Chicken cordon bleu is a classic dish that originated in Switzerland and consists of chicken breast stuffed with ham and cheese, then breaded and fried. It’s a popular dish in many restaurants, but it’s also easy to make at home. In this article, we’ll show you how to cook stuffed chicken cordon bleu that’s both delicious and elegant.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
Before we start cooking, let’s take a look at the ingredients and equipment you’ll need. Here’s a list of what you’ll require:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices of ham
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons of butter, melted
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
As for equipment, you’ll need:
- A meat mallet or rolling pin
- A cutting board
- A sharp knife
- A bowl
- A plate
- A skillet or frying pan
- A baking dish
- A oven
Preparing the Chicken Breasts
The first step in cooking stuffed chicken cordon bleu is to prepare the chicken breasts. You’ll need to butterfly the chicken breasts, which means cutting them in half horizontally to create a pocket. To do this, place a chicken breast on a cutting board and locate the thickest part of the breast. Insert a sharp knife into the breast and cut horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through the breast.
Once you’ve cut the breast in half, use a meat mallet or rolling pin to flatten the breast slightly. This will help the breast cook more evenly and prevent it from becoming too thick.
Tips for Butterflying Chicken Breasts
Butterflying chicken breasts can be a bit tricky, but here are a few tips to help you get it right:
- Make sure to cut the breast in half horizontally, rather than vertically. This will help you create a pocket in the breast.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the breast, as a dull knife can tear the meat.
- Don’t cut all the way through the breast, as this can cause the filling to fall out during cooking.
- Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to flatten the breast slightly, as this will help the breast cook more evenly.
Preparing the Filling
Now that you’ve prepared the chicken breasts, it’s time to prepare the filling. The filling consists of ham and Swiss cheese, which are placed inside the chicken breast. To prepare the filling, simply slice the ham and cheese into thin strips.
Assembling the Chicken Breasts
Now that you’ve prepared the chicken breasts and the filling, it’s time to assemble the chicken breasts. To do this, place a chicken breast on a plate and lay a slice of ham and a slice of cheese inside the breast. Fold the breast over the filling and press the edges together to seal the breast.
Tips for Assembling the Chicken Breasts
Assembling the chicken breasts can be a bit tricky, but here are a few tips to help you get it right:
- Make sure to place the filling in the center of the breast, as this will help the breast cook more evenly.
- Fold the breast over the filling and press the edges together to seal the breast. This will help prevent the filling from falling out during cooking.
- Use a toothpick to hold the breast together, if necessary.
Breading the Chicken Breasts
Now that you’ve assembled the chicken breasts, it’s time to bread them. To do this, dip each breast in flour, then eggs, and finally breadcrumbs. The breadcrumbs will help the breast brown during cooking and add a crispy texture.
Tips for Breading the Chicken Breasts
Breading the chicken breasts can be a bit messy, but here are a few tips to help you get it right:
- Use all-purpose flour to coat the breast, as this will help the eggs and breadcrumbs stick to the breast.
- Dip the breast in eggs after coating it in flour, as this will help the breadcrumbs stick to the breast.
- Use breadcrumbs to coat the breast, as this will help the breast brown during cooking and add a crispy texture.
Cooking the Chicken Breasts
Now that you’ve breaded the chicken breasts, it’s time to cook them. To do this, heat a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the breasts are golden brown and cooked through.
Tips for Cooking the Chicken Breasts
Cooking the chicken breasts can be a bit tricky, but here are a few tips to help you get it right:
- Use a thermometer to ensure the breasts are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet, as this can cause the breasts to steam instead of brown.
- Use a small amount of oil to prevent the breasts from sticking to the skillet.
Baking the Chicken Breasts
Alternatively, you can bake the chicken breasts in the oven instead of cooking them in a skillet. To do this, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the chicken breasts on a baking dish. Drizzle with melted butter and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the breasts are cooked through and golden brown.
Tips for Baking the Chicken Breasts
Baking the chicken breasts can be a bit tricky, but here are a few tips to help you get it right:
- Use a baking dish to prevent the breasts from sticking to the oven rack.
- Drizzle with melted butter to add flavor and moisture to the breasts.
