Bushra Griffith
Chicken cordon bleu is a dish of meat wrapped around cheese and then breaded and fried. The French term cordon bleu is translated as blue ribbon, which was originally a wide blue ribbon worn by members of the highest order of knighthood. The exact origin of the dish is unknown, but it is believed to be a French or Swiss invention. While the most popular type of cheese used in chicken cordon bleu is Swiss cheese, some recipes do use blue cheese.
Characteristics and their values:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Chicken, ham, cheese |
| Popular Cheese Options | Swiss cheese, Gruyere, sharp white cheddar |
| Coating | Cornflakes, breadcrumbs, Panko, crushed Ritz crackers |
| Sauce | Mayonnaise, mustard, creamy wine sauce, honey mustard sauce |
| Cooking Method | Pan-fried, baked |
| Cooking Time | 30-40 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken Cordon Bleu does not traditionally contain blue cheese
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a dish of meat wrapped around cheese, or with a cheese filling, which is then breaded and fried. The name is derived from the French term 'cordon bleu', which translates to 'blue ribbon'. This term was originally used to refer to a wide blue ribbon worn by members of the highest order of knighthood, L'Ordre des Chevaliers du Saint-Esprit, which was instituted in France in 1578. The term was later applied to food prepared to an extremely high standard by exceptional cooks.
While the exact origin of the dish is unknown, it is believed to have French or Swiss origins. The earliest mention of the dish in a cookbook was in 1949, and the earliest reference to "veal Cordon Bleu" was in the Los Angeles Times in 1958. For chicken cordon bleu, chicken breast is used instead of veal or pork.
Chicken cordon bleu is typically made with chicken breasts that have been pounded thin and layered with ham slices and cheese. The cheese used in traditional chicken cordon bleu is Swiss cheese, which pairs well with the ham and chicken. The layers are then rolled up snugly or folded over, breaded with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, and then either pan-fried or baked.
While blue cheese is not traditionally used in chicken cordon bleu, some people may choose to use it as a substitute for Swiss cheese. The dish is versatile, and other types of cheese, such as Gruyere or sharp white cheddar, can also be used. Additionally, the dish can be customised with different sauces, such as a creamy garlicky mustard sauce or a white wine sauce.
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Swiss cheese is the most popular choice
Chicken cordon bleu is a dish of meat wrapped around cheese and then breaded and fried. While the exact origin of the dish is unknown, it may have originated in France or Switzerland. The French term "cordon bleu" translates to "blue ribbon", which was originally awarded to outstanding cooks for culinary excellence.
Chicken cordon bleu is typically made with chicken breast, which is pounded thin and wrapped around a slice of ham and a slice of cheese. The cheese used in chicken cordon bleu can vary, but Swiss cheese is the most popular choice. Swiss cheese pairs well with the ham and chicken, and its tangy flavour adds a sharp, distinctive taste to the dish.
When preparing chicken cordon bleu with Swiss cheese, it is important to prevent the cheese from melting out. This can be done by folding the ham and chicken edges around the cheese as you roll it up. Chilling the stuffed and rolled chicken before breading and baking also helps it hold its shape.
While Swiss cheese is the most popular option, other types of cheese can also be used. Some alternatives include Gruyere, sharp white cheddar, or mozzarella. The choice of cheese ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired flavour profile.
In addition to the type of cheese, the sauce used in chicken cordon bleu can also vary. A simple sauce made of mayonnaise and mustard is a common choice. Other options include a creamy garlicky mustard sauce, a honey mustard sauce, or a creamy wine sauce.
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Gruyere or sharp white cheddar are tasty alternatives
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a delicious, elegant dish that is surprisingly easy to make. The classic recipe involves stuffing chicken breasts with ham and cheese, coating it with breadcrumbs, and baking or frying it. While Swiss cheese is the most popular type of cheese used in this dish, you are free to substitute it with any other cheese of your choice.
If you're looking for alternatives to Swiss cheese, Gruyere or sharp white cheddar are excellent options. These cheeses can be used in a 1:1 ratio and will provide a similar flavor, texture, and color to Swiss cheese. Gruyere, a Swiss cheese itself, has a nuttier flavor and a crumblier texture, but it melts just as well. Sharp white cheddar, on the other hand, has a similar overall flavor that pairs well with the dish. While it is harder and crumblier than Swiss cheese, it also melts beautifully.
Fontina, an Italian cheese made from cow's milk, is another tasty alternative. It has a creamy texture, melts easily, and is commonly used in fondue, just like Swiss cheese. It is also an excellent choice for Chicken Cordon Bleu as it has a similar look, texture, and taste. Provolone, another Italian cheese, is known for its buttery flavor, which can be a wonderful substitute for Swiss cheese.
