Crispy chicken cordon bleu in minutes! the ultimate shortcut with chicken tenderloins

Embark on a culinary journey to create the delectable dish of chicken cordon bleu using tenderloins. This classic French dish is renowned for its tantalizing combination of tender chicken, savory ham, and melted cheese, all enveloped in a golden-brown crust. Whether you’re an experienced chef or a novice in the kitchen, this step-by-step guide will empower you with the knowledge and techniques to prepare this restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home.

Gather Your Ingredients

To create this culinary masterpiece, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
• Thinly sliced ham
• Swiss cheese slices
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs
• Salt and black pepper
• Olive oil

Prepare the Chicken Tenderloins

1. Pound the Tenderloins: Using a meat mallet or the flat side of a knife, gently pound the chicken tenderloins to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. This will help ensure even cooking.
2. Season the Tenderloins: Season the tenderloins generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.

Assemble the Cordon Bleu

1. Layer the Ham and Cheese: Place a slice of ham on the pounded tenderloin and top it with a slice of Swiss cheese.
2. Roll the Tenderloins: Carefully roll up the tenderloins, ensuring to tuck in the sides to prevent the filling from escaping.

Create the Coating

1. Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a shallow dish, spread out the all-purpose flour.
2. Whisk the Eggs: In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the eggs.
3. Season the Breadcrumbs: In a third shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs with salt and pepper to taste.

Coat the Cordon Bleu

1. Dip in Flour: Dredge the rolled tenderloins in the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
2. Dip in Eggs: Submerge the floured tenderloins in the whisked eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
3. Roll in Breadcrumbs: Finally, roll the tenderloins in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

Cook the Cordon Bleu

1. Heat the Oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Pan-Fry the Cordon Bleu: Carefully place the coated tenderloins in the hot oil and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Drain on Paper Towels: Transfer the cooked cordon bleu to paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the piping hot chicken cordon bleu with tenderloins immediately with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side salad.

Enhance the Flavor

1. Use Seasoned Breadcrumbs: For an extra burst of flavor, use seasoned breadcrumbs instead of plain ones.
2. Add Herbs: Sprinkle dried herbs such as thyme or oregano over the breadcrumbs before coating the tenderloins.
3. Stuffed with Vegetables: Add thinly sliced vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, to the filling for a more colorful and flavorful dish.

Summary

With this comprehensive guide, you now possess the culinary expertise to create mouthwatering chicken cordon bleu with tenderloins. This dish is sure to impress your family and friends with its exquisite taste and elegant presentation. Enjoy the satisfaction of mastering this classic French dish and savor every bite.

What People Want to Know

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
A: Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but be sure to pound them thinly to ensure even cooking.

Q: What can I substitute for Swiss cheese?
A: You can use other types of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère.

Q: How do I achieve a crispy crust?
A: Make sure to coat the cordon bleu evenly and press the breadcrumbs into the tenderloins. Pan-frying the cordon bleu in hot oil will also help create a crispy crust.

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

Q: What is the best way to store leftover cordon bleu?
A: Store leftover cordon bleu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.