Gourmet dish made easy: a butcher’s guide to cooking chicken cordon bleu for the perfect date night
What To Know
- Use a sharp knife to cut a deep slit along the side of the chicken breast, but not all the way through.
- Place the chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound it to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch.
- Transfer the cordon bleu to a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
Chicken cordon bleu is a classic dish that combines the flavors of tender chicken, melted cheese, and crispy bread crumbs. While it may seem intimidating to prepare, this guide will break down the process into simple steps, ensuring that you can create a restaurant-quality cordon bleu at home.
Selecting the Perfect Chicken Breast
The key to a great cordon bleu is starting with high-quality chicken breasts. Look for breasts that are evenly sized, plump, and free of any blemishes. Avoid breasts that are thin or have a lot of sinew.
Preparing the Chicken
1. Butterfly the chicken: Use a sharp knife to cut a deep slit along the side of the chicken breast, but not all the way through. Open the chicken up like a book.
2. Pound the chicken: Place the chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound it to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch.
3. Season the chicken: Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
Assembling the Cordon Bleu
1. Layer the ham and cheese: Place a slice of ham on one side of the chicken breast. Top with a slice of Swiss cheese.
2. Fold the chicken over: Fold the other side of the chicken breast over the ham and cheese. Press the edges together to seal.
3. Dredge the chicken: In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, salt, and pepper. In another shallow dish, beat an egg. In a third shallow dish, combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and finally the bread crumb mixture.
Cooking the Cordon Bleu
1. Pan-fry the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and fry the cordon bleu for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
2. Bake the chicken: Transfer the cordon bleu to a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
Serving the Cordon Bleu
Serve the chicken cordon bleu hot with your favorite sides. Some popular options include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad.
Tips for Success
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Don’t overcook the chicken, as this will make it tough.
- If you don’t have a meat mallet, you can use a heavy skillet to pound the chicken.
- You can substitute any type of ham or cheese that you like.
- For a vegetarian version, you can replace the ham with cooked spinach or portobello mushrooms.
Variations
- Chicken Cordon Bleu with Spinach: Sauté spinach and add it to the center of the chicken before folding it over.
- Chicken Cordon Bleu with Mushrooms: Sauté mushrooms and add them to the center of the chicken before folding it over.
- Chicken Cordon Bleu with Prosciutto: Replace the ham with prosciutto.
- Chicken Cordon Bleu with Mozzarella: Replace the Swiss cheese with mozzarella.
Wrap-Up: Elevate Your Culinary Skills with Chicken Cordon Bleu
Now that you know how to cook chicken cordon bleu from butcher, you have a new culinary masterpiece to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice cook, this guide will help you create a dish that is both delicious and visually appealing. So grab some fresh chicken breasts and get ready to elevate your cooking skills!
What You Need to Know
1. What is the best type of chicken to use for cordon bleu?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the best choice for cordon bleu. They are evenly sized and have a mild flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients.
2. Can I use different types of cheese for cordon bleu?
Yes, you can use any type of cheese that melts well. Some popular choices include Swiss, mozzarella, cheddar, and Gruyère.
3. How do I prevent the cordon bleu from falling apart while frying?
Make sure to seal the edges of the chicken well before dredging it in the bread crumb mixture. This will help to keep the filling inside.
4. Can I freeze cooked cordon bleu?
Yes, you can freeze cooked cordon bleu for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the cordon bleu in the refrigerator overnight and then bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.
5. What are some good side dishes to serve with cordon bleu?
Some popular side dishes to serve with cordon bleu include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green salad, and rice pilaf.
