Chicken cordon bleu for dummies: unlock culinary prowess with this simplified recipe

Indulge in the delectable flavors of chicken cordon bleu, a classic dish that combines tender chicken, savory ham, and melted cheese. With our simplified recipe, you can now recreate this restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Filling:

• 4 slices ham
• 4 slices Swiss cheese

For the Egg Wash:

• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally in half, but not all the way through.
• Lay the chicken flat on a cutting board and cover with plastic wrap.
• Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken to an even thickness.

2. Season the Chicken:

• In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture.

3. Assemble the Cordon Bleu:

• Place a slice of ham and cheese on each chicken breast.
• Fold the chicken over the filling and press the edges together to seal.

4. Prepare the Egg Wash:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and salt.

5. Dip the Cordon Bleu:

• Dip the assembled cordon bleus into the egg wash.

6. Bread the Cordon Bleu:

• Dredge the cordon bleus in the seasoned flour mixture again.

7. Cook the Cordon Bleu:

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add enough oil to coat the bottom of the skillet.
• Fry the cordon bleus for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

• Remove the cordon bleus from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for Success

• Use thin-sliced chicken breasts for easier pounding and even cooking.
• Season the chicken generously for maximum flavor.
• Don’t overfill the cordon bleus with ham and cheese, as this can make them difficult to seal.
• Cook the cordon bleus over medium-high heat to create a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken tender.
• Serve the cordon bleus with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, asparagus, or a simple salad.

Variations

• Chicken Cordon Bleu with Spinach and Artichoke: Add sautéed spinach and artichoke hearts to the filling for a flavorful twist.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu with Dijon Mustard: Spread a layer of Dijon mustard on the chicken before adding the ham and cheese.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu with Prosciutto and Mozzarella: Substitute prosciutto for ham and mozzarella for Swiss cheese for an Italian-inspired variation.

Nutritional Information

One serving of chicken cordon bleu (approximately 1 breast) contains:

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 20g

Finishing Touches

To enhance the presentation of your chicken cordon bleu, garnish with fresh parsley or chives. You can also serve it with a lemon wedge for a touch of acidity.

Bon Appétit!

With our easy-to-follow recipe, you can now impress your family and friends with this classic dish. Enjoy the delicious flavors and savor the satisfaction of creating a culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen.

Questions You May Have

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
A: Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely before pounding and cooking.

Q: What if I don’t have Swiss cheese?
A: You can substitute any type of melting cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the cordon bleus and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. Bring them to room temperature before frying.