Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe: A Classic Dish for Special Occasions

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a timeless and elegant dish that combines tender chicken breast, savory ham, and melted cheese, all wrapped together and coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust. This delectable recipe is perfect for special occasions, fine dining, or simply when you want to impress your guests with a gourmet meal. Originating from Europe, Chicken Cordon Bleu has become a beloved favorite around the world, known for its rich flavors and sophisticated presentation. Whether pan-fried, deep-fried, or baked, this dish is sure to delight and satisfy any palate.

This Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe is a delightful dish of chicken wrapped around ham and cheese. It is best served for special occasions and even at cocktail parties. This classic recipe is sure to impress your guests and make any event memorable.

Origin of the Dish

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a dish of chicken breast wrapped around cheese and ham, then breaded and pan-fried or deep-fried. Its name comes from the French word cordon bleu, which translates to “blue ribbon.” According to a famous French cuisine book, cordon bleu was originally a wide blue ribbon worn by members of the highest order of knighthood, in 1578. For this reason, the term has since been applied to food prepared to a very high standard by skilled cooks.

Though this dish got its name from the French word, it actually originated in Brig, Switzerland, most likely around the 1940s and was first mentioned in a cookbook around 1949.

When is Chicken Cordon Bleu Typically Served?

You can typically be served Chicken Cordon Bleu at very special events like weddings, Christmas, and birthday parties. This dish is served as the main course, and you can never miss it in fine-dining restaurants. Its elegant presentation and rich flavors make it a favorite for celebratory meals.

Kitchen Utensils You Need

In order to have the perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu, you must have the complete and appropriate utensils needed to make it. These include the following:

• 1 chopping board or flat surface
• 1 meat mallet tenderizer
• Knife
• Mixing bowl
• Spatula
• 1 large skillet
• Plates
• Toothpicks, to hold the chicken roll
• Plastic wrap, as an alternative to toothpicks

Chicken Cordon Bleu’s Primary Ingredients – Chicken Breast

Chicken Cordon Bleu is mainly made of chicken meat, particularly the chicken breast. It is best used in making this dish since it is the boneless part of the chicken, which makes it easier to roll during the preparation of the dish.

The chicken breast is a lean cut of chicken meat taken from the pectoral muscle on the underside of the chicken. Each whole chicken has 1 chicken breast, which is separated into two halves and sold as individual breasts. Despite being common in the supermarket, chicken breasts can also be the hardest to cook. You may tend to be stuck between the fine line of undercooked and dry, so make sure to cook it evenly and perfectly, with just the exact amount of time.

Interesting Facts About Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Common Variations: Common variations of the Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe include baking instead of frying. Baking can be a healthier option as it uses less oil.
• Mysterious Origins: It is still not clear who was the first person to ever cook and name Chicken Cordon Bleu. The dish's origins are somewhat mysterious, adding to its allure.
• European Counterparts: There are many famous dishes in Europe that share the same characteristics with Chicken Cordon Bleu, such as the Italian dish Saltimbocca and the German dish Schnitzel.
• Culinary Excellence: The term "cordon bleu" has been used to describe high-quality chefs and cooking schools, emphasizing the dish's association with culinary excellence.
• Cheese Variations: Chicken Cordon Bleu can be made with different types of cheese, such as Swiss, Gruyère, or even mozzarella, depending on your preference.
• Sauce Options: Some modern versions of the recipe include a sauce, such as a creamy Dijon mustard sauce, to add extra flavor.
• Global Popularity: The dish is popular not only in Europe but also in North America, where it is often featured in restaurants and home kitchens alike.

Tips and Tricks for Making the Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Use a Meat Mallet: Pound the chicken breast to an even thickness to ensure it cooks evenly. This also makes it easier to roll.
• Chill Before Cooking: After assembling the chicken rolls, chill them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape during cooking.
• Secure with Toothpicks: Use toothpicks to hold the chicken rolls together while cooking. Just remember to remove them before serving.
• Use a Thermometer: To know when the chicken is cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the roll. The chicken is done when it reaches 165 °F (74 °C).
• Check Juices: If you do not have a thermometer, you can check if the chicken is cooked through when its juices run clear when pierced with the tip of a fork. If the juice is still pinkish in color, you need to cook it a bit longer.
• Avoid Overcooking: Chicken breast can dry out if overcooked. Keep a close eye on the cooking time to ensure it remains juicy.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ham and cheese will enhance the flavor of the dish. Avoid using pre-packaged or processed ingredients if possible.
• Experiment with Coatings: Try using different types of breadcrumbs or even crushed cornflakes for a unique texture and flavor.
• Serve with a Sauce: Consider serving Chicken Cordon Bleu with a complementary sauce, such as a creamy Dijon mustard sauce or a simple white wine sauce, to add extra flavor.
• Rest Before Slicing: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing. This helps retain the juices and makes for a more flavorful dish.

By following these tips and tricks, you can create a delicious and impressive Chicken Cordon Bleu that will delight your family and guests. Enjoy this classic dish and make your special occasions even more memorable!

Aside from its common ingredients, you can play with the Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe and add other ingredients such as mushrooms, bacon, or anything that would complement the chicken breast. This allows you to customize the dish to your taste and add a unique twist to the classic recipe.

Want to enjoy Chicken Cordon Bleu even more? Try it with a sauce. There are several sauces that pair perfectly with this dish, such as butter cream sauce, mushroom sauce, or even a basic mayonnaise dip. These sauces enhance the flavor and provide a delightful taste experience.

Next time you host a lunch or dinner, consider including Chicken Cordon Bleu in your menu. This dish is sure to impress your guests and provide them with a great meal experience. Its elegant presentation and rich flavors make it a perfect choice for any special occasion.