Discover the art of ham-free cordon bleu: a refined recipe for a classic dish

Craving the classic flavors of chicken cordon bleu without the ham? This delectable recipe offers a tantalizing twist, crafting a masterpiece that will satisfy your cravings. Our chicken cordon bleu recipe without ham is a culinary symphony of flavors and textures, promising a memorable dining experience.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Filling:

• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Dredge chicken in flour, then dip into beaten eggs.
4. Finally, coat chicken in breadcrumbs.

Assemble the Cordon Bleu:

1. Place a layer of Swiss cheese and Parmesan cheese on each chicken breast.
2. Fold chicken breasts in half, pressing edges to seal.

Bake the Cordon Bleu:

1. Place cordon bleus on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

Make the Sauce:

1. In a saucepan, whisk together heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, parsley, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
2. Bring sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly.
3. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until sauce has thickened.

Serve and Indulge:

1. Transfer cordon bleus to a serving platter.
2. Pour sauce over cordon bleus.
3. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips for Success

• For a crispier crust, double-coat the chicken in breadcrumbs.
• To ensure even cooking, use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute milk or half-and-half.
• Serve cordon bleus with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Variations

• Vegetable Cordon Bleu: Replace the ham with cooked vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• Seafood Cordon Bleu: Use crab, shrimp, or scallops instead of ham.
• Goat Cheese Cordon Bleu: Use goat cheese instead of Swiss cheese for a tangy twist.

Health Benefits

While not traditionally considered a health food, chicken cordon bleu can provide some nutritional benefits:

• Protein: Chicken is a lean protein source that helps build and maintain muscle mass.
• Calcium: Swiss cheese and Parmesan cheese are good sources of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.
• Vitamin D: Parmesan cheese is also a good source of vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium.

The Bottom Line

This tantalizing chicken cordon bleu recipe without ham is a culinary delight that will tantalize your taste buds. With its crispy exterior, succulent chicken, and flavorful sauce, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you craving more.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Can I use other types of cheese in the filling?
A: Yes, you can use any type of cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère.

Q: Can I make the cordon bleus ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can dredge and assemble the cordon bleus up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them refrigerated until ready to bake.

Q: What can I serve with chicken cordon bleu?
A: Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad are all great side dishes for chicken cordon bleu.

Q: Can I freeze chicken cordon bleu?
A: Yes, you can freeze cooked cordon bleus for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Q: How do I make a gluten-free chicken cordon bleu?
A: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make your cordon bleus gluten-free.