Chicken Cordon Bleu: What Cheeses Make It?

Chicken cordon bleu is a dish that traditionally consists of meat wrapped around cheese, then breaded and either pan-fried or deep-fried. The classic French recipe is made with chicken cutlets, cooked ham, Swiss cheese, bread crumbs, and simple spices. The Swiss cheese is placed on top of the chicken and rolled up, then secured with a toothpick before being coated in breadcrumbs and baked. The dish is usually topped with a rich cream sauce featuring a hint of Dijon mustard.

Chicken cordon bleu is made with Swiss cheese

Chicken cordon bleu is a dish with Swiss origins, derived from schnitzel. The classic recipe consists of chicken cutlets, cooked ham, Swiss cheese, bread crumbs, and simple spices. The chicken is pounded thin and layered with ham slices and Swiss cheese, then rolled up and secured with a toothpick before being coated in breadcrumbs and baked or fried.

Chicken cordon bleu is a simple yet impressive dish that is perfect for entertaining or holiday meals. The Swiss cheese, ham, and chicken create a delicious flavour combination, but other types of cheese can be used as a substitute. The dish is usually served with a creamy garlicky mustard sauce, and sides such as green beans, asparagus, broccoli, mashed potatoes, or a salad.

To make chicken cordon bleu, first, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. Then, top each piece of chicken with a slice of ham and a handful of shredded Swiss cheese. Roll the chicken up tightly, tucking in the sides to contain the filling, and secure it with a toothpick or plastic wrap. Dip the rolls in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, and then bake or fry until the chicken is cooked through.

Chicken cordon bleu is a retro dish that originated in Switzerland in the 1940s and became popular in Europe and the US after World War II. It is a fun and tasty meal that is relatively easy to prepare, making it a great choice for a fancy dinner or special occasion.

You can use other types of cheese

Chicken cordon bleu is a dish that traditionally consists of meat wrapped around cheese, then breaded and either pan-fried or deep-fried. The classic version of this dish uses Swiss cheese, but you can use other types of cheese to make it your own.

When making chicken cordon bleu, it is important to first pound the chicken breasts thin, so they are easier to roll up. Then, you can get creative with your choice of cheese. While Swiss cheese is the most popular option, you can substitute it for any other cheese of your choice. Some alternative options include Gruyere, sharp white cheddar, or pepper jack cheese. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to find your favourite combination.

After placing the cheese on the chicken, add a slice of ham, and roll the chicken up tightly. You can secure the roll with a toothpick or wrap it in plastic wrap to help it keep its shape. Once the chicken is rolled up, it can be breaded and either baked or fried.

The type of cheese you choose can also be a factor in how you serve the dish. For example, if you use a softer cheese, you may want to serve the chicken cordon bleu with a creamy sauce to complement it. On the other hand, a stronger-flavoured cheese might be better balanced with a simple side dish like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.

No matter what type of cheese you choose, chicken cordon bleu is a fun and impressive dish to serve. It's a great way to elevate a simple chicken dinner and try out different flavour combinations. So, don't be afraid to get creative and make it your own!

It's best to chill the chicken before baking

Chicken cordon bleu is a Swiss dish that gained popularity across Europe and the US in the 1940s. It is made with chicken breasts, deli ham, and Swiss cheese, all dipped in a crispy coating and pan-fried. The chicken is first seasoned, then brushed with mustard, and topped with ham and cheese before being rolled up and secured with a toothpick. It is then dipped in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs before being fried and baked.

Now, let's talk about why it's best to chill the chicken before baking:

When preparing chicken cordon bleu, it is essential to give due attention to the breading process. Breading chicken involves coating it with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, which can be challenging to get right. One crucial step to ensuring the breading adheres well to the chicken is to chill the chicken after breading and before cooking.

The reason for chilling breaded chicken is to allow the egg and flour coating to become tackier, acting as a stronger adhesive for the breadcrumbs. If the chicken is fried immediately after breading, the coarse surface of the breadcrumbs may not fully adhere to the egg wash, resulting in a patchy coating. By chilling the breaded chicken in the refrigerator for about 15 to 30 minutes, you allow the ingredients to settle and form a solid bond. This extra step ensures that your chicken cordon bleu has a crisp and intact coating when fried.

