Time-saving hack: can you prep chicken cordon bleu in advance?

Chicken cordon bleu is a classic dish that can be enjoyed for dinner or special occasions. However, if you’re short on time, you may wonder if you can make it ahead of time. The answer is yes! With a little planning and preparation, you can have this delicious dish ready to go whenever you are.

Can You Make Chicken Cordon Bleu the Day Before?

Yes, you can make chicken cordon bleu the day before. In fact, this is a great way to save time on the day of your event. Simply follow the recipe as usual, but stop before breading and frying the chicken. Wrap the uncooked cordon bleu in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, bring the chicken to room temperature, then bread and fry as directed.

How to Store Chicken Cordon Bleu

Once you’ve made your chicken cordon bleu, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat the chicken in the microwave, but be sure to cover it with a paper towel to prevent it from drying out.

Can You Freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu?

Yes, you can freeze chicken cordon bleu. However, it’s important to note that the breading will not be as crispy after freezing. To freeze, wrap the uncooked cordon bleu in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator. Then, bread and fry as directed.

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Ahead of Time: Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped ham
• 1/4 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch.
3. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture.
4. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, green bell pepper, and ham. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the Swiss cheese. Cook until the cheese is melted, about 1 minute.
6. Place a spoonful of the filling on each chicken breast. Fold the chicken over the filling and secure with toothpicks.
7. Dip the chicken breasts in the beaten egg, then roll in the bread crumbs.
8. Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown.
9. Serve hot.

Tips for Making Chicken Cordon Bleu Ahead of Time

• If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked chicken breasts.
• You can also use your favorite cheese instead of Swiss cheese.
• If you’re freezing the chicken cordon bleu, be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
• When reheating the chicken cordon bleu, be sure to cover it with a paper towel to prevent it from drying out.

Variations on Chicken Cordon Bleu

There are many different ways to make chicken cordon bleu. Here are a few variations:

• Chicken Cordon Bleu with Spinach and Feta: Add some spinach and feta cheese to the filling.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu with Ham and Asparagus: Use ham and asparagus instead of ham and Swiss cheese.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu with Prosciutto and Mozzarella: Use prosciutto and mozzarella cheese instead of ham and Swiss cheese.

Wrap-Up

Chicken cordon bleu is a delicious and versatile dish that can be made ahead of time. With a little planning and preparation, you can have this classic dish ready to go whenever you are. So next time you’re short on time, don’t hesitate to make chicken cordon bleu ahead of time.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

1. Can I use any type of cheese in chicken cordon bleu?

Yes, you can use any type of cheese that you like. Some popular choices include Swiss cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and provolone cheese.

2. Can I make chicken cordon bleu without breading?

Yes, you can make chicken cordon bleu without breading. Simply skip the breading step and bake the chicken breasts for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

3. Can I freeze chicken cordon bleu after it has been cooked?

Yes, you can freeze chicken cordon bleu after it has been cooked. Simply wrap the chicken cordon bleu in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the chicken cordon bleu overnight in the refrigerator. Then, reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.