Hello, culinary adventurers!
Ready to take your weeknight dinners from “meh” to “wow”? Today, we’re diving into a classic that’s both sophisticated and surprisingly simple to make: Chicken Cordon Bleu. With crispy, golden breadcrumbs on the outside, gooey melted cheese on the inside, and tender chicken in between, this dish is sure to impress! Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or even just for yourself (because let’s be honest, you deserve it!).
What’s the Story with Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Chicken Cordon Bleu is a dish that sounds fancy, but it’s actually pretty straightforward! The name Cordon Bleu translates to “blue ribbon,” which is a symbol of excellence. And it absolutely lives up to the hype. The dish typically consists of a chicken breast, stuffed with ham and cheese, then breaded and fried or baked to crispy perfection. It’s basically the perfect combination of savory, salty, and cheesy goodness.
But let’s skip the fancy French restaurant and bring this incredible dish straight into your kitchen. I promise, it’s easier than you think!
Chicken Cordon Bleu
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
This Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe transforms the flavors of succulent chicken, ham, Gouda cheese, reduced spinach, and garlic into a dish that will be a hit with kids and impress your next dinner guests!
Ingredients
3 Chicken Breasts (halved)
6 Slices of Ham
4oz Gouda Cheese (shaved)
Breadcrumbs
4 Bunches of Spinach
Minced Garlic
Butter
Olive Oil
White Wine
Salt
Pepper
Instructions
Shave Gouda cheese into large shavings and set aside.
Cut 3 chicken breasts in half and set aside.
Lightly pound flat each piece of chicken breast.
Salt and pepper chicken to taste.
Working one at a time, place a slice of ham on top of chicken breast, followed by 2oz of shaved Gouda cheese.
Roll the chicken into a wheel and wrap tightly with plastic wrap, twisting tightly into a sausage shape.
Repeat steps 4 and 5 for all chicken breasts.
Place all wrapped chicken units on a sheet pan and place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
While the chicken is cooling, preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Place breadcrumbs in a bowl (enough to lightly coat each piece if chicken) and set aside.
Melt half a stick of butter in a small pan.
After 30 minutes, and once chicken breasts feel firm, unwrap and lightly coat all chicken units with butter and breadcrumbs and set directly on a backing sheet.
Bake chicken in the oven at 400 degrees for 35 minutes.
While chicken is baking, wash and dry spinach, and place in a large bowl.
Sauté spinach in olive oil, white wine, and garlic until tender.
Once the chicken has completed baking, place sautéed spinach on plates, and top with each piece of Chicken Cordon Blue.
Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 60 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
A Side Note: What to Serve With It?
This dish is an absolute showstopper, so pair it with some simple sides that won’t steal the spotlight but will complement the richness of the chicken. We’ve paired it with sautéed spinach and garlic in our recipe, but you could also try:
- Roasted vegetables (carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans)
- Mashed potatoes or garlic mashed cauliflower for a lighter option
- A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness
Pro Tip: Make It Ahead!
Got a busy week ahead? No worries! You can prepare the chicken rolls in advance, then refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. Just be sure to coat them in breadcrumbs right before you bake them. This makes weeknight dinners a breeze and gives you more time to kick back and enjoy your meal.
Chicken Cordon Bleu, Done Right!
There you have it! A crispy, cheesy, savory dish that will make you feel like a culinary superstar. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just craving something deliciously indulgent, Chicken Cordon Bleu has you covered. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to wow anyone lucky enough to dig in.
So, go ahead, give it a try. You’ll never look at chicken the same way again.
Happy cooking!
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