The Ultimate Guide to Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu

If you’re looking for a delicious and elegant dish to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to a gourmet meal at home, look no further than baked chicken cordon bleu. This classic French-inspired dish combines tender chicken breast with savory ham and gooey cheese, all wrapped up in a crispy breadcrumb coating. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to master the art of making baked chicken cordon bleu, from selecting the best ingredients to mastering the cooking techniques.

What is Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu?

Baked chicken cordon bleu is a delectable dish that originated in Switzerland and gained popularity in French cuisine. Traditionally, it consists of thinly pounded chicken breast stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese, then rolled up, breaded, and baked to golden perfection. The name “cordon bleu” refers to the blue ribbon worn by members of the highest order of knighthood in France, symbolizing excellence and quality – a fitting name for such a luxurious dish.

Ingredients

To prepare baked chicken cordon bleu, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 slices of ham
• 4 slices of Swiss cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Olive oil or cooking spray

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Chicken

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
• Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are about 1/4 inch thick.
• Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder on both sides.

2. Assembling the Cordon Bleu

• Lay a slice of ham and a slice of Swiss cheese on each chicken breast.
• Roll up the chicken breasts tightly, ensuring that the filling stays inside.
• Secure the chicken rolls with toothpicks to prevent them from unraveling during baking.

3. Breading the Chicken

• In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Dredge each chicken roll in flour, shaking off any excess.
• Dip the chicken rolls into the beaten eggs, then coat them evenly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

4. Baking

• Place the breaded chicken cordon bleu in the prepared baking dish, seam side down.
• Drizzle or spray the tops of the chicken rolls with olive oil.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Baked chicken cordon bleu pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to the rich flavors of the chicken cordon bleu.
• Steamed Vegetables: Serve a medley of steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and green beans, for a healthy and colorful addition to your plate.
• Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the indulgent chicken dish.
• Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty French bread or a warm dinner roll is ideal for soaking up any leftover sauce from the chicken.

Tips for Success

• Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality chicken, ham, and cheese for the best flavor and texture.
• Even Thickness: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure even cooking.
• Secure the Rolls: Use toothpicks to secure the chicken rolls tightly and prevent them from falling apart.
• Golden Brown Crust: For a crispy breadcrumb coating, bake the chicken cordon bleu in a hot oven until golden brown.

Conclusion

Baked chicken cordon bleu is a timeless classic that never fails to impress. With its flavorful filling, crispy coating, and elegant presentation, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving something special for dinner, give this recipe a try and elevate your culinary skills to cordon bleu status!

Recipe Summary:

• Dish: Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu
• Cuisine: French/Swiss
• Difficulty: Intermediate
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Servings: 4