When substituting cheeses, keep in mind that some cheeses may affect the cooking process. For example, if you use a melting cheese like Gruyere, cheddar, or mozzarella, more cheese will ooze out of the chicken. To prevent this, you can seal the chicken with extra toothpicks. So, feel free to get creative and experiment with different cheeses to find your perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu!
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It's important to chill the chicken to help it hold its shape
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a simple yet elegant dish with ham and cheese rolled in a piece of chicken. The chicken is then rolled in a crunchy coating and topped with a simple sauce. While the dish does not traditionally contain blue cheese, some people may choose to add it to their recipe.
Now, when it comes to preparing Chicken Cordon Bleu, it is important to chill the chicken to help it hold its shape. Chilling chicken is a crucial step in ensuring the meat is safe for consumption and maintaining its quality. Firstly, let's discuss the impact of chilling on meat quality. Chilling chicken slows down bacterial growth, which can cause foodborne illnesses. By reducing bacterial activity, the shelf life of the meat is extended, giving you more time to prepare and store it.
The chilling process also affects the texture and tenderness of the meat. When chicken is chilled, its muscle fibers relax and become more tender. This tenderness enhances the overall eating experience. The chilling method can impact the final texture of the meat. For example, air-chilled chicken produces a superior product with better color, texture, and flavor. It browns and crisps up nicely during cooking, resulting in an enjoyable dining experience. On the other hand, immersion-chilled chicken tends to absorb liquid, diluting its flavor and compromising its texture.
Additionally, chilling the chicken before preparation helps in the cooking process. When chicken is chilled, it becomes firmer and easier to cut and handle. This makes it less likely to tear or fall apart during the rolling and pounding steps of the Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe. Chilling also reduces the risk of bacterial growth during the preparation and cooking process, as raw chicken is particularly susceptible to bacterial contamination.
Furthermore, chilling the chicken can improve the overall taste of the dish. A chilled chicken breast will hold its shape better during cooking, resulting in a juicier and more tender product. This is especially important for a dish like Chicken Cordon Bleu, where the chicken is stuffed and rolled, as it helps ensure the fillings remain inside during cooking.
In conclusion, chilling the chicken is an essential step in preparing Chicken Cordon Bleu. It helps the chicken hold its shape, improves food safety, enhances texture and tenderness, and contributes to a better overall dining experience. By following this step, you'll be able to create a delicious and safe dish for yourself and your loved ones.
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The dish is of French or Swiss origin
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a dish comprising chicken stuffed with ham and cheese, which is then coated in breadcrumbs and fried. The dish is believed to have originated in France or Switzerland.
The name "Cordon Bleu" is French for "blue ribbon", a term originally used to refer to the wide blue ribbons worn by members of the highest order of knighthood, L'Ordre des Chevaliers du Saint-Esprit, which was instituted by Henri III of France in 1578. Over time, the term was extended to refer to food prepared to a very high standard by outstanding cooks. In French culinary tradition, the Cordon Bleu is also a prestigious award given to chefs of exceptional skill.
The dish is believed to have originated in the late 19th century. One theory suggests that it was first created in Paris, where a similar dish called Veal Kiev, comprising veal dredged in breadcrumbs and fried, was adapted in Moscow by substituting veal with chicken. Another theory suggests that the dish was first mentioned in a Swiss cookbook in 1949, where it was referred to as a "schnitzel" (a thin slice of meat fried in fat) filled with cheese.
The exact origins of Chicken Cordon Bleu remain unclear, but it is believed that the dish gained popularity in the United States in the 1960s, particularly among American soldiers stationed in Europe during and after World War II, who developed a taste for European dishes, including variants of stuffed and breaded meats. During the 1960s and 1970s, Chicken Cordon Bleu became a popular banquet and frozen dinner item in American households, further increasing its reach and popularity.
While the dish may have French roots, there is no direct evidence linking its invention to France or to the renowned culinary institute, Le Cordon Bleu, which began in Paris in the late 19th century.
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Frequently asked questions
No, chicken cordon bleu does not have blue cheese. The most popular type of cheese used in chicken cordon bleu is Swiss cheese, but other types of cheese can be used as well.
Chicken cordon bleu is made of chicken breast, ham, and cheese. The chicken is pounded thin, layered with ham slices and cheese, rolled up, and then breaded and cooked.
Chicken cordon bleu can be cooked by pan-frying or baking. It is typically cooked until it is browned on all sides and the juices run clear, which takes around 30 minutes.
