Craving cordon bleu without the calories? here’s the simple trick to satisfy your cravings
What To Know
- Chicken cordon bleu pairs well with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
- If you prefer a more hands-off approach, you can bake the cordon bleu at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Baking the cordon bleu instead of frying it will result in a lower-fat option.
Chicken cordon bleu is a classic French dish that combines tender chicken, melted cheese, and savory ham. While the traditional recipe involves breading the chicken, we’ll be exploring a lighter, healthier, and equally delectable alternative: how to make chicken cordon bleu without breading.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices Swiss cheese
- 4 slices Black Forest ham
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Assemble the Cordon Bleu: Place a slice of ham and Swiss cheese on each flattened chicken breast. Fold the chicken over the filling, pressing down to seal the edges.
3. Dredge in Flour: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. Dredge the cordon bleu in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
4. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the cordon bleu on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Deglaze the Pan (Optional): If desired, add the white wine to the skillet and cook until reduced by half. This will add a flavorful depth to the sauce.
6. Create the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream and Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
7. Finish Cooking: Pour the sauce over the cordon bleu and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Tips for Success
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the flavor of your dish. Choose fresh chicken, flavorful ham, and a good melting cheese.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken cordon bleu is best when the chicken is cooked through but still tender and juicy. Cook it until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the cordon bleu up to 1 day ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
- Serve with a Variety of Sides: Chicken cordon bleu pairs well with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Variations
- Use Different Cheeses: Instead of Swiss cheese, try using Gruyère, Emmental, or Provolone.
- Add Additional Fillings: Experiment with other fillings, such as cooked spinach, mushrooms, or sautéed onions.
- Bake Instead of Sear: If you prefer a more hands-off approach, you can bake the cordon bleu at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
Healthier Options
- Skip the Breadcrumbs: By eliminating the breading, you can significantly reduce the calories and carbohydrates in this dish.
- Use Whole-Wheat Flour: If you want to add some extra fiber, use whole-wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Bake Instead of Fry: Baking the cordon bleu instead of frying it will result in a lower-fat option.
Final Thoughts
Making chicken cordon bleu without breading is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this classic dish. By using fresh ingredients and following the tips and variations provided, you can create a culinary masterpiece that will impress your family and friends. So, next time you’re craving chicken cordon bleu, give this healthier, breadcrumb-free version a try.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: Can I make chicken cordon bleu ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the cordon bleu up to 1 day ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Q: What is a good substitute for Swiss cheese?
A: Gruyère, Emmental, or Provolone are all good substitutes for Swiss cheese in chicken cordon bleu.
Q: Can I bake chicken cordon bleu instead of frying it?
A: Yes, you can bake the cordon bleu at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
Q: How do I know when the chicken cordon bleu is done cooking?
A: The chicken cordon bleu is done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Q: What sides go well with chicken cordon bleu?
A: Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and fresh salads all pair well with chicken cordon bleu.
