Culinary masterpiece: easy deep fry chicken cordon bleu recipe for beginners

Craving a delectable and crispy chicken cordon bleu? Look no further! This step-by-step guide will navigate you through the art of deep-frying this classic dish, ensuring a golden and irresistible culinary experience.

Gather Your Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1/2 cup Swiss cheese, cut into thin slices
• 1/2 cup ham, thinly sliced
• 1 cup vegetable oil for frying
• Salt and pepper to taste

Prepare the Chicken

1. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.

Create the Breadcrumbs

1. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.

Assemble the Cordon Bleu

1. Place a slice of Swiss cheese on each chicken breast.
2. Top with a slice of ham.
3. Roll up the chicken breasts tightly and secure them with toothpicks.

Coat the Cordon Bleu

1. Dip the cordon bleu into the flour mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated.
2. Shake off any excess flour.
3. Dip the cordon bleu into the beaten eggs.
4. Coat the cordon bleu with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing it to adhere.

Deep-Fry the Cordon Bleu

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Carefully place the cordon bleu in the hot oil.
3. Fry for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Remove the cordon bleu from the oil and drain it on paper towels.

Slice and Serve

1. Remove the toothpicks and slice the cordon bleu into thick slices.
2. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Elevate Your Cordon Bleu

• Add Dijon mustard: Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the chicken breasts before adding the cheese and ham.
• Use different cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gouda, Gruyère, or cheddar.
• Stuff with vegetables: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the center of the cordon bleu.
• Serve with a creamy sauce: Prepare a simple white sauce or béchamel to drizzle over the cordon bleu.

The Perfect Pairing: Side Dishes for Chicken Cordon Bleu

• Mashed potatoes: Creamy and comforting mashed potatoes complement the crispy cordon bleu.
• Roasted vegetables: Colorful roasted vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, or asparagus, provide a healthy and flavorful accompaniment.
• Green salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a touch of freshness to the meal.
• Rice pilaf: Fluffy and aromatic rice pilaf absorbs the flavorful juices from the cordon bleu.

Tips for Success

• Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh chicken breasts, real Swiss cheese, and thinly sliced ham will elevate the flavor of your cordon bleu.
• Pound the chicken evenly: This ensures that the cordon bleu cooks evenly throughout.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet: Frying too many cordon bleu at once will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy breading.
• Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C): Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked through.
• Let the cordon bleu rest: After frying, allow the cordon bleu to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This will help the juices redistribute, resulting in a juicy and tender dish.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Can I bake the chicken cordon bleu instead of deep-frying it?
A: Yes, you can bake the chicken cordon bleu in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.

Q: Can I use different types of meat for the cordon bleu?
A: Yes, you can use turkey, veal, or pork instead of chicken.

Q: How do I make a gluten-free chicken cordon bleu?
A: Use gluten-free flour and bread crumbs in the breadcrumb mixture.