Craving chicken cordon bleu? revolutionize your meals with whole foods’ secret recipe!

Chicken cordon bleu is a classic French dish that combines tender chicken, savory ham, and melted cheese, all wrapped in a crispy breadcrumb crust. While it may seem intimidating, making chicken cordon bleu from scratch is easier than you think. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, using high-quality ingredients from Whole Foods Market.

Gathering Your Ingredients

To make chicken cordon bleu from Whole Foods, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 slices of thinly sliced ham
• 8 slices of Swiss cheese
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying

Preparing the Chicken

1. Butterfly the chicken breasts: Use a sharp knife to cut each chicken breast horizontally, creating a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
2. Season the chicken: Season the inside of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Stuff the chicken: Place a slice of ham and a slice of cheese inside each chicken pocket.

Breading the Chicken

1. Set up your breading station: Place the flour, eggs (beaten), and panko breadcrumbs in separate shallow dishes.
2. Dredge the chicken: Dip each stuffed chicken breast into the flour, then the eggs, and finally the panko breadcrumbs.
3. Press the breadcrumbs: Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken to ensure they adhere.

Cooking the Chicken

1. Heat the oil: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
2. Pan-fry the chicken: Place the breaded chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Transfer to the oven: Transfer the chicken breasts to a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Finishing Touches

1. Let it rest: Remove the chicken breasts from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
2. Serve immediately: Chicken cordon bleu is best served hot with your favorite sides.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken cordon bleu pairs well with a variety of sides, including:

• Mashed potatoes
• Roasted vegetables
• Salad
• Rice pilaf

Tips for Success

• Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the taste of your chicken cordon bleu.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Chicken cordon bleu is best when the chicken is cooked through but still tender.
• Let the chicken rest: Resting the chicken before slicing will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful dish.

Variations

• Ham and cheese: You can use any type of ham and cheese you like.
• Breadcrumbs: You can use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko breadcrumbs.
• Cooking method: You can also bake chicken cordon bleu in the oven instead of pan-frying it.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Can I make chicken cordon bleu ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can bread the chicken breasts up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

A: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165°F.

Q: What can I do if my chicken cordon bleu is too dry?

A: If your chicken cordon bleu is too dry, it may have been overcooked. Try using a lower temperature or cooking for a shorter amount of time.