiss cheese to each chicken piece. I make sure to use the same amount of ham and cheese. This creates the perfect flavor mix.
After adding the ingredients, I roll each chicken tightly. I use plastic wrap to keep it in shape. This way, the chicken cooks well and looks great.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu needs some key cooking skills. I’ll show you each step clearly. This way, your dish will look great.
Pounding the Chicken Breasts
Begin with 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts. Place each in plastic wrap or wax paper. Use a meat mallet to pound them to 1/4 inch thick.
This makes the chicken ready to hold the stuffing.
Stuffing the Chicken
After pounding, lay the chicken flat. Add a slice of ham and Swiss cheese on each. Roll them up like a jelly roll.
Wrap the chicken in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes. This keeps the stuffing inside.
Breading Techniques
Preheat your oven while you prepare. Melt butter in a shallow dish. Coat each chicken roll in the butter.
Then, roll them in crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs. Press gently for a crispy layer.
Follow these steps for a tasty chicken dish. It will impress everyone. Enjoy making and eating your homemade Chicken Cordon Bleu!
Baking the Chicken Cordon Bleu
To make perfect chicken cordon bleu, I preheat my oven to 400°F (200°C). After chilling, I unwrap the chicken rolls carefully. Then, I put them in a greased baking dish in a single layer.
This way, they bake evenly. I bake them for 20 to 30 minutes. The outside gets golden, and the inside reaches 160°F.
This method keeps the stuffing moist and the outside crispy. It’s important to watch the time to avoid dryness. My best batches are always a hit with everyone.
Serving Suggestions for Gourmet Chicken Recipe
When you serve Chicken Cordon Bleu, it’s all about the details. Simple yet tasty dipping sauces can make a big difference. Try a mix of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard or a creamy Dijon sauce for a zesty kick.
Simple Dipping Sauces
- Mayonnaise and Dijon mustard blend
- Dijon cream sauce
- Honey mustard dip
These sauces are great because they let the chicken’s flavor stand out. They also give guests a choice.
Complementary Side Dishes
Choosing the right side dishes is key. Here are my top picks:
| Side Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Steamed Vegetables | A colorful mix of fresh veggies, lightly seasoned. |
| Roasted Potatoes | Crispy outside, soft inside, with herbs. |
| Fresh Salad | Greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and vinaigrette. |
These side dishes add to the meal’s look and taste. They make everyone happy and full. Serving Chicken Cordon Bleu with these sides is always a hit.
Make Ahead Tips for Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu
Make ahead chicken cordon bleu makes busy weeknights easier. Start by wrapping the chicken. Store the rolls in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake them fresh when you’re ready.
Freezing the chicken is another option. Put it in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking. This saves time and makes meal prep easy.
| Preparation Option | Time | Storage |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerate Wrapped Rolls | Up to 24 hours | Cook as needed |
| Freeze Wrapped Rolls | Up to 3 months | Thaw before cooking |
These tips make life easier during busy times. They let you enjoy classic dishes with less effort. A little prep goes a long way to satisfying meals.
Freezing and Reheating Options
Freezing chicken cordon bleu is great for saving leftovers. I wrap each roll in plastic wrap first. Then, I put them in a Ziplock bag and seal it tight.
This keeps them fresh and prevents freezer burn. It lets me enjoy chicken cordon bleu later.
To reheat, I thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheating stuffed chicken can be tricky. But, I have two good ways to do it.
I like to bake them in a hot oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This method keeps the chicken warm and the breading crispy. If I’m in a hurry, I use the microwave.
Following these steps helps me enjoy chicken cordon bleu whenever I want.
Variations on the Classic Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe
Exploring chicken cordon bleu variations is fun. Try using Gruyère or sharp cheddar instead of Swiss cheese. Adding prosciutto instead of ham makes it fancy.
For a crunchier dish, use Panko breadcrumbs. They add a nice texture. If you need gluten-free, there are options too.
Chicken cordon bleu is loved by many. You can try classic recipes or new ones like Chicken Cordon Bleu Roll-Ups. Each version keeps the dish special.