- Use a thermometer to ensure the breasts are cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serving the Chicken Breasts
Now that you’ve cooked the chicken breasts, it’s time to serve them. To do this, slice the breasts in half and serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a salad.
Tips for Serving the Chicken Breasts
Serving the chicken breasts can be a bit tricky, but here are a few tips to help you get it right:
- Slice the breasts in half to make them easier to serve.
- Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a salad.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
In conclusion, cooking stuffed chicken cordon bleu is a bit tricky, but with the right techniques and ingredients, you can create a delicious and elegant dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this article, you’ll be able to create a dish that’s both flavorful and visually appealing. So why not give it a try and see what you can create?
What is Chicken Cordon Bleu and how does the stuffed version differ?
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic dish that originated in Switzerland and consists of a chicken breast stuffed with ham and cheese, then breaded and fried. The stuffed version of Chicken Cordon Bleu is similar, but it involves adding additional ingredients to the filling, such as herbs and spices, to give it more flavor and texture.
The stuffed version of Chicken Cordon Bleu also often involves using a different type of cheese, such as Gruyère or Emmental, which has a nuttier and creamier flavor than the traditional Swiss cheese used in the original recipe. Additionally, the stuffed version may include other ingredients, such as diced ham or bacon, to add more flavor and texture to the dish.
What type of chicken is best to use for stuffed Chicken Cordon Bleu?
The best type of chicken to use for stuffed Chicken Cordon Bleu is a boneless, skinless chicken breast. This type of chicken is ideal because it is lean and tender, and it has a mild flavor that will not overpower the other ingredients in the dish.
It’s also important to choose a chicken breast that is of high quality and fresh. Look for chicken breasts that are plump and have a smooth texture, and avoid those that are thin or have visible signs of aging. You can also use chicken breast tenderloins or chicken breast cutlets, which are thinner and more uniform in size.
What type of ham is best to use for stuffed Chicken Cordon Bleu?
The best type of ham to use for stuffed Chicken Cordon Bleu is a thinly sliced, cured ham, such as prosciutto or serrano ham. This type of ham is ideal because it is salty and savory, and it has a delicate texture that will not overpower the other ingredients in the dish.
You can also use other types of ham, such as Black Forest ham or country ham, but make sure to slice them thinly so that they are not too overpowering. Avoid using thick-cut or smoked hams, as they can be too salty and overpowering.
What type of cheese is best to use for stuffed Chicken Cordon Bleu?
The best type of cheese to use for stuffed Chicken Cordon Bleu is a nutty and creamy cheese, such as Gruyère or Emmental. These types of cheese are ideal because they have a rich and complex flavor that will complement the other ingredients in the dish.
You can also use other types of cheese, such as Swiss or cheddar, but make sure to choose a cheese that is of high quality and has a good melting point. Avoid using soft cheeses, such as brie or feta, as they can be too soft and may not melt properly.
How do I assemble the stuffed Chicken Cordon Bleu?
To assemble the stuffed Chicken Cordon Bleu, start by laying a chicken breast flat on a cutting board. Make a horizontal incision in the breast to create a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through the breast. Then, fill the pocket with the ham, cheese, and any other desired ingredients.
Once the breast is filled, close the incision and secure the filling with toothpicks or kitchen twine. Then, dip the breast in beaten eggs and coat with breadcrumbs or panko. Finally, heat a skillet with oil over medium-high heat and cook the breast until it is golden brown and cooked through.
How do I cook the stuffed Chicken Cordon Bleu?
To cook the stuffed Chicken Cordon Bleu, heat a skillet with oil over medium-high heat. Add the breast to the skillet and cook until it is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. You can also bake the breast in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until it is cooked through.
Regardless of the cooking method, make sure to cook the breast to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the breast.
How do I serve the stuffed Chicken Cordon Bleu?
The stuffed Chicken Cordon Bleu can be served as a main course, accompanied by a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a salad. You can also serve it as a special occasion dish, such as a holiday dinner or a wedding reception.
To add a touch of elegance to the dish, you can garnish it with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, and serve it with a side of sauce, such as a creamy mushroom sauce or a tangy lemon butter sauce.