Chilling the chicken before baking also helps with meal preparation. By giving the chicken some time to chill, you can prepare the components ahead of time and then focus on other dishes or sides to serve with your chicken cordon bleu. This makes the cooking process more efficient and less stressful, especially if you're preparing a full meal.

Additionally, chilling the chicken before baking can be a food safety precaution. Allowing the chicken to chill in the refrigerator helps to keep it at a safe temperature, reducing the risk of bacterial growth. This is especially important if you're handling large quantities of chicken or preparing food for individuals with compromised immune systems.

In conclusion, chilling the chicken before baking is a crucial step in the preparation of chicken cordon bleu. It ensures that the breading adheres well to the chicken, resulting in a crisp and intact coating. It also allows for better meal preparation and can help maintain food safety standards. By giving the chicken some time to chill, you'll end up with a dish that not only tastes delicious but also looks visually appealing.

Chicken cordon bleu is usually baked or pan-fried

Chicken cordon bleu is a dish that traditionally consists of meat wrapped around cheese, then breaded and either pan-fried or deep-fried. However, many modern versions of the classic French recipe are baked.

Chicken cordon bleu is usually cooked by first preparing the chicken and filling, then rolling and coating the chicken, and finally cooking it through baking or pan-frying.

To prepare the chicken, the chicken breasts are cut into thin, even pieces, usually by pounding between two sheets of plastic wrap using a meat mallet or rolling pin. It is important to be gentle during this step to avoid tearing the meat. The chicken is then seasoned with salt and pepper, or other spices and herbs such as garlic powder, paprika, and parsley.

For the filling, the chicken is topped with a slice of cooked ham and shredded or sliced Swiss cheese, although some recipes suggest adding a spread of cream cheese as well. The ham and cheese are then rolled up inside the chicken, either by rolling the chicken vertically or starting from the smaller end, and secured with toothpicks or plastic wrap. Some recipes suggest tucking in the ham and chicken edges to prevent the cheese from melting out during baking. At this point, the rolled chicken can be refrigerated for up to a day or frozen for up to three months before the next steps.

To coat the chicken, three separate dishes are prepared with flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of breadcrumbs (or cornflakes crumbs) and grated parmesan cheese, seasoned with salt and pepper, and sometimes olive oil. The chicken rolls are then dredged in flour, dipped in the egg mixture, and finally rolled in the breadcrumb mixture. Some recipes also suggest dipping the chicken in melted butter before coating it with crumbs.

Finally, the chicken cordon bleu is cooked. For baking, the coated chicken rolls are placed on a greased baking sheet and baked in the oven at around 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. For pan-frying, vegetable oil is heated in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, and the chicken rolls are fried for about 6-8 minutes until golden. After pan-frying, the chicken is typically transferred to the oven and baked for an additional 20-25 minutes to ensure it is cooked through.

It's served with a creamy mustard sauce

Chicken cordon bleu is a dish that is often served with a creamy mustard sauce. This sauce is the perfect companion to the dish, providing a balance of flavours and textures. The sauce is typically made with a roux of butter and flour, cooked until slightly browned, and then mixed with milk, Dijon mustard, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. The Dijon mustard adds a tangy flavour to the sauce, while the Parmesan cheese contributes a natural saltiness.

The process of making the sauce begins with creating a roux by combining melted butter and flour in a skillet. This mixture is cooked for a few minutes to eliminate any "starchy" flavour and ensure a smooth texture. The next step is to gradually add milk while continuously whisking to create a smooth and lump-free sauce. Finally, the mustard, cheese, and seasonings are added to the mixture. It is important to note that the sauce does not need to be cooked further after adding the flavourings.

The creamy mustard sauce can be served on the side or drizzled over the chicken cordon bleu. The dish can be presented as whole breasts or sliced into 1/2-inch pieces, allowing guests to experience the melted cheese inside. This sauce not only enhances the flavours of the chicken cordon bleu but also elevates the dining experience, making it unforgettable for your loved ones.

While the traditional French recipe includes mustard in the sauce, it can be omitted for those who are not fond of the flavour. However, to compensate for the lack of mustard, additional Parmesan cheese and vinegar or hot sauce can be added to introduce a similar tanginess to the sauce. This versatile sauce can also be used as a dip for grilled cheese sandwiches or as a topping for salmon or a Parmesan chicken bake.

Frequently asked